Employer Update

Effective July 1, 2026, legislation (Acts of Assembly, Chapter 190) changes how disability coverage is provided to emergency dispatchers at public safety answering points (PSAPs).

All eligible dispatchers employed by participating political subdivisions will move to the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) or an employer’s comparable program, unless they opt out.

Opt-Out Period: February 1-March 31

• Dispatchers employed on June 30 and July 1, 2025, have a one-time opportunity to opt out and remain in disability retirement.
• VRS will provide opt-out forms to employers in early 2026. Forms must be completed by employees and returned to you by March 31, 2026, then certified and sent to VRS promptly.
• Employees who take no action will automatically move to VLDP on July 1, 2026.
• Important: This decision is irrevocable.

Dispatchers hired on or after July 1, 2025, will move to VLDP or a comparable program on July 1, 2026, and cannot opt out. Employers should counsel these employees about the change.

Action Steps for Employers

• Encourage employees to update contact information in myVRS to ensure timely communication.
• Prepare to administer the opt-out process and certify forms.

Resources

• Sign up for our webinar, January 21 at 2 p.m. This session will help clarify employer responsibilities related to administering the opt-out period and offer practical guidance for implementation and counseling. (Access a recorded version of the September webinar.)
• The VLDP for Emergency Dispatchers webpage includes legislation details, a side-by-side comparison of disability retirement and VLDP, and employer guidance.
• Questions? Email DispatcherVLDP@varetire.org.