Welcome to the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS). As a member, you are part of a statewide community of more than 163,000 school employees who serve Ohio’s students every day. SERS members include administrative assistants, bus drivers, business officials, cafeteria workers, custodians, librarians, maintenance staff, teacher’s aides, and many other essential school professionals.
No matter your role, SERS is here to support your long-term retirement security.
Create or access your account anytime to manage your retirement in one place.
If you do not work in a SERS-covered job long enough to meet the age and service requirements to receive a pension, the money in your account can be refunded. However, keeping it might be a smart choice if you return to a public service job in the future. Your time can be combined with other public service time. You also can purchase service time if you previously worked in another public service job; but remember, the longer you wait, the more it costs.
This introductory video walks through key topics you’ll encounter throughout your membership, including:
As a newly hired full-time employee of a college, you must choose a retirement plan. You must choose between SERS, which is the statewide administered plan established under the Ohio Revised Code, or your college-sponsored Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP).
Before you make your choice, it is important that you review all the material for both types of plans, especially the employee and employer contribution structure, your benefits, and the risks in relation to your specific retirement goals.
Once you choose either SERS or the ARP, your selection is irrevocable as long as you are continuously employed.
SERS also offers disability coverage. After five years of service, you may be eligible if you are unable to perform your job duties due to an injury or illness confirmed by an independent medical examination.
While a SERS pension provides a strong foundation for retirement security, many members choose to supplement it with additional income and savings. Planning early can help you feel more confident about your future and better prepared for everyday expenses in retirement.
As a public employee in Ohio, you have access to one of the best retirement savings options available: Ohio Deferred Compensation. It has many different savings options, and money can be transferred from your paycheck before taxes.
Create or access your account anytime to manage your retirement in one place.
We’re glad you’re a member of SERS. If you have questions about your retirement account or benefits, we are here to help.
