If death occurs after the 27-month period and you were not receiving a disability benefit, the primary beneficiary must withdraw your account. Spouse at any age if the spouse cares for the deceased member's dependent children or if the member had 10 or more years of service credit or if the spouse is mentally or physically incompetent. Spouse at age 62 if the member had fewer than 10 years of service credit and does not care for the deceased member's dependent children. There are no remarriage restrictions. Dependent children under age 18 if child is unmarried or is unmarried, financially dependent on the STRS Ohio member for one-half or more of his or her support and attends school full time up to age 22.
Benefits stop if a dependent child is adopted, marries or performs active military duty.
Dependent children qualify at any age if they are mentally or physically incompetent and financially dependent on STRS Ohio member. Dependent children who have been legally adopted by the STRS Ohio member. Benefits stop upon the parent's marriage. The dependent-based benefit is payable when you die and met the qualifications listed above. Monthly benefit amounts are based on the number of qualified dependents.