A lot has changed since 1937. For instance, the price of gas, which was 10 cents per gallon, and the cost of a movie ticket, which was 25 cents. But one thing that has remained constant is SERS’ commitment to its members, retirees, and employers.
From its humble beginnings on September 1, 1937, with $5,000 in start-up money from the state of Ohio to having $17.80 billion in assets as of May 31, 2022, SERS continues to be a defined benefit pension system that more than 227,000 members and retirees can count on.
SERS remains an important foundation in retirement, paying out $1.5 billion in post-retirement and health care benefits in fiscal year 2021. As our System has matured, we have expanded our focus to providing financial education and awareness through various resources such as webinars, conferences, social media, and our website, ensuring our members have all the information necessary to achieve retirement security.
Some highlights throughout the years include:
- 1942: SERS reached 11,773 members with an average annual salary of $1,120
- 1951: SERS began offering survivor benefits, including disability benefits provided since inception
- 1959: Years of service for a full pension decreased from 40 to 35
- 1962: Health care coverage became available with retirees paying the full premium
- 1974: SERS established a subsidized health care program
- 1976: Years of service for a full pension decreased from 35 to 30
- 1977: Added health care eligibility for dependents
- 1992: All non-certificated public school employees, with minimal exceptions, were required to contribute to SERS
- 1993: SERS developed a new disability program that allows members to apply for disability regardless of age
- 2000: 102% funded over 25 years with $0 in unfunded liabilities
- 2005: SERS’ Board of Trustees was expanded from seven to nine members, with the addition of three investment experts
- 2021: SERS has 146,646 members with an average salary of $24,700