Answers to OPERS member questions

This month: We address open enrollment, benefits and beneficiary questions

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Oct. 29, 2026 – Members and retirees often ask us questions through our social media channels that others could benefit from. Periodically we post these questions and answers in our PERSpective blog.

Q: Do I need to do anything during open enrollment if I don’t have any changes I want to make?

A: No action is required on your part if you are not making any changes to the coverage for 2027. But it’s  always a good idea to review your coverage to make sure it’s still meeting your needs.

If you’re satisfied with your current coverage elections and do not wish to make any changes, you generally do not need to take any action during Open Enrollment. Your current elections will continue into the new plan year, subject to any plan, premium, or coverage changes. Be sure to review open enrollment materials you receive from both OPERS and your other insurance carriers to ensure you are aware of any changes.

Q: How do I change the bank account I use for direct deposit of my OPERS pension benefit?

A: You can update the bank information by clicking on Benefit from the My Account dropdown at the top of your online account and then click on the Edit link in the Bank Information section. As a reminder, if you update bank account information with OPERS, it does not automatically update with Via Benefits, so be sure to contact Via Benefits if you’d like to update that account information.

Q: What’s the best way for me to find out what retirement group I’m in?

A: You can view the retirement group in your most recent annual statement which is available in the Documents section of your online account. Regarding your eligibility for retirement, the group you’re in is factored into the benefit estimates that you can run through your OPERS online account.

Q: If I pass away before or after retirement will my beneficiary receive the money I put into my retirement account?

A: Information about the benefits available to beneficiaries when a member passes away prior to retirement can be found in the OPERS Survivor Benefit leaflet.

At Service Retirement the member selects a plan of payment to determine the benefit to be paid to beneficiaries upon their passing. If you chose a Single Life plan, (which does not leave a monthly benefit to a beneficiary after your passing), your beneficiaries would still receive any funds left in your guaranteed account. Your monthly benefits are paid first from the guaranteed account, which includes your contributions plus interest, and is usually exhausted within four years of retirement.

Q: I will turn 73 in 2027. As a rehired retiree, if I resign this year, what are my options to begin receiving and continue receiving the accrued funds in my OPERS Money Purchase account?

A: Once you terminate your employment, you’ll have the option to take the funds in your Money Purchase Account as a lump sum refund, or possibly an additional monthly benefit.

For specific account information, call us at 800-222-7377. Or, you can forward your inquiry through the message center in your online account, there we will be able to review your account specific information and respond to your question.

Q:  I tried to go online to my OPERS account and it required my Social Security number, which I will never put on the Internet. What are my options for logging in?

A: The Social Security number, plus additional information, is required to register for the OPERS online account or to reset the password. The security of your information is our top priority, and this is a critical piece of information we need to verify your identity to create your account.

Q: I have 25 years of service but I am just turning 55 years old next month of 2026. I would like to retire early but I am not sure what preparation I have to make leading to it. How can I get more information?

A: Your personal earliest eligible Service Retirement effective date is provided in the Annual Statement. You also have access to run benefit estimates through your online account. Please submit a message through your OPERS online account or call 1-800-222-7377 for account specific information. 

OPERS also offers a seminar/webinar, titled “Retirement Readiness,” which reviews all of the decisions you’ll need to make. We offer one-on-one counseling in person at our office, over the phone or virtually through Zoom. You can register for any of these options through your online account.