Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System is open to the following people:

  • Ohio state government workers, but not elected state or federal officials
  • Employees of county, city and town governments, with some municipal officials being eligible
  • Ohio State Highway Patrol personnel, including troopers and office staff
  • Local and state law enforcement agency personnel
  • Professional firefighters and first responders, such as full-time EMTs
  • Some state college and university faculty and staff

Part-time and full-time employees can participate by signing up to have contributions deducted directly from their pay. Depending on their job classification, Ohio public school teachers and support personnel have access to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) or the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) instead of OPERS.

Figuring Out Your OPERS Membership Group

If you’re an OPERS member and not sure which membership group you’re in—A, B, or C—the answer should be close at hand. Start by checking your most recent OPERS statement, which lists your group under the account summary. You can also log into your account on the OPERS website, where group details are provided in your member profile.

Knowing your membership group is important, as it determines your benefits and when you’ll be eligible to receive them. Keep an eye out for this information anytime you review your retirement documents or update your account online.

What OPERS Covers

OPERS, STRS, and SERS replace Social Security. State and local government, public safety, school system, and public health workers do not make contributions from their paychecks into the federal retirement and disability program.

The details vary for each Ohio-based retirement system, but all offer a combined pension/401(k)-style savings plan and short- and long-term disability benefits. Qualifying to receive money in retirement requires serving a fixed number of years or purchasing enough service credits by voluntarily making extra contributions.

Receiving disability benefits requires presenting a medical diagnosis, complying with a treatment and rehabilitation plan, and successfully navigating a tough review and approval process.

Understanding the Three OPERS Plans

OPERS offers members three different plans to choose from, each with its own structure and approach to retirement benefits:

  • Traditional Plan: This works much like a classic pension. Your retirement benefits are determined by your salary and years of service. However, eligibility rules and the amount you receive are based on whether you’re in Group A, B, or C—something you can check on your annual statement or by logging into your account.
  • Combined Plan: As the name suggests, this plan merges features of a pension with a defined contribution element. Like the Traditional Plan, your group assignment (A, B, or C) plays a role in benefit calculations.
  • Member-Directed Plan: If you prefer more direct control, this plan lets you decide how to invest your retirement contributions. Unlike the other two plans, groupings don’t apply here.

Choosing among these plans comes down to which approach fits your needs: a traditional pension, a blend of pension and investment, or taking the reins entirely with your own investment choices.

Understanding OPERS Membership Groups: A, B, and C

If you’re enrolled in the Traditional or Combined Plan, your eligibility for certain retirement and disability benefits—and the amount you may eventually receive—hinges on your membership group: A, B, or C. These groups aren’t just letters; they reflect when you joined OPERS and help set the rules for your eligibility age, minimum years of service, and benefit calculations.

  • Group A: Generally for employees with the earliest membership dates, this group may qualify for benefits at a younger age and often under less restrictive rules.
  • Group B: Covers those who joined after Group A cutoffs but before Group C began. The requirements for retirement age and service credits tend to fall somewhere between Groups A and C.
  • Group C: The newest group, typically with the most stringent criteria—higher minimum ages and more years of service required to unlock benefits.

You can find your group designation by checking your most recent OPERS statement or logging into your OPERS online account. If you’ve chosen the Member-Directed Plan, membership groups don’t apply, since your benefit structure is entirely different.

Understanding which OPERS group you fall into is crucial, as it affects the timing and size of your retirement and disability payments.

Qualifying to receive money in retirement requires serving a fixed number of years or purchasing enough service credits by voluntarily making extra contributions.

Receiving disability benefits requires presenting a medical diagnosis, complying with a treatment and rehabilitation plan, and successfully navigating a tough review and approval process.

Why Partnering With Financial Professionals Matters

Retirement planning with OPERS can feel like navigating a maze of rules, benefit options, and long-term strategies. That’s why collaborating with experienced financial professionals—or what some call a “Financial Quarterback”—can make all the difference.

Financial advisors who understand public retirement systems help you:

  • Review all available benefit options, including pension plans, supplemental savings, and the Partial Lump Sum Option Payment (PLOP)
  • Coordinate your OPERS benefits with other resources like Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, or your spouse’s retirement plans
  • Anticipate medical costs and adjust your long-term plan to account for changes in the cost of living
  • Avoid common mistakes and take advantage of opportunities to increase your retirement security

A trusted advisor can put everything into perspective, ensuring you consider each moving part in your retirement playbook—from income streams to insurance needs to taxes. This professional guidance empowers you to make smarter decisions now, rather than facing costly surprises down the road. Whether you’re just starting your OPERS career or approaching retirement, the right partnership helps maximize your benefits and safeguards your future.

Understanding the Partial Lump Sum Option Payment (PLOP)

Many OPERS members will encounter the concept of a Partial Lump Sum Option Payment—commonly called PLOP—when planning for retirement. PLOP allows a retiring member to take an upfront lump sum payment from their retirement account at the same time regular monthly pension benefits begin. This can provide valuable flexibility, such as paying off a mortgage, medical bills, or other financial needs right as you transition out of work.

There are important considerations to keep in mind before deciding if a PLOP is right for you:

  • Immediate Cash: PLOP can provide a financial boost at retirement, which some use for large expenses or to provide a financial cushion.
  • Reduced Monthly Benefit: Choosing a PLOP reduces the amount you receive in your monthly OPERS pension, as your overall benefit is partially paid out in advance.
  • Long-Term Planning: It’s crucial to balance immediate needs versus steady income in retirement. Consulting with a financial advisor familiar with public pensions and organizations like the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) can help weigh the pros and cons.
  • Tax Implications: As with any lump sum retirement distribution, there could be significant tax consequences—be sure to discuss this with a tax professional before making a decision.

Ultimately, whether a PLOP makes sense as part of your personal retirement strategy depends on your financial goals, debt, health, and anticipated lifestyle in retirement. Careful consideration and professional guidance will help ensure you maximize your OPERS benefits for both the short and long term.

The Importance of Proactive Retirement Planning for OPERS Members

Active management and careful coordination of your retirement entitlements through OPERS isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. The wide variety of benefit options and rules governing pensions, disability, and savings plans mean that every OPERS member faces a unique set of circumstances. By knowing the ins and outs of your personal situation, you’ll ensure your financial future is as secure and comfortable as possible.

Several factors influence the ultimate value and stability of your retirement income, such as Social Security eligibility (which does not typically apply if all your work is in OPERS-covered roles), health care needs, spousal benefits, and fluctuating living expenses. Coordinating these moving pieces—whether it’s integrating outside savings accounts, planning for medical emergencies, or accounting for your partner’s separate retirement plan—helps you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Many people find it helpful to consult with a qualified financial advisor—think of it as assembling your own “retirement team,” similar to the way you’d choose an experienced travel guide for an extended journey. An advisor with expertise in public employee retirement systems can help you compare scenarios, weigh options like lump-sum distributions, and adjust your plan if life takes an unexpected turn. This way, your retirement strategy keeps working for you, even as your circumstances change.

Maximizing and Safeguarding Your OPERS Benefits

Navigating the complexities of OPERS—especially when legislative changes loom on the horizon—can feel a bit like tracking the weather in Ohio: things can shift quickly, and the forecast isn’t always clear. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to protect your future and make the most of your hard-earned retirement benefits.

  1. Stay Informed and Proactive:
    Follow updates from OPERS and trusted organizations like the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System itself, AARP, or the National Public Pension Coalition. Attend informational sessions or webinars, and don’t hesitate to reach out to HR or benefits counselors whenever rules or offerings change.
  2. Review and Revisit Your Benefit Options:
    Periodically review your pension choices, such as the traditional pension and the Member-Directed Plan or Combined Plan. Changes in legislation or your personal circumstances may affect which option is most beneficial in your case.
  3. Understand and Optimize Disability and Survivor Benefits:
    Read the fine print regarding disability benefits, and make sure your beneficiary information is up to date for both pension and any supplemental life insurance or long-term care coverage. This ensures your loved ones are protected regardless of policy shifts.
  4. Look at the Whole Picture:
    Don’t rely solely on OPERS. Assess your Social Security eligibility, IRAs, personal savings, spousal retirement accounts, and even health savings accounts (HSAs) to create a resilient financial plan. Consulting a certified financial planner who understands public pensions can help you build a holistic strategy.
  5. Document Everything and Don’t Delay Action:
    Keep copies of all communications, benefit statements, and documentation regarding your eligibility. If eligibility requirements or legislation change, you want to be ready—not scrambling to piece together old records.
  6. Engage with Professional Guidance:
    If you’re concerned about how potential reforms might impact you, reach out to legal and financial professionals experienced in public employee retirement planning. Their guidance can help you anticipate challenges and make well-timed decisions, such as considering a Partial Lump Sum Option Payment (PLOP) or purchasing additional service credits before rules change.

By keeping yourself informed and taking a hands-on role, you can position yourself to weather changes—and help ensure your retirement secure, even as laws and policies evolve.

How an OPERS Disability Lawyer Can Help

The biggest obstacle to qualifying for disability benefits through OPERS, STRS, or SERS is that each program enforces rules that make Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) the primary option for individuals who become unable to work before they are eligible to retire. In practice, this means that people who have worked outside of local and state government at some point must first apply for SSDI before seeking assistance from the state retirement system in which they participate.

Consulting with an OPERS disability lawyer before submitting an application can save precious time and prevent the kind of frustration that leads some people to abandon efforts to secure badly needed disability benefits altogether. Sitting down with an attorney who understands OPERS and SSDI will provide initial answers to eligibility questions and get you started on the path most likely to lead to an approved disability benefits application.

Your OPERS disability lawyer can also help you complete and file paperwork while putting you in touch with health care providers that the Social Security Administration and the state retirement systems recognize as trusted professionals. Most importantly, starting to work with a legal advisor and representative early in the process ensures you have a ready ally should you need to appeal a denial of benefits. Denials are common, so appeals are often necessary.

You can speak with a retirement and disability attorney for free by calling the Columbus, Ohio, offices of Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman at (800) 678-3318. Confidential and no-commitment appointments can also be scheduled online. If you are too sick or injured to visit us in person, we will visit you.