Michael Nehf: Once an STRS Ohio member begins receiving a pension, STRS Ohio cannot reduce that pension

Michael Nehf to Kathie Bracy
November 11, 2008

Dear Ms. Bracy:

Thank you for taking the time to send me an e-mail with your questions and concerns. In it, you asked about the safety of your pension and cite a recent posting on the SERS Web site. The applicable provisions of the statutes that govern STRS Ohio and SERS are very similar. The pertinent language of each statute provides that pensions are vested when granted. This means that retirees vested in the STRS Ohio defined benefit plan cannot have their pension formula reduced by STRS Ohio. In simple language, once an STRS Ohio member begins receiving a pension, STRS Ohio cannot reduce that pension.

I hope this answers your question. Thank you for writing.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Nehf
Executive Director