Emergency Dispatchers | Virginia Retirement System

Disability Coverage Changes for Emergency Dispatchers

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

Background

Effective July 1, 2026, all eligible dispatchers employed by a participating political subdivision—regardless of their current Virginia Retirement System (VRS) plan—will be covered under the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) 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.

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Who Is An Emergency Dispatcher?

An emergency dispatcher is defined as:

A 911 dispatcher.
Employed by a VRS-covered locality.
Working in a public safety answering point (PSAP), who has satisfied the required Emergency Medical Dispatch training that complies with the minimum standards established by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services or required trainings from the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Current Dispatchers

Employed on June 30, 2025, and July 1, 2025

Opt-Out Opportunity

Current members eligible to opt out of VLDP and remain in VRS disability retirement.
Opt-out period: February 1 – March 31, 2026.
If no action is taken, coverage will default to VLDP or a comparable plan on July 1, 2026.
The decision is irrevocable.

Opt-Out Process

Members will receive an opt-out form from their employer.
VRS will provide an opt-out form for employers to issue to members who must make a decision.

Waiting Period

One-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability under VLDP starting July 1, 2026.

Disability Retirement Before July 1, 2026

Dispatchers who retire on disability before this date will remain in VRS disability retirement.

New Dispatchers

Hired Between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026

Automatically covered by VLDP or a 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.

New Hires 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.

What are the key differences between VRS disability retirement and VLDP (or an employer’s comparable program)?

VRS Disability Retirement

Allows eligible members to retire if you cannot perform your job due to an illness or injury that is likely permanent.
Does not cover temporary illnesses or injuries.

VLDP or Employer’s Comparable Program

Provides partial income replacement if you cannot work due to a non-work-related or work-related illness, injury or other condition (including surgery, pregnancy, complications from pregnancy, catastrophic or major chronic condition).
Offers short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Focuses on helping you recover and return to full duties if possible.
Includes a one-year waiting period for non-work-related claims.

How do I opt out of VLDP?

If you are eligible and wish to retain VRS disability retirement coverage:

Request the opt-out form for VLDP (or your employer’s comparable program) from your human resource office starting February 1.
Complete the form and return it to your employer no later than March 31.

What happens to my disability coverage if I change positions or employers after July 1, 2026?

If you move to a new VRS-participating employer as an emergency dispatcher: Your election will follow you. However, if you elected VLDP (or your employer’s comparable program), you must satisfy a new one-year waiting period for non-work-related short-term disability.
If you move from an emergency dispatcher position to a non-dispatcher position: For Plan 1 or Plan 2 members, your VLDP coverage applies only while you are in an emergency dispatcher role. When you move to a non-dispatcher position, your eligibility for disability coverage will depend on the benefits associated with your new role and employer.

If I choose coverage under VLDP or my employer’s comparable program, when will my eligibility for disability benefits begin?

Eligibility for non-work-related disability coverage requires a one-year waiting period and begins July 1, 2027, or 12 months after your start date as an emergency dispatcher. If you change employers during the initial 12-month waiting period, your waiting period will reset on the start date with the new employer.
Eligibility for work-related disability begins July 1, 2026, or on your start date as an emergency dispatcher.

Feature	VRS Disability Retirement	Virginia Local Disability Plan (VLDP)
Type of Benefit	A monthly defined benefit (pension) for members who are permanently disabled and unable to perform their job duties.	Partial income replacement during periods of disability. Includes short-term and long-term benefits for work-related and non-work-related injuries and illnesses.
Benefit Eligibility	Eligible from the first day of employment. Must have a disability that is likely to be permanent.	Work-related claims: Covered from first day of employment. Non-work-related claims: Covered after one year of continuous participation.
Medical Approval and Review	Must be approved by the VRS Medical Review Board. Ongoing medical updates may be required.	Administered by Alight, or your employer’s comparable plan provider. Requires medical documentation that supports your inability to work and may include rehab or return-to-work support.
Catastrophic Condition	N/A	Applies if you cannot perform at least two daily living activities or have a severe cognitive impairment. Raises income replacement to 80%.
Short-Term Disability	N/A Check to see if your employer provides short-term disability insurance.	Covers up to 125 workdays. Pays 60% of pre-disability income during the first five years of employment. Increases after five years. Pays 80% of pre-disability income for catastrophic conditions.
Long-Term Disability	N/A Instead, you retire on disability (with no minimum age or service requirements) and receive a monthly defined benefit (pension).	Begins after short-term disability coverage ends. Pays 60% of pre-disability income. Pays 80% of pre-disability income for catastrophic conditions. Ends when medically ineligible or you reach the age and service requirements to retire.
Service Credit	Does not accrue while retired on disability. If you return to active employment, credit may be granted for that period.	Continues to accrue during both short-term and long-term disability, until you reach the age and service requirements to retire.
Offsets	Benefit may be reduced by workers’ compensation. Your Social Security disability status determines the benefit amount.	Benefits may be reduced by Social Security Disability Insurance, workers’ compensation or other income.
Survivor Benefits	You may elect a survivor option when you retire on disability.	No separate survivor benefit through life of claim. VRS death-in-service benefits may apply.
Health Insurance Credit	Available if you meet eligibility requirements and if offered by your employer.	Available during long-term disability if you meet eligibility requirements and if offered by your employer.

Disability Coverage Changes for Emergency Dispatchers

Background

Opt-Out Opportunity

Opt-Out Process

Waiting Period

Disability Retirement Before July 1, 2026

Compare: VLDP vs. Disability Retirement

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