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Ohio STRS Attorneys

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 universities can also enroll in the program. STRS takes the place of Social Security for members. As such, the retirement system pays disability benefits to members who qualify to receive them. Agee Clymer STRS disability attorneys have decades of experience helping school teachers and college faculty obtain disability benefits.

Do I qualify for STRS Disability Benefits?

To qualify for STRS disability benefits, you must:

  • Have accumulated at least 10 years of qualifying service.
    • Prior to July 1, 2013, enrolled members needed 5 years of qualifying service.
  • File your application within 2 years of the date on which you last worked as an Ohio K-12 educator or a state college faculty member.
  • Be incapable of performing the duties of the job that permitted you to enroll in the STRS program.
    • You do not need to be currently employed by an Ohio public school system or a state institution of higher learning.
    • The applicant’s disabling condition does not need to be work-related.
  • Suffer from disabling symptoms that are expected to last for at least 12 months after the date on which the STRS program receives your completed disability application packet.
    • Temporary disabilities due to illnesses or injuries will not qualify you for STRS disability benefits, but you may qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
  • Not already be receiving retirement payments through STRS and also not have received a refund of your contributions to the retirement system.

What if my STRS disability benefits were denied or canceled?

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.

You can appeal a rejection, denial, or cancellation of your SERS disability benefits. However, STRS sets short deadlines for appealing. Contact an Agee Clymer STRS disability attorney to help expedite this process for you.