The Annuity Decision Process™️
for STRS, SERS, OPERS Members

The Annuity Decision Process™ — Your First Step

Whether you’re an active member or already receiving your pension, the smartest way to evaluate annuities is through a clear, objective framework. The Annuity Decision Process™ shows whether a personal annuity strengthens your retirement plan, how it coordinates with your Ohio pension, and whether it improves your retirement paycheck at all.

Learn more: Annuity Decision Process™ 

 

How a personal annuity fits after the process

Once you’ve gone through the Annuity Decision Process™, you’ll know if a personal annuity actually adds value to your STRS/SERS/OPERS plan.

 

Can a personal annuity-

• Align income with your lifestyle: Your pension is fixed. An annuity can fill gaps or add targeted, guaranteed income.

• Add timing flexibility: Start income now, later, or in phases — coordinating with Social Security or a spouse’s benefits.

• Reduce market dependence: Guaranteed income stabilizes your retirement plan and lowers stress during volatility.

 

Ready to see how your pension and a personal annuity fit together? Start the Annuity Decision Process™️



Using annuities with your PLOP

If you’re considering or have taken a PLOP (Partial Lump‑Sum Option), the Annuity Decision Process™ helps you determine whether converting that lump sum into guaranteed income strengthens your long‑term plan.

• Replace or enhance income lost through the PLOP.
• Customize income timing — more early‑retirement cash or a steady lifetime check.
• Coordinate survivor protection with your pension choices.



For active members (not yet retired)

• Use the Annuity Decision Process™ to compare pension options — single life, joint life, survivor percentages, and PLOP.
• See whether a personal annuity restores income or adds stability.
• Decide how much guaranteed income you want before signing final pension papers.



For retired members

• You can still add guaranteed income using savings or IRA rollovers.
• Layer new annuity income on top of your pension to offset inflation or rising expenses.
• Simplify your retirement paycheck with more predictability and less market volatility.



If you want to see how your STRS, SERS, or OPERS pension fits into the Annuity Decision Process™ — and whether a personal annuity truly helps — the next step is a simple, numbers‑based review of your benefits and goals.