Additional Benefits

Benefit Adjustments After Retirement

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

New STRS Ohio benefit recipients are eligible to receive a COLA beginning on the fifth anniversary of their retirement date. The State Teachers Retirement Board will periodically evaluate whether a cost-of-living increase is payable in accordance with the law in effect at that time (Section 3307.67, Revised Code). If a COLA is granted, you will receive it on the anniversary of your retirement date.

Death Benefits

Upon the death of an STRS Ohio service retirement or disability benefit recipient, STRS Ohio pays a $1,000 tax-free death benefit to a designated or qualified beneficiary. This benefit is automatic to benefit recipients enrolled in the STRS Ohio Defined Benefit Plan.

Service retirement and disability benefit recipients may purchase an additional death benefit of $1,000 or $2,000. This taxable benefit is optional and is funded by the benefit recipient through deductions from the regular monthly STRS Ohio benefit payments. For more information about this benefit, read the Death Benefits brochure.

Information Resources

Member Services Center

Our dedicated team of member service representatives is available to answer your questions. They can provide you with information, publications and forms; assist with problems; make appointments; and offer follow-up support. Call STRS Ohio toll-free at 888‑227‑7877 from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Email

You can ask questions and request publications or benefit estimates through email. Please note that email submissions on this site are unsecured, so only include your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number or STRS Ohio account number with your message.