Eligible emergency dispatchers at public safety answering points have a one-time opportunity now through March 31 to opt out of moving to the Virginia Local Disability Program or an employer’s comparable program.
NOTE
Opt-out forms must be completed and returned to employers by March 31. We ask that employers then certify and send forms to VRS by April 17 using Secure Send at vrssecuremessage@varetire.org to ensure timely processing of members’ elections.
Background
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 plan, unless they opt out.
Currently:
- VRS Plan 1 and Plan 2 dispatchers are covered under VRS disability retirement.
- Hybrid Retirement Plan dispatchers are already covered under VLDP or a comparable plan and will see no change.
Key Details
- Who can opt out? Dispatchers who were employed on June 30 and July 1, 2025.
- Deadline: March 31
- If no action? Employees who do not submit forms will automatically move to VLDP or an employer’s comparable program on July 1.
- Important: This decision is irrevocable.
Action Steps
- Download the opt-out form and make it available to opt-out eligible employees.
- Use this job aid for guidance on administering the opt-out process and certifying forms.
- Point eligible dispatchers to online resources that answer key questions about their coverage.
- Encourage employees to verify their contact information in myVRS.
- Questions? Email dispatchervldp@varetire.org.
