OPERS Legal

The Legal Services Department provides legal support to the retirement system and the Board. Legal Services does not provide legal advice to members or benefit recipients, but can assist with general legal questions regarding OPERS.

Pursuant to Ohio retirement law, the Ohio Attorney General is the legal advisor of the Board.

Ohio Statutes and Rules

The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System is created and governed by Chapter 145 of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Rules. Additional information about Ohio Statutes and Rules can be reviewed by visiting the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.

Defined Contribution Plan Documents

These documents are available to be viewed, downloaded and printed in a PDF format.

Member-Directed Plan Document (PDF opens in new tab)

Combined Plan Document

Member-Directed Retiree Medical Account

OPERS Ethics Policy: Gifts from Vendors are Prohibited

OPERS is committed to high standards of ethical practice. OPERS staff and Board members are subject to certain restrictions under Ohio ethics laws. We take these laws very seriously and work hard to assure compliance.

OPERS also has its own stringent ethics policy (PDF opens in new tab). A portion of the policy prohibits anyone currently doing business, seeking to do business, or interested in other matters pertaining to OPERS from providing OPERS employees and Board members anything of value, including gifts, entertainment, travel, meals or lodging.

We conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with our policies, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all our business partners.

Reporting Fraud to the Auditor of State

Please note the Auditor of State Office is not a forum for member benefit issues/complaints. Please contact OPERS 800-222-PERS (7377) with any questions regarding your benefit processing.

OPERS is providing the following information for the reporting of alleged fraud only, not for resolution of member complaints or denials of benefits or processing complaints. The auditor of state has established and maintains a system for the reporting of fraud, including misuse and misappropriation of public money, by any public office or public official. The system allows Ohio residents and the employees of any public office to make anonymous complaints through a toll-free telephone number, the auditor of state’s web site, or the United State mail to the auditor of state’s office. The auditor of state shall review all complaints in a timely manner.

Under the legislation, retaliation against employees for filing a complaint is prohibited.

The auditor of state fraud reporting hotline is 1-866-FRAUD OH (1-866-372-8364)

US Mail: Ohio Auditor of State’s office, Special Investigations Unit, 88 East Broad Street, P.O. Box 1140, Columbus, OH 43215

Web: www.ohioauditor.gov

Membership Determination Process

Effective August 1, 2012, public employers and/or their workers seeking a membership determination for either independent contract/public employee status or carryover status will follow the new process:

Public Records Request Policy

OPERS receives public record requests from a variety of sources; including requests from the public, news media and governmental agencies. This policy establishes OPERS guidelines for compliance with Ohio's Public Records Act. You may use the form below to request public records.

Model Domestic Relations Orders

Forfeiture and Restitution Withholding Orders

Wellness Retiree Medical Account Plan

Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plans

Rule-making Guide