The School Employees Retirement System, better known as SERS, exists specifically for non-teaching public school employees in Ohio. That means the cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff who keep schools running every day. If someone works for an Ohio public school district and is not a teacher or administrator covered under STRS, there is a good chance they fall under SERS.
SERS is a defined benefit plan, which is a meaningful distinction. Employees do not have to manage investments on their own or worry about market swings eating away at their retirement. The system calculates benefits based on years of service and a member’s final average salary, offering a predictable monthly payment upon retirement.
How Benefits Are Calculated
The retirement formula is straightforward. Ohio SERS benefits multiply a member’s years of service by a percentage factor, then apply that to their final average salary. The final average salary is typically calculated using the three highest years of earnings.
For example, someone with 30 years of service would receive a higher replacement rate than someone with 15 years. The longer a person stays in the system, the more their benefit grows. This structure rewards long-term public school careers in a tangible way.
Members contribute a percentage of their salary each pay period, and employers contribute as well. Those contributions fund the system collectively, not as individual accounts.
Retirement Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on a combination of age and years of service credit. Here is a general overview of the standard options:
- Age 67 with 10 or more years of service
- Age 57 with 30 or more years of service
- Any age with 35 or more years of service
Members who retire earlier may receive a reduced benefit. SERS offers options for those who want to retire before reaching full eligibility, but it is worth running the numbers carefully before making that decision.
Healthcare Coverage After Retirement
One of the most valued parts of the SERS package is access to post-retirement healthcare. Eligible retirees can enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage through the system. This is a significant benefit, especially for those who retire before they qualify for Medicare.
Healthcare eligibility typically requires a minimum number of years of service. Coverage options and costs can change, so members are encouraged to review the most current information directly through SERS or speak with a benefits counselor.
Disability And Survivor Benefits
SERS does not just cover retirement. Members who become permanently disabled before retirement age may qualify for disability benefits, provided they meet certain service and medical requirements. The disability benefit is not automatic. Members must apply, submit a physician’s documentation, and undergo a review process before any payments begin. The system also provides survivor benefits to qualifying dependents if a member passes away before or after retirement. Spouses, dependent children, and in some cases other designated beneficiaries may be eligible to receive ongoing monthly payments. These protections offer meaningful peace of mind for school employees and their families.
What Employees Should Do Now
Staying informed is the most important thing a SERS member can do. The system offers online account access where members can check their service credit, review projected benefits, and update personal information.
Those within a few years of retirement should schedule a one-on-one session with a SERS counselor. Decisions about retirement date, benefit options, and healthcare elections can have lasting financial consequences. Getting good information early makes all the difference.