Employer Update

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

Currently, dispatchers in VRS Plan 1 and Plan 2 are covered under VRS disability retirement. Hybrid Retirement Plan dispatchers are covered under the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) or an employer’s comparable plan.

Effective July 1, 2026, all eligible dispatchers — regardless of their current VRS plan — may be covered under the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) or an employer’s comparable plan.

Coverage for 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.

Coverage for 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.

Coverage for Dispatchers Hired 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.

Budget Considerations

Beginning July 1, 2026, employers will incur additional costs for dispatchers transitioning into VLDP or a comparable plan, so it’s important to assess any impacts on internal processing and budgeting. For VLDP-participating employers, your monthly snapshot will reflect these changes. For employers offering a comparable plan, please consult your plan administrator.

Upcoming Webinar

A webinar for affected employers will be held later this fall to review the legislation and outline the action steps employers need to take. This session will help clarify responsibilities and provide guidance for implementation.

Questions?

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