Retirement Information
Retirement System Overview
Employees of Ohio public colleges and universities do not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. They contribute to state retirement systems. Staff positions participate in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), faculty positions contribute to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), and law enforcement officers contribute to a special branch of OPERS for Law Enforcement Officers (LEO). Full time employees have the option to choose the Alternative Retirement Plan (must be elected within 120 days of start date).
Statement Concerning Your Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security (SSA-1945)
These retirement contributions are tax-deferred deductions. Participation in the state retirement systems is mandatory for faculty and staff, but students do have the option to request exemption from contributing to OPERS while attending classes (must be done within 30 days of start date).
STRS contributions are reported following each pay day. OPERS and LEO contributions are reported monthly based on pay periods. If you have specific questions about which days fall into the retirement month, contact the payroll department at 419-530-8780.
If you are eligible for a Social Security benefit from other employment in addition to your OPERS benefit, there may be a reduction in your Social Security benefit. Learn more about the Windfall Provision. If you receive a pension from a federal, state, or local government based on work where you did not pay Social Security taxes, your Social Security spouse’s or widow’s/widower’s benefits may be reduced. Learn more about the Government Pension Offset.
For more retirement information and workshops visit the Retirement Systems page.
OPERS
Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio
1-800-222-7377
www.opers.org
For OPERS forms click here.
OPERS Student Exemption: Student employees working for the public school, college or university in which the student is enrolled or attending are eligible to request optional exemption from contributing to OPERS. If the student continues working during an extended break (i.e. summer) and is not enrolled in classes, the student must begin making contributions to OPERS. If the student was exempt prior to the summer, the deduction will be removed when they return to an exempt position in the Fall.
How to request exemption: New student employees will receive a text message from OPERS with a link to the OPERS website and instructions for requesting exemption. Students will need to visit the website and elect participation or exemption within 30 days of hire date. Students will receive a reminder email/text 3 days prior to deadline for submitting exemption request. Failure to actively elect exemption through the OPERS website will result in OPERS contributions being withheld from paycheck.
Re-Employed Retirees: Re-Employed Retirees should fill out the Notice of Re-Employment of an OPERS Benefit Recipient form and are automatically enrolled in OPERS and pay into the OPERS Money Purchase Plan. As with any rehired employees, if you were in the ARP and were rehired less than 365 days from retirement, you will automatically be re-enrolled in the ARP. Re-employed retirees who change their employee status from part-time to full time may also be eligible to participate in an ARP. Please contact benefits for more information on this option. Refer to Re-Employment on the OPERS website for information on how re-employment might affect your pension and your benefits.
Requesting a Refund/Rollover of Contributions: Once covered employment has been terminated, the employee can request a refund or rollover of contributions. This is done through the OPERS website. State law requires that two months must elapse from your last day of public service before a refund can be made, however you can apply for a refund any time after your last day of employment. Refunds of OPERS contributions may be subject to taxes and early withdrawal penalties. Refer to Refunds on the OPERS website for instructions on applying for refund and frequently asked questions about refunds.
Service Credit Search: Refer to the Service Credit brochure on the OPERS website for information on purchasing OPERS Service Credit. For employer certification of unreported service, please submit OPERS form AA as well as the Request for Previous Service Credit Search form found in the OPERS Forms section on the payroll website. Service credit searches can be quite lengthy as archived materials often need to be accessed.
STRS
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
1-888-227-7877
www.strsoh.org
For STRS forms click here.
Requesting a Refund/Rollover of Contributions: Once covered employment has been terminated, the employee can request a refund of contributions. Refer to Account Withdrawal STRS brochure for guidelines and instructions.
Service Credit Search: Refer to Purchasing Service Credit STRS brochure for guidelines. For employer certification of unreported service, please submit Employer Certification form from STRS and Request for Previous Service Credit Search form found in the STRS Forms section on the payroll website. Service credit searches can be quite lengthy as archived materials often need to be accessed.
Re-Employed Retirees: Re-Employed Retirees should fill out the Notice of Reemployment as a Teacher (Form 50-150) form. As with any rehired employees, if you were in the ARP and were rehired less than 365 days from retirement, you will automatically be re-enrolled in the ARP. Re-employed retirees who change their employee status from part-time to full time may also be eligible to participate in an ARP. Please contact benefits@utoledo.edu for more information on this option. Refer to Employment After Retirement STRS Brochure for information on how re-employment might affect your pension and your benefits.