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Office of Human Resources Benefits

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Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)

The Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) is an alternative to OPERS/STRS for eligible faculty and staff. It provides a retirement investment program but does not offer benefits after retirement like OPERS/STRS.

Staff contribute 10.0% of their salary each pay period to the retirement plan, which is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The university also contributes to the staff member's retirement plan based on 14.0% of his or her salary. Ohio Revised Code Section 3305.6(d) allows OPERS to withhold a portion of the employer’s contribution to offset any negative financial impact the OPERS Traditional Plan may experience by the offering of alternative retirement plan options. More information is available here.

Faculty contribute 10% of their salary to the retirement plan. The university contributes 10.5% of the faculty member's salary to his or her retirement plan, and is required to contribute 3.5% of salary to STRS to finance unfunded liabilities. More information is available here.

If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible for this benefit, go to Benefit Eligibility.

Are my dependents, spouse, or partner eligible for this benefit?

This benefit is available for eligible Ohio State employees only.
 

How/when can I sign up?

Eligible employees may enroll within 120 days of initial eligible employment or transfer from an ineligible to an eligible appointment. You must also choose and activate an account with the chosen ARP vendor. Complete a Retirement Program Election Form. Note that enrollment in the ARP is irrevocable while you are employed at Ohio State.
 

Will this affect my taxes?

Retirement plan contributions are taken from your pay before taxes, reducing the gross amount that can be taxed.
 

When can I change my benefit elections?

Eligible employees may enroll within 120 days of transfer from an ineligible to an eligible appointment. You may change the vendor with whom your funds are invested by completing the ARP Vendor Change Form by December 15.
 

Have there been any recent changes to this benefit?

No.
 

What would cause this benefit coverage to end?

Transfer to an ineligible position or leaving the university.

 

What happens to this benefit when I leave OSU?

You may be eligible for a retirement benefit or refund, contact your ARP vendor for details.

 

Who do I call for more information about this benefit?

Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center (enrollment and eligibility verification, forms, plan booklets)
 

Publications and Forms

Find Benefit publications on the "Publications" page and related forms on the "Forms" Web page.
 

This information is intended to be a summary of plan provisions. For additional information, refer to plan booklets available online and through the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center.

 
 
Life Events
The Life Event Web site provides you with information to consider when major life changes like retirement, marriage, or termination of employment occur. Each page lists your options, tells you who to consult with questions, links you to forms and publications, describes how to make changes to your benefits, and more.

BENEFITS