Residents of Ohio who are nearing retirement age or who just want some information on retirement age in Ohio can glean some helpful information below. Ohio retirement age is considered 66, but residents may file early if they are willing to take less than they would receive if they waited until the state’s official retirement age.
Read on for more details on retirement age in Ohio with other related details.
What Is the Current Retirement Age in Ohio?
Individuals who are over the age of 62 and living in Ohio could be eligible to their retirement funds. However, the rules vary depending on the person’s actual age when they retire. Those citizens of Ohio born between the years 1943 and 1954 have a retirement age of 66.
Those citizens born in the years following 1954 have an increased retirement age of one additional year every two months until the person’s age of retirement reaches age 67 for citizens born in 1960 and later.
Can Family Members Collect Security Benefits for Another Member of the Family?
There are certain instances when eligible family members may be able to collect social security benefit payments for an eligible family member.
Those eligible family members may include:
- Spouses
- Ex-Spouses if married for at least 10 years
- Children who are under the age of 18
Are There Any Supplemental Social Security Benefits or SSI Available in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio does help individuals with supplemental security benefits often labeled SSI benefits.
This is paid to individuals who meet qualifying guidelines, and the funds are available to help eligible persons with costs of living expenses such as food, shelter and clothing if they cannot afford this with their current wages.
What Are the Eligible Supplemental Social Security Benefits Rules?
In order for a person to qualify for the additional SSI benefits, they must meet income guidelines, be at least 65 years of age or disabled and have limited sources of wages or retirement pension funds and limited overall resources like property, vehicles and other monetary income or resources.
In addition, the person applying for SSI benefits must currently reside in the U.S.
Can Ohio Residents Receive Early Retirement Social Security Benefits in Ohio?
In the state of Ohio (see our top places to retire here), a person may qualify to early retirement benefits from social security funds. However, the retired individual must be at least age 62 at time of application.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Getting Social Security Benefits Early in Ohio?
Yes, a person who is 62 years old and files for social security benefits will only receive 80% of their total calculated benefit amount, and this is lowered on a permanent basis moving forward.
The early that Ohio citizens file for social security benefits, the lower the monthly and total available benefit amount will be on a permanent basis.
Are There Any Real Benefits for Postponing Social Security Benefits Longer Than the Average Retirement Age?
Yes, there is an economic benefit for Ohio retirees who postpone their retirement until the ages of 67 to 70 years of age. For each year of postponement of retirement during these years, an additional 8% monthly stipend is added to that individual’s retirement benefit amount.
However, if the person delays retirement until after age 70, there will be not further monetary benefit added to their retirement funds.
More Reasons to Wait Longer Before Filing for Social Security Benefits in Ohio Explained
Retired individuals who reside in Ohio will benefit more when they wait to file for their claim benefits. The longer that one postponed retirement, the more money that the person will receive in their future retirement benefit monthly payment amount.
This means having a better financial future, and those benefits will stretch farther than if the funds were started sooner.
What if a Person Files for Benefits and Then Decides to Stop Benefits Until Later
Often, a person becomes injured or otherwise ill and deemed not able to work at some point. If the person files for benefits, and then changes their mind, can they then wait until later to get the increased benefit amount?
Unfortunately, the clock starts ticking upon the receipt by the Social Security Administration of the filed benefit application. Even if the person changes their mind, they will still be locked into that lower rate per the current regulations.
What Is the Ohio State Retirement System?
The Ohio State Retirement System serves individuals who work as a public employee in the state of Ohio. Since 1935, this retirement fund system has been in operation. The employees do not pay into the usual social security benefit fund but are members of the OPERS.
This is the system that will pay their retirement benefits later. In effect, the OPERS replaces the alternate social security route.
Who Qualifies for OPERS Benefits as a Public Employee in Ohio?
The types of jobs that qualify an employee to take advantage of the OPERS include government workers, except elected officials, county, city and state employees in Ohio, some specific municipal state employee positions, local and state law enforcement agency staff, Ohio State highway patrol officials including troopers and staff members and professional firefighters and EMTs.
How Can Individuals Living in Ohio File for Social Security Benefits?
Individuals can file for social security benefits in Ohio by visiting their local Social Security Office in person. Be sure to call ahead to find out hours of operation and what information you will need to bring with you to your first appointment. There is a toll-free number to call too that can be of great assistance.
People may also file for benefits online by going to the federal social security website. This website will give you the latest contact details for your local social security office details. There is also useful information regarding social security benefits listed on the website.
What Do First-Time Applicants Need to Provide When Filing for Social Security Benefits in Ohio?
Ohio residents must furnish official copies of the following documents that include:
- Proof of being a U.S. citizen or proof of lawful permanent resident of Ohio
- Official birth certificate
- Any military documentation
- W-2 forms or self-employed tax related forms
Final Thoughts
It is important to understand how retirement social security benefits work in the state of Ohio. Although, these rules and regulations may seem complex, they can be broken down into simpler measures.
There are many helpful senior community programs and recourses that can be very helpful in these pursuits. Some lawyers also work with retirees regarding social security and other retirement related matters.
On the same topic, we suggest you read our guide about the tax rules regarding Roth IRA distribution in Ohio.