Employer Update

Disability Coverage Changes for Emergency Dispatchers
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).

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

Current Dispatchers
Employed on June 30 and July 1, 2025

• Eligible to opt out of VLDP and remain in VRS disability retirement.
• Opt-out period: February 1 to March 31, 2026. The decision is irrevocable.
• If no action is taken, coverage will default to VLDP or the employer’s comparable program on July 1, 2026.
• Dispatchers who retire on disability on or before July 1, 2026, will remain in VRS disability retirement.

New Dispatchers
Hired between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026

• Automatically covered by VLDP or the employer’s comparable program 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 employer program.
• Must satisfy a one-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability under VLDP.

For More Information

VRS has published a VLDP for Emergency Dispatchers webpage that outlines the legislation’s provisions, includes a side-by-side comparison of disability retirement versus VLDP, and provides additional guidance for employers.

If you have additional questions, email DispatcherVLDP@varetire.org.

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January 21
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This session will help clarify employer responsibilities and offer practical guidance for implementation.