Rule 5505-7-02. Survivor benefits

111.15 (A) A surviving spouse is a wife or husband as set forth in a statutorily valid certificate of marriage or as recognized by judgment of a court establishing a common-law relationship. (B) For the purpose of this rule, rule 5505-7-03 of the Administrative Code, and section 5505.17 of the Revised Code, "child" and "surviving child" shall mean a biological child, lawfully adopted child, or child placed for adoption of a member or retirant. (C) A survivor shall apply for benefits on a form prescribed by the board, including a certified death certificate. In addition, a survivor shall provide proof of eligibility by submitting a certified marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other document that establishes marriage or parenthood. (D) Survivor benefits shall be effective the day following a member's death and the first of the month following a retirant's death. (E) The board reserves the right to deny benefits for failure to provide satisfactory proof of eligibility. Last updated October 22, 2025 at 11:52 AM Supplemental Information Authorized By: 5505.07 Amplifies: 5505.17 9/12/2030 1/1/1986