Below are the requirements for normal or early retirement for most OPERS members. Please note that in ALL situations termination of employment and proper notice is REQUIRED to receive any benefit. Eligibility requirements are divided into three categories:

1. Age 62 (normal)
2. 80/90 points (normal)
3. 55-62 (early)

*NOTE: click here (information regarding election of a vested benefit).

Age 62

1. If you began employment with a participating employer before January 1, 1983, you can begin receiving a monthly benefit on the first day of the month coinciding with or following your 62nd birthday provided you are still working and participating in OPERS on or after your 62nd birthday.

2. If you began employment with a participating employer on or after January 1, 1983, you can begin receiving a monthly retirement benefit on the first day of the month coinciding with or following your 62nd birthday provided that you have at least 6 years of full-time equivalent employment with a participating employer and are still working and participating in OPERS on or after your 62nd birthday.

80 or 90 Points

3. Members who initially became a member of the System before July 1, 1992 can begin receiving a monthly retirement benefit on the first day of the month coinciding with or following the date on which the member's age plus their years of service equal 80. (6 full years of full-time equivalent employment required).

4. Members who initially became a member of the System on or after July 1, 1992, can begin receiving a monthly retirement benefit on the first day of the month coinciding with or following the date on which the member's age plus their years of service equal 90. (6 full years of full-time equivalent employment required).

Early Retirement (ages 55-62)

5. A member can begin receiving a reduced monthly retirement benefit on the first day of the month coinciding with or following the member's 55th birthday or any subsequent month up to age 62 provided that he or she at least 10 years of participating service.

REDUCTION FACTORS FOR EARLY RETIREMENT*

*Not for elected officials