All eligible dispatchers employed by a participating political subdivision covered under the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) or an employer’s comparable program, unless they opted out of VLDP coverage between February 1 and March 31, 2026.
If you were employed as an Emergency Dispatcher on June 30 or July 1, 2025, the following applies:
You could opt out of VLDP coverage between February 1 and March 31, 2026
If you took no action, you were automatically enrolled in VLDP or a comparable plan effective July 1, 2026
A one-year waiting period applies for non-work-related short-term disability starting July 1, 2026
Dispatchers already receiving disability retirement benefits were not affected
Hired between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026
If you were hired hired between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, the following applies:
Automatically covered by VLDP or a comparable plan as of July 1, 2026.
Were not eligible for the opt-out period.
Were covered under VRS disability retirement through June 30, 2026.
A one-year waiting period applies for non-work-related short-term disability starting July 1, 2026.
If you retired on disability on or before July 1, 2026, you remain in VRS disability retirement.
Hired on or after July 1, 2026
If you were hired after July 1, 2026, the following applies:
You are automatically enrolled in VLDP or an employer’s comparable program
A one-year waiting period applies for non-work-related short-term disability
Dispatchers Coverage FAQs
What are the differences between VRS Disability Retirement and VLDP?
VRS Disability Retirement
Allows eligible members to retire if you cannot perform your job duties due to an illness or injury that is likely to be 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.
You are considered to be disabled during the first 24 months of a VLDP claim if you cannot perform all of your job duties on a full-time and full-duty basis. After 24 months, you are considered disabled if you cannot perform the duties of any job for which you are qualified.
What if I change positions or employers after July 1, 2026?
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.
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.
When will my eligibility for disability benefits begin?
Non-Work-Related Eligibility
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.
Work-Related Eligibility
Began July 1, 2026, or on your start date as an emergency dispatcher.
Plan Comparison
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: Covered from first day of employment.
Non-work-related: 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
Provides 80% income replacement for severe cognitive impairment or inability to perform 2+ daily living activities.
Short-Term Disability
N/A
Check to see if your employer provides short-term disability insurance.
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.
