In This Edition
Coming in June: myVRS for Retirees
Retirees will soon have secure online access to their retiree information through myVRS. They’ll be able to:
- View their cost-of-living adjustments.
- View their benefit payment information.
- Check tax withholdings.
- Check on their life insurance, health insurance and health insurance credit.
VRS will promote retiree access to myVRS in August with a special edition of Retiree News. We’ll link you to the special edition when it’s available so you can spread the word about this new online retiree resource to employees getting ready to retire.
myVRS Retirement Planner Communications Now Available
With the recent publication of the spring 2008 Member Bulletin, members are starting to learn more about the myVRS Retirement Planner. The spring issue focuses on planning for retirement and includes a special insert on the features of the myVRS Retirement Planner.
You also now have available content you can use in your employee communications. From the Employer Resources page of the VRS Web site at www.varetire.org, you can download PDF versions of myVRS Retirement Planner information to distribute to your employees. Or, copy information directly from the screen and paste it into your e-mail, newsletter or intranet.
Enhanced Benefits for All Deputy Sheriffs Effective July 1
VRS recently mailed political subdivision employers a list of deputy sheriffs in their localities who are eligible for enhanced benefits for hazardous duty positions. Review the list to ensure it is complete, make any changes and return it to:
Ben Howard, Employer Coverage CoordinatorP.O. Box 2500
Richmond, Virginia 23218
804-697-6686
Upon receiving the list from the employer, VRS will update each deputy sheriff’s member record to reflect the changes in their benefits.
Senate Bill 1166, passed by the 2007 General Assembly, stated that political subdivision employers provide enhanced benefits for all deputy sheriffs by July 1, 2008, unless they have:
- A supplement that exceeds the allowance set forth in the Code of Virginia.
- The same level of benefits to all deputy sheriffs, including those whose salaries are not funded or reimbursed in part by the Compensation Board.
The contribution rates for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, which VRS sent to employers in February, reflect the required coverage for deputy sheriffs.
If you have questions regarding the enhanced benefits for your deputy sheriffs, employer contribution rate or the list of deputies, please contact Ben Howard at bhoward@varetire.org.
Employer Reporting Officers: Tips for Efficient Reporting
Do you submit Monthly Membership Reports (VRS-1500s) to VRS? You can make sure your reports are accurate and timely by observing the following:
When reporting new employees
Verify Social Security numbers of new employees. Erroneous Social Security numbers cause delays in posting of member contributions. In addition, employees cannot create a myVRS account until the Social Security number is verified and corrected.
When submitting Error Adjustment Reports (VRS-1501) to correct a member’s record
When submitting Error Adjustment Reports (VRS-1501), make sure the handwriting is legible. VRS staff keys this information manually. Forms that are easy to read speed processing and eliminate the need to contact you with questions.
If you submit your 1501s electronically, include the prior month’s adjustments. Do not submit a paper VRS-1501 in addition to the electronic version to make the same adjustment. Doing so can cause an error on the member’s record and create a reconciling item on your agency’s Statement of Account.
When reporting salary changes
Annual salary is a required data element on your Monthly Membership Report. Prompt reporting of salary changes helps ensure information on your employees’ annual Member Benefit Profiles (MBPs) is correct. It also ensures that VRS has the latest information for calculating benefits, counseling members and displaying member information in myVRS.
When planning system upgrades
If you plan to use a new or upgraded payroll reporting system to submit your report, notify the VRS Employer Reporting department at 1-888-VARETIR (827-3847) before submitting the payroll report. VRS will assist you to ensure your payroll report is compatible with the VRS system and check for errors that might delay your processing.
Learn More about Employer Reporting 
526kb
Your Turn to Ask
Q: The cost letter VRS sends to employees inquiring about purchasing prior service credit states that one type of prior service that may be purchased is military service. Isn't military service granted at no-cost?
A: No. The distinction is between military service and military leave. Military service is defined as a period of active duty U.S. military service during which an individual was serving full-time for a period of at least 180 consecutive days.
The cost to purchase military service is 5 percent of the member’s compensation at the time of the purchase or average final compensation, if higher. If not purchased within three years of eligibility, the service must be purchased at actuarial cost. It follows the same rules as other types of prior service.
Military leave, on the other hand, is defined as a period of time during which a member was granted an official leave of absence from a VRS-covered employer to serve in the armed forces. The active duty military service can be granted at no cost and be counted towards vesting and a service retirement benefit upon reentry into a covered position. The member must return to covered employment within 12 months of honorable or general discharge, submit a copy of the DD214 and apply for the service by filling out an Application for Purchase of Prior Service Credit (VRS-26) 78kb.
Ask your question
To submit a question, send an e-mail to the editor. Only questions of a general nature are published. If your question is an individual case or involves sharing any personal information, such as Social Security number, do not use e-mail. Instead, call the VRS Customer Contact Center at 1-888-VARETIR (827-3847) or contact your Employer Representative.
Back to top
