Virginia Retirement System | Emergency Dispatchers

Disability Coverage Changes for Emergency Dispatchers

Recent legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly (Acts of Assembly, Chapter 190) will change how disability coverage is provided to emergency dispatchers working at public safety answering points (PSAPs).

Background

Effective July 1, 2026, all eligible dispatchers employed by a participating political subdivision—regardless of their current Virginia Retirement System (VRS) plan—will be covered under the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) or an employer’s comparable plan, unless they opt out.

Currently:

VRS Plan 1 and Plan 2 dispatchers are covered under VRS disability retirement.
Hybrid Retirement Plan dispatchers are already covered under VLDP or a comparable plan and will see no change.

New WindowNew WindowCompare: VLDP vs. Disability Retirement

Who Is An Emergency Dispatcher?

An emergency dispatcher is defined as:

A 911 dispatcher.
Employed by a VRS-covered locality.
Working in a public safety answering point (PSAP), who has satisfied the VDEM training requirements.

Current Dispatchers

Employed on June 30, 2025, and July 1, 2025

Opt-Out Opportunity

Current members eligible to opt out of VLDP and remain in VRS disability retirement.
Opt-out period: February 1 – March 31, 2026.
If no action is taken, coverage will default to VLDP or a comparable plan on July 1, 2026.
The decision is irrevocable.

Opt-Out Process

Members will receive an opt-out form from their employer.
VRS will provide an opt-out form for employers to issue to members who must make a decision.

Waiting Period

One-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability under VLDP starting July 1, 2026.

Disability Retirement Before July 1, 2026

Dispatchers who retire on disability before this date will remain in VRS disability retirement.

New Dispatchers

Hired Between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026

Automatically covered by VLDP or a comparable plan starting July 1, 2026.
Not eligible for the opt-out period.
Covered under VRS disability retirement through June 30, 2026.
Must satisfy a one-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability under VLDP beginning July 1, 2026.
Dispatchers who retire on disability on or before July 1, 2026, will remain in VRS disability retirement.

New Hires After July 1, 2026

Automatically covered by VLDP or a comparable plan.
Must satisfy a one-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability under VLDP.

Information for Employers

Communicate any changes to gap coverage or leave accrual policies to dispatchers who will be moving into VLDP and must satisfy the one-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability.

Job Aid

This resource provides detailed information about the implementation process for employers.

VLDP vs. Disability Job aid for Employers

Webinar: Understanding Disability Benefits for Emergency Dispatchers

January 21, 2 p.m.

Budget Considerations

Beginning July 1, 2026, employers will incur additional costs for dispatchers transitioning into VLDP or a comparable plan. Your monthly snapshot will reflect these changes, so it’s important to assess in advance any impacts on internal processing and budgeting.

Member Resources

Feature	VRS Disability Retirement	Virginia Local Disability Plan (VLDP)
Type of Benefit	A monthly defined benefit (pension) for members who are permanently disabled and unable to perform their job duties.	Partial income replacement during periods of disability. Includes short-term and long-term benefits for work-related and non-work-related injuries and illnesses.
Benefit Eligibility	Eligible from the first day of employment. Must have a disability that is likely to be permanent.	Work-related claims: Covered from first day of employment. Non-work-related claims: Covered after one year of continuous participation.
Medical Approval and Review	Must be approved by the VRS Medical Review Board. Ongoing medical updates may be required.	Administered by Alight, or your employer’s comparable plan provider. Requires medical documentation that supports your inability to work and may include rehab or return-to-work support.
Catastrophic Condition	N/A	Applies if you cannot perform at least two daily living activities or have a severe cognitive impairment. Raises income replacement to 80%.
Short-Term Disability	N/A Check to see if your employer provides short-term disability insurance.	Covers up to 125 workdays. Pays 60% of pre-disability income during the first five years of employment. Increases after five years. Pays 80% of pre-disability income for catastrophic conditions.
Long-Term Disability	N/A Instead, you retire on disability (with no minimum age or service requirements) and receive a monthly defined benefit (pension).	Begins after short-term disability coverage ends. Pays 60% of pre-disability income. Pays 80% of pre-disability income for catastrophic conditions. Ends when medically ineligible or you reach the age and service requirements to retire.
Service Credit	Does not accrue while retired on disability. If you return to active employment, credit may be granted for that period.	Continues to accrue during both short-term and long-term disability, until you reach the age and service requirements to retire.
Offsets	Benefit may be reduced by workers’ compensation. Your Social Security disability status determines the benefit amount.	Benefits may be reduced by Social Security Disability Insurance, workers’ compensation or other income.
Survivor Benefits	You may elect a survivor option when you retire on disability.	No separate survivor benefit through life of claim. VRS death-in-service benefits may apply.
Health Insurance Credit	Available if you meet eligibility requirements and if offered by your employer.	Available during long-term disability if you meet eligibility requirements and if offered by your employer.