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