Ohio Administrative Code
Title 5505 - State Highway Patrol Retirement System
Chapter 5505-7 - Benefits
Section 5505-7-02 - Survivor benefits

(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.