Planning ahead of time can help protect your personal information

By Betsy Butler, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 6, 2026 – The Internet allows us to stay in touch with friends and family, book reservations, shop, enjoy entertainment, research medical queries, and check bank balances from the comfort of home. Despite the convenience and benefits of being online, our personal information is at risk if we don't take precautions.

Consider these suggestions to stay secure online:

Stay on top of software updates: Beyond offering new and improved features for your apps and devices, software updates often include security patches designed to foil cybercriminals from stealing your personal information. Updated antivirus software also protects your computer against ransomware and other kinds of malware. Keep current on installing the latest available updates.

Use strong passwords: Combine at least eight upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols to create unique, hard-to-guess passwords for each online account you use. Change them frequently, record them in a safe place and don’t enable your computer’s password-saving option. Multifactor authentication --- such as a one-time code sent via email or text, or face or fingerprint scans --- adds an extra layer of security beyond logging in with just a password. Consider using a strong, unique password for every online account you have. Turning off the “save password” feature in browsers is also a good idea. Never share your login credentials with anyone.

Be aware of artificial intelligence: AI enhances online security in many ways, including detecting cyber threats, preventing fraud by detecting unusual transactions, and enhancing login security through user authentication. However, hackers are using AI to create more sophisticated cyberattacks and manipulate data. Remain vigilant not only in spotting phishing emails and malware that can bypass traditional defenses, but also in protecting your private information. Understand the risks of using sensitive data with AI tools.

Verify that the website is secure: To steal a user’s credentials, bad actors can concoct fake login pages that look familiar, but aren’t what they appear. Don’t provide personal or financial information through a website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure. Look for “https” in the website address (the “s” stands for secure) displayed in the search bar of your web browser. A safe website also will display a padlock preceding that address; click on it to verify security details and ensure that the connection is secure.

Pass up a phisher’s bait: “Phishers” try to steal sensitive information by making calls or sending emails and text messages that appear to be official, urging you to take immediate action to update or validate your account details. Be aware of surveys and questionnaires that can trick you into divulging sensitive information.

Never reply to or click on links in emails asking for personal data. Never verify your identifying information to someone unknown who contacts you. If you think there may be a need to provide requested details, contact the organization by telephone; email is not a secure transmission method.

Think before you click: Don’t download a file, scan a QR code, open an email attachment or use an unfamiliar USB drive on your computer unless you are expecting it or know what it contains. It could include a virus that may infect your computer.

Filter out spam: Use spam filters provided by your email service. Delete junk or unsolicited commercial email without opening the message. Never reply to it, even to be removed from a mailing list.

Opt for electronic statements: Thieves can steal paper account statements and bills from your home mailbox. Choosing to have statements delivered via email is not only more secure but also may avoid paper statement fees.

Monitor your online financial accounts: Review recent activity to ensure that there are no fraudulent charges to your bank accounts. If you find something suspicious, report it right away.

Shop or donate cautiously: If you shop online, check out the seller before you buy. Pay via safe online payment services, such as PayPal. Use a credit card rather than a debit card, as the card issuer can intercede on your behalf if there’s an unauthorized charge or a problem with the merchant. Setting up mobile phone payments also can help protect you from fraud. Realize that malicious actors can use fake shipping notifications to get people to click. Be aware of fake video and audio clips that can trick you into sending money. Verify any donation request that seems suspicious.

Research online causes: Crowd-funding sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe offer creative ways to support new initiatives, donate to worthy causes, and provide financial support to those in need, but proceed with caution. Before you contribute, read the fine print and research the organization or person behind the pitch.

Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi, keep your devices with you, and lock your screen when you’re away from your machine.

Watch what you share: Bad actors can gather information you share and use it to create targeted attacks, so think before you post. To protect yourself, don’t share your phone number, home address or other sensitive personal details. Use privacy settings that let you control who can see what you post. Resist the urge to post photos that reveal your location and indicate you’re away for a while; wait to do so until you return home. Similarly, be careful about what you say, share and send during virtual meetings.

OPERS’ Retirement Readiness seminars offer tips on making informed decisions

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 30, 2026 – Whether you’re eligible to retire or will be within the next five years, the decisions you make now will have a direct impact on your income, health care and long-term financial security.

OPERS offers Retirement Readiness seminars for members within five years of retirement eligibility. These sessions are designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence, giving you the knowledge, tools and guidance to plan for your future.

What You’ll Learn

• When you can retire, and what timing means for your income, including reduced vs. unreduced benefits
• How to estimate your pension to support your family and lifestyle
• How understanding your personal salary replacement will strengthen your retirement
• What to expect with health care coverage and costs in retirement
• How to use the “Readiness Checklist” as a personalized action plan so you know exactly what steps to take, and when

Why attend

Retirement success doesn’t happen by chance – it comes from making informed decisions at the right time. Whether you’re close to retiring or planning ahead, this session will help you build a clear, confident path forward.

Don’t leave one of the most important decisions of your life to guesswork. Register today and start planning your retirement with confidence.

Inflation-based adjustment to be 3.0%, based on government statistics

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 23, 2026 – Cost-of-living adjustments for all eligible OPERS members in 2027 will be 3%.

While those with a benefit effective date prior to Jan. 7, 2013, automatically receive a 3% adjustment, those with an effective date after that date have their COLAs based on the Consumer Price Index-W, the government’s inflation index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.

According to state law, the annual COLA for those retirees is to be based on the change in the CPI-W from the end of June 2025 to the end of June this year, with a maximum adjustment of 3%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the CPI-W increased 3.5% over that period, so OPERS’ CPI-based COLA for 2027 will be 3.0%. For reference, click on “CPI-W, June 2026” on this page of the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and refer to cell AD-7 in the spreadsheet.

OPERS’ inflation-based COLA uses the same index as Social Security. But the time period measured is different, so the adjustments might not always match up.

The adjustment is calculated on recipients’ original monthly benefit and is paid on the anniversary of their benefit effective date.

Plan carefully when choosing someone to receive future OPERS benefits

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 16, 2026 – Naming a beneficiary isn't something most people think about very often. But keeping your beneficiary information up to date is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your loved ones.

Whether you're just beginning your career, approaching retirement or already retired, it's worth taking a few minutes to review your beneficiary designation. A marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a loved one are all good reasons to make sure your information is current.

Choosing your beneficiaries during your career

Members or retirees may designate a specific beneficiary to receive certain benefits before and after retirement. During your career, you can name a person, persons, trust, estate or an institution as your beneficiary. If you designate a trust, estate, institution or multiple beneficiaries, your account will be refunded in a lump sum unless there are qualified children who are eligible to receive monthly benefits.

You can designate and/or update your beneficiaries at any time through your online account or by completing a Designation of Beneficiary form.

If you don't name a beneficiary, Ohio law determines who will receive any benefits that may be payable. Generally, benefits are paid according to a statutory order of succession, beginning with a surviving spouse, then children, followed by parents and, if none exist, your estate.

It's also important to know that certain life events can affect a beneficiary designation under Ohio law. Marriage, divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or the birth or adoption of a child may invalidate a previous designation. If one of these events occurs, review your beneficiary information and make any necessary updates. If not, the beneficiary will be determined by automatic succession.

If you take a refund of your account, your beneficiary designation is automatically canceled.

Choosing your beneficiaries at retirement

When you apply for OPERS retirement benefits, you will be asked to name the beneficiaries that apply in your retirement.

The beneficiaries you choose depend in part on the payment plan you select. Refer to the Retiring from Public Employment information on our website for more information.

What benefits could your beneficiaries receive?

The benefits available to your beneficiaries depend on your OPERS retirement plan and whether you should die before or after retirement.

If you die while actively employed or while receiving a disability benefit, your beneficiaries may qualify for survivor benefits. Under the Traditional Pension Plan and Combined Plan, you generally must have at least 18 months of qualifying service, including at least three months within the 2½ years before your death. If those requirements are met, eligible beneficiaries may choose between a lump-sum refund of your account or, if they qualify, a monthly survivor benefit based on a percentage of your final average salary.

The Member-Directed Plan does not provide monthly survivor benefits. Instead, the vested balance of your individual account is paid to your beneficiaries as a one-time lump-sum distribution. In addition, eligible dependents, including a legal spouse or eligible children, may be able to use the vested balance of your retiree medical account to pay qualified medical expenses.

Review your beneficiaries today

Keeping your beneficiary information current is one of the simplest ways to help ensure your wishes are carried out. If you haven't reviewed your designation recently, now is a good time to do so.

To learn more about survivor benefits and beneficiary eligibility, review the Survivor Benefits leaflet or contact OPERS Member Services at 1-800-222-7377.

Funding at 82% as investments continued strong performance in 2025

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 9, 2026 – OPERS has published its latest annual financial reports, offering a comprehensive overview of our financial position, investment performance, actuarial data and member demographics. These reports reflect our continued commitment to transparency in managing your pension system.

Both the full Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the condensed Popular Annual Financial Report are now available on our website for members and stakeholders to review. They highlight key accomplishments and data from the 2025 calendar year.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find in the 2025 reports:

• OPERS had a total net position of $158.4 billion at the end of 2025, up from $142.6 billion from a year earlier. The change reflects strong investment returns during 2025. Net position represents the funds accumulated at year end to pay pension benefits, health care costs and distributions from deferred compensation accounts.
• Total fund returns for 2025 reflected a gain of 14.95%, compared with a 9.08% gain the previous year.
• The OPERS defined benefit portfolio returned 14.74%, above the assumed rate of return of 6.9%. The health care portfolio returned 16.40%, exceeding the assumed rate of return of 6.0%. The defined contribution portfolio returned 15.57%, ending the year at more than $3.5 billion in assets.
• The Dec. 31, 2025, pension actuarial valuation reflected that OPERS was 82 percent funded, with the ability to pay off its unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities in 17 years. Ohio requires OPERS to be within a 30-year amortization window.
• The Health Care Plan solvency years increased from 25 years at the end of 2023 to 27 years at the end of 2024. That’s the date of the latest health care fund valuation and thus doesn’t reflect 2025 investment performance.
• Membership topped 1.34 million. At the end of 2025, membership included 223,623 retirees, 315,810 active members and 809,051 inactive members.
• OPERS made pension benefit payments of $7.8 billion, up from $7.5 billion in 2024.
• Health care costs increased 11.7% to $610.1 million, from $546.1 million a year earlier.
• Employers contributed $2.78 billion to the system, up $144.6 million from 2024. Member contributions for pension and health care were $1.99 billion, and voluntary participant deferrals to Ohio Deferred Compensation totaled $700 million.
• In 2025, OPERS had 82 members who were more than 100 years old, with the oldest being 110.
• OPERS is good for Ohio. For every dollar we received from public employers in 2025, $3.02 was returned to the Ohio economy through pension and health care payments made to retirees. OPERS’ in-state custodian managed $129.5 billion in system assets, and $1.6 billion of the OPERS portfolio was invested with Ohio-based companies.
• Here are a few averages for new retirees in 2025:
  • Age at retirement: 63.8
  • Years of service at retirement: 24.1
  • Final average salary: $68,401
  • Pension at retirement: $34,014
  • Health care qualifying service credit years: 30

New industry survey highlights growing demand for guaranteed lifetime income

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 2, 2026 – As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day this weekend, many will spend time with family, enjoy cookouts and watch fireworks. The holiday also offers an opportunity to reflect on another kind of independence: having the financial confidence to enjoy retirement.

A recent Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research found that retirement confidence declined this year as Americans continue to grapple with inflation, debt, rising housing and health care costs, and uncertainty surrounding Social Security and Medicare. Overall, 64% of Americans said they are confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement, down from last year.

One finding stands out for OPERS members.

More than four in five workers surveyed said they are interested in using their retirement savings to purchase a guaranteed monthly income stream in retirement. In addition, two-thirds expressed interest in a Social Security bridge annuity that would provide income until age 70.

Those findings reinforce something retirement professionals have long understood: Dependable monthly income can provide confidence during retirement, regardless of market conditions.

For OPERS members, guaranteed lifetime income is already part of the retirement conversation. The Traditional Pension Plan provides a lifetime monthly pension benefit, while members of the Defined Contribution and Combined plans have options to convert retirement savings into guaranteed monthly income through annuities at retirement.

The survey found that concern about the nation's retirement system remains high. Four in five workers and seven in 10 retirees worry the government could make changes affecting retirement benefits. Workers also reported increasing concern about debt, emergency savings, housing costs and health care expenses.

Against that backdrop, having a dependable source of monthly retirement income can provide an important foundation for financial confidence. While no retirement plan eliminates every financial challenge, predictable lifetime income helps retirees build a budget, make long-term decisions and focus more on enjoying retirement than worrying about market swings.

This Independence Day, it's worth remembering that financial independence isn't just about building savings. It's also about having dependable income that gives you confidence—and the freedom to enjoy whatever retirement brings.

This month: We address disability issues, how to apply for your pension

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

June 25, 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 have to come to Columbus to start to receive my pension?

A: You are not required to travel to Columbus to begin receiving your pension. We do offer virtual appointments and phone appointments for your convenience, or in-person counseling in our Columbus office if you need assistance. You also may apply through your online account on your own, and our representatives are available by phone to assist you with questions and guide you through the application process.

Q: I worked an OPERS position for 27 years and now am in a position with another Ohio pension fund. I have two years to retirement but after the two years I will be one quarter short of my 31 years due to the gap between positions. Is this an instance where I may purchase service for that quarter to shore up my time? And would that be through OPERS or the other system?

A: Service credit cannot be purchased to fill a gap in employment. However, you may be eligible to purchase service credit for other qualified purposes, depending on your circumstances. Please refer to the Service Credit and Contributing Months leaflet for detailed information on eligibility and the types of service credit that may be purchased under OPERS.

Q: Can disability recipients sign up to permanently have OPERS send us paper Employment & Earnings through the mail? It would save us having to ask for them.

A: OPERS does not offer an option to permanently mail the paper Employment and Earnings form automatically.

Q: Why does OPERS contribute the full amount of HRA benefits to pre-Medicare re-employed retirees if their employer pays for their health care? This practice seems unfair.

A: The Pre-Medicare HRA is an open HRA, meaning retirees are not required to enroll in a medical plan through the OPERS connector to receive their HRA deposit. In contrast, the Medicare HRA is a closed HRA, which requires retirees to enroll in a medical plan through the OPERS connector to receive their deposit.

Both Pre-Medicare and Medicare HRA participants may continue to receive their full eligible HRA deposit during a period of re-employment, provided all eligibility requirements are met. However, neither group may submit for reimbursement requests for expenses that they incurred during the re-employment period.

Q: Why is OPERS disability taxed whereas Social Security disability benefits generally are not?

A: Disability benefits from a state retirement system such as OPERS are taxed mainly because they are treated as a form of income earned through employment. These plans are funded by employer and employee contributions, many of which were not taxed when they were put in. As a result, when you receive disability payments, the IRS treats them like wages (before retirement age) or pension income (afterward), so they are generally taxable.

Social Security disability benefits are different because they come from a federal social insurance program, not an employer retirement plan. In simple terms, the difference comes down to purpose and design. State retirement system disability benefits are viewed as a replacement for your salary or retirement income, so they are taxed like other earnings. Social Security disability benefits, on the other hand, are meant to provide a basic financial safety net, so the federal tax system gives them more favorable treatment—especially for people with modest incomes.

Q: Are disability benefit recipients eligible for COLAs?

A: Yes, they are. Disability retirees follow the same COLA rules as all benefit recipients. While members with a retirement effective date prior to Jan. 7, 2013, automatically receive a 3 percent adjustment, those with a retirement effective date on or after that date have their COLAs based on the Consumer Price Index-W, the government’s inflation index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, not to exceed 3%.

Q: I’m under the Member Directed Plan. If I cash out my retirement when I retire, what happens to my HRA account?

A: As a Member-Directed Plan participant, you have a Retiree Medical Account, or RMA. This account may be used to reimburse eligible medical expenses and insurance premiums incurred after you begin receiving a distribution from the Member-Directed Plan, whether through a refund or a monthly benefit.

Once you are eligible to access the account, you may submit reimbursement claims through the third-party administrator OPERS uses to manage the RMA. You may continue to submit eligible expenses until the account balance is exhausted. Your vested percentage in the RMA is determined by your contributing service and your start date in the plan.

Colonial Life to offer policies, with enrollment beginning in July

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

June 18, 2026 – The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System has announced that the Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. will offer term life and whole life insurance policies to OPERS members for the ninth consecutive year in 2026.

The policies will be available to active members, their spouses and children. The voluntary insurance would be in addition to life insurance that members’ employers might offer, and OPERS members would bear the cost.

The policies will be guaranteed issue, within certain limits. The open-enrollment period for the coverage will take place July 1-Sept. 22.

OPERS members can obtain a policy only by speaking with a Colonial Life benefits counselor through a virtual enrollment option. Virtual enrollment allows members the flexibility of connecting with their benefits counselor via conference call, video chat or screen-share, with one click of a link.

Three Colonial Life digital postcards scheduled to be emailed to OPERS members in 2026 contain more information about virtual enrollment. The postcards include a link to schedule a session with a local benefits counselor and other information about life insurance coverage.

For more information, refer to the first postcard.

You also can listen to a recorded webinar that provides additional details on the 2026 open enrollment period and the voluntary benefits that are available.

Four seats to be decided this year: Three for members, one for retirees

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

June 4, 2026 – Elections for four seats on the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees will be held Aug. 25 through Oct. 2. Those elected will serve four-year terms beginning in January 2027.

As a member of OPERS, you have a voice in decisions and policies affecting your retirement benefits. Every member is part of a specific group with representation on the Board of Trustees.

The Board is ultimately responsible for all administration and management of OPERS including setting retirement system policies, approving the overall investment plan and asset allocation strategy, reviewing and approving budgets and acting as fiduciaries of the system.

Elected Representatives

The OPERS Board is comprised of 11 trustees, including seven individuals who are elected by the specific group each represents. The seven elected positions on the board are designated for election on a staggered basis, ensuring that experience and organizational knowledge is stable from year to year. Three individuals with investment expertise are appointed by Ohio's governor, treasurer and jointly by the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the president of the Ohio Senate. The director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services also serves on the Board of Trustees by virtue of office.

2026 Board of Trustees Election

The four seats up for election in 2026 include one representative for each of the following groups:

State Employees – Representing approximately 47,000 employees working at a job for the State of Ohio.

• View a complete list of OPERS State employers 

Municipal Employees – Representing approximately 59,100 employees working for one of Ohio's municipalities.

• View a complete list of OPERS Municipal employers 

College/University Employees – Representing approximately 56,300 non-teaching employees at state colleges and universities in Ohio.

• View a complete list of OPERS College/University employers 

Retirees – One of two seats representing approximately 190,800 age and service, disability, and defined contribution (DC) plan retirees. This group includes re-employed retirees.

For OPERS members and retirees interested in running for the Board

Active employee member – Any active OPERS member, with the exception of one receiving a disability benefit, is eligible for election to represent the members of their employee group on the OPERS Board of Trustees.

Retiree – Any OPERS retiree receiving an age and service benefit, disability benefit, or benefits under the DC plan is eligible to represent retirees. Beneficiaries, surviving family members, or POAs are not eligible to run for election or nominate candidates by signing a petition. Beneficiaries, surviving family members and POAs are also ineligible to vote. If a person is receiving age and service payment, the candidate may only run for a retiree position, even if re-employed. A retiree must reside in the state of Ohio in order to be eligible to run for a Board position.

The Nomination Process

Nominating petition packets were mailed to employers on Monday, June 1, 2026 for distribution to interested candidates. Packets are also available beginning June 1, 2026 at the OPERS office, 277 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio and on this OPERS website, opers.org/elections. These packets contain official nominating petitions and all other necessary forms to be completed by the candidate. A single line petition form is provided for members concerned about their privacy.

Under Ohio law, a candidate seeking election to an employee member Board seat is required to obtain a minimum of 500 signatures from active members within their employee group. At least 10 different counties must be represented by a minimum of 20 signatures each. Employees signing petitions should indicate the county of their employment. A candidate seeking election to a retiree Board seat is required to obtain at least 250 signatures from OPERS retirees. At least five different counties must be represented by a minimum of 10 signatures each. Retirees signing petitions should indicate the county in which they reside. Signatures of a retiree's spouse or beneficiary do not count toward the signatures required.

Completed nominating petitions and forms are due at the OPERS office no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. Petitions postmarked on or before this date, but received later, are invalid. Any candidate successfully meeting the nomination criteria will be placed on an official ballot.

Voting materials will be mailed on Aug. 25, 2026. All votes must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. The final results will be certified by the Ohio Secretary of State at the OPERS office on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Every vote counts

Members of the OPERS Board of Trustees are elected to four-year terms. While elected by a specific group, all members of the Board of Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act solely in the interest of all members of the system, not just those that elected them. It’s important that you participate in the selection of a member from your group. The member elected will help guide OPERS over the next four years and ensure those fiduciary obligations are met.

OPERS website link provides the basics, and more, about your pension system

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

May 28, 2026 – We often receive questions through our blog about the services OPERS provides, and in many cases, the answers can already be found on our website.

Our Member Library is an online hub filled with valuable information about how your pension system works. We encourage all OPERS members and retirees to explore this resource and become familiar with the materials it offers.

Within the library, you’ll find links to key pension topics including service credit, retirement savings and the OPERS Member Handbook. You also can access information on retirement-related matters such as terminating public employment, returning to work after retirement, survivor benefits and more. Resources on the Partial Lump Sum Option Payment and income taxes are available as well.

The Member Library also serves as a central source for health care information. It includes an overview of health care basics, along with more detailed guides on medical, vision, and dental coverage, Medicare, and the Retiree Medical Account.

The page includes links to member and retiree newsletters, along with resources covering disability benefits and specialized benefits for elected officials, law enforcement members and others.

Because we update the Member Library regularly, we recommend bookmarking the page so you can easily access the latest information whenever you need it.