The 2.5% Step-Up Program allows members to increase their retirement benefits by paying an additional member contribution each pay period. Currently, that additional contribution is 2.91% of your compensation and is subject to change.The additional Step-Up contributions are used to increase the computation factor when benefits are calculated. The standard retirement benefit calculation for most OPERS members uses a benefit computation factor of 2%. (more)

Retirement is a life-altering process for most of us, just like moving, losing a job, or death of a family member. All of these changes can cause stress and negatively impact our daily life.

Retirement can also be a stressful time for those not retiring. Having a spouse around the house full time can be a significant adjustment. Having a valuable coworker retire will likely increase the workload of those still working and cause those left behind to pick up the slack. (more)

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, nearly 82% of baby boomers (ages 55-64) are carrying significant debt loads. What does this mean for your retirement? Quite simply, the dollars going toward debt are not going toward your retirement security. Why are we carrying debt into retirement? (more)

Every account you maintain – bank, credit card, even Netflix – has a unique account number that identifies you as a member. The same is true at OPERS. Every member has a unique identifier and you can find this number on most pieces of communication received from OPERS.Why do you need to know your OPERS Member ID? Historically, your Social Security number (SSN) has served as your primary identification with OPERS. (more)