The State Teachers Retirement System, or STRS, is open to all K-12 public educators in Ohio. Faculty at Ohio’s community colleges and state university can also enroll in the program. Educational support staff such as secretaries, custodians, and bus drivers participate in a separate pension plan called the School Employees Retirement System.
STRS takes the place of Social Security for members. As such, the retirement system pays disability benefits to members who qualify to receive them. Simply becoming unable to continue working due to a physical or mental condition is not enough, however. STRS disability attorneys with Agee Clymer have decades of experience helping school teachers and college faculty obtain disability benefits.
To qualify for STRS disability benefits, you must
Insufficient medical documentation often leads to the rejection of an initial application for disability benefits. The STRS program may also reach a determination that you have recovered sufficiently to return to work and should no longer receive disability benefits.
In both circumstances, you have the right to appeal the decision. Action must be taken quickly, however, because the STRS program sets short deadlines for appealing.
How We Can Help
Based in Columbus, Ohio, STRS disability attorneys with Agee Clymer welcome opportunities to assist with STRS appeals and all aspects of the application process. We make ourselves available online to educators all across the state, and we also invite calls to (614) 221-3318. We charge nothing for the initial consultation, and we may be able to help with legal issues regarding disability programs other than STRS.