How to designate beneficiaries at OPERS

Covers 4 state-pension accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online

OPERS

Subsidiary of State of Ohio

opers.org
OPERS logo

OPERS Member Services

Mailing Address

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, 277 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215

OPERS Member Services

Mailing Address

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, 277 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215

OPERS Member Services (Report a Death)

Mailing Address

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, 277 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Verified Jul 2026

Estate planning with OPERS centers on two elections: the retirement option that sets a continuing survivor benefit, and the beneficiary designation for any lump-sum death benefit. Both are recorded with OPERS and take precedence over a will, so reviewing them after major life changes is essential.

OPERS has 4 pension benefits with different estate transfer rules. Here is how beneficiary designations, trust ownership, and probate apply to each one.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Sources

Data sourced from OPERS primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.

Download these OPERS instructions

Download instructions for the whole estate

A printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against OPERS primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.

Estate planning articles

Learn how to protect your OPERS accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.

More estate planning resources

Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.

Use Calculator

Who Inherits Without a Will?

Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.

Use Calculator

How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.

Use Calculator

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Will Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.

Compare Costs