Employer Update

On January 1, 2026, the Hybrid Retirement Plan’s auto-escalation feature will increase member contributions by 0.5% to the Hybrid 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. This increase occurs every three years until members reach the maximum 4% contribution, which qualifies them for the full 2.5% employer match.

You can help by encouraging members to increase their contributions now to take full advantage of the employer match sooner and the long-term retirement benefits that it provides.

How It Works

Members hired on or before November 1, 2025, and entered into myVRS Navigator by October 28, 2025, will be subject to auto-escalation unless they are making a voluntary contribution of 4% or are already participating in SmartStep for automatic increases.

Opting out: Members who do not want an automatic increase can opt out between December 1, 2025, at 9 a.m. and December 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. (This period is shorter than in previous years.)

Contribution election and SmartStep: Members who change their voluntary contribution election or make a SmartStep election in December 2025 will not be included in the auto-escalation process. Members with a 4% voluntary election or an active SmartStep election on November 28, 2025, will not be included in the auto-escalation process.

January Processing Tips

1. Download the Deferrals Changes Report and implement the deduction changes in your payroll system prior to the first available payroll in January 2026.
2. Remit contributions following your regular payroll schedule.
3. If you are currently entering contribution amounts manually and would like to move to a batch file, please review the Voya PayCloud Manual and contact Voya Employer Support.

Questions?

Contact the VRS Employer Support Team Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET at 844-570-1482 or send an email to DCPERSupport@voya.com.