Every so often, employers report that their employees have received unsolicited calls or emails from companies offering retirement counseling. Since all VRS members have access to free counseling services from VRS, there’s potential for confusion.
It’s worth repeating: Firms or individuals making unsolicited counseling pitches may be targeting VRS members, but they are not representing VRS.
VRS works every day to maintain trusted relationships with members of the retirement system. As an employer, you can help reinforce the integrity of VRS programs — and protect your employees — by educating them about the free counseling opportunities from VRS.
How VRS Contacts Its Members
Start by reinforcing how VRS and its partners reach out to members:
- Mailed correspondence will arrive by U.S. mail on official letterhead.
- Emails from VRS are sent from a “varetire.org” address.
- Educational offerings are posted on the VRS website.
- VRS does not use unsolicited calls to contact members to offer services.
- VRS staff do not go to members’ homes to discuss benefits.
- VRS also partners with Voya Financial and Securian to deliver free benefits counseling. From time to time, members may receive email or direct mail messages related to their defined contribution plan and life insurance, as applicable.
Flexible Options
Members have multiple opportunities, in a variety of formats, for retirement counseling assistance.
- Counseling services are free, whether by phone, online or in-person.
- VRS also offers free retirement planning and benefit education sessions throughout the state at colleges, universities, other public locations and the VRS offices in Richmond.
- Live and recorded webinars to assist with retirement planning are also available at varetire.org/education.
VRS is always here to help if a member has a question about whether a phone call, email or mailing came from VRS or our partners. Call VRS at 888-827-3847 for assistance.
