Info Sessions Coming to Explain Disability Changes for Dispatchers

October 2025

Illustrative. A firetruck speeds along a road toward the right side of the image. Sunlight streams through trees with autumn leaves in the background.

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).

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.

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 – March 31, 2026. The decision is irrevocable.
If no action is taken, coverage will default to VLDP or the employer’s comparable plan 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 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.

Sign Up for Our Webinar

VRS will hold online sessions to help clarify employer responsibilities and offer practical guidance for implementation.

You can choose from two live session dates to attend the presentation. A recorded version will also be available after the October session.

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.