Ohio Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
Plan features
The Ohio Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) is a 401(a) retirement plan offered to specific groups of employees of Ohio's public universities as an alternative to the Ohio State Teacher Retirement System (STRS), the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and, where applicable, the Ohio School Employees Retirement System (SERS).
The plan highlights are only a brief overview of the plan's features and are not a legally binding document. The information in this section does not modify the terms of the plan and in the event of a conflict, the terms of the plan control.
View the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) plan details.
Take advantage today
Your specific eligibility in the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) is determined by your employer at date of your full-time employment.
As an eligible employee, you have 120 days from commencement of full-time employment to enroll in the ARP plan or you will be automatically enrolled in the state defined benefit plans. Your choice between the ARP and the state defined benefit plan is generally irrevocable once elected.
Please note that you should review your University's plan document in order to get the specific details of your plan or you may contact your financial professional.
Starting early has its advantages
Your contributions
An employee who participates in the plan is deemed to have authorized the employer to deduct a certain percentage of your compensation to be deposited as a nonelective contribution to the plan.
Employer contributions
Your employer contributes a certain percentage of your total compensation to the plan as well. The actual percentage amounts for the employee and employer contributions are determined based on whichever state system you were eligible to participate under. Please contact a financial professional for more information about contribution percentages and amounts.
Vesting
Vesting is a participant’s right of ownership to the money in his or her plan account. You are always 100% vested in employee contributions, rollover contributions, plus any earnings they generate.
For employer contributions, vesting schedules may apply. See your University's plan document for more details.
Please note that you should review your University's plan document in order to get the specific details of your plan or you may contact your financial professional.
Accessing your money
Withdrawals
Generally, the money in your account may be distributed under any of the following circumstances per your University's plan provisions:
- Separation from service
- Retirement
- Disability
- Death
Income taxes are payable upon withdrawal. Federal restrictions and a 10% federal early withdrawal penalty may apply to withdrawals prior to age 59½ unless an exception applies. Be sure to talk with your tax advisor before withdrawing any money from your plan account.
In addition, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to take Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) withdrawals from your retirement account(s) annually beginning the year you reach the RMD eligible age. RMD eligible age is:
- Age 73 if you were born January 1, 1951, or later (The RMD eligible age will increase to age 75 after December 31, 2032)
- Age 72 if you were born after June 30, 1949, and before January 1, 1951 (For individuals turning age 72 in 2023, no RMD payment is required in 2023)
- Age 70 ½ if you were born before July 1, 1949.
Important considerations before deciding to move funds either into or out of a Corebridge Retirement Services account
There are many things to consider. For starters, you will want to carefully review and compare your existing account and the new account, including: fees and charges; guarantees and benefits; and, any limitations under either of the accounts. Also, you will want to know whether a surrender of your current account could result in charges. Your financial professional can help you review these and other important considerations. Consult a tax professional before making a decision to move funds either into or out of a Corebridge account.
Loans
Loans may be permitted subject to your employer’s ARP plan document allowances. Please contact a financial professional or your employer for more information regarding loan provisions related to all of your employer's retirement plans.
Please note that you should review your University's plan document in order to get the specific details of your plan or you may contact your financial professional.
An array of investment choices
Funds & performance
The following mutual funds and the Fixed-Interest Option are available in your retirement plan. They provide you with the flexibility you need to help create a suitably diversified portfolio that matches your personal retirement time horizon, investment risk tolerance and investment preferences.
To view or print a prospectus, access “Prospectuses and Other Important Materials.” The prospectus contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information about the respective investment companies that you should consider carefully before investing. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. You can also request a copy by calling 1.800.428.2542.
RO 2767020 (03/2023)