Announcements
Updated Plan Handbooks Now Available
VRS member handbooks and guides reflecting the latest legislative and administrative changes are available on the VRS website. With the exception of the VRS Member Guide, you can recycle older print versions of VRS handbooks and guides you may have. They are no longer valid. Issue dates are found on the back cover of VRS publications, so look for the latest July 2025 editions.
Don’t Delay: Set Your Beneficiaries
Updating beneficiary information is a simple step to help ensure your VRS benefits are handled according to your wishes. Check your designations in the following places after major life events such as marriage, divorce or the death of a beneficiary:
- myVRS: Update beneficiaries for your VRS pension benefits and any VRS Group Life Insurance proceeds.
- Defined Contribution Plans: Update beneficiaries for your Hybrid Retirement Plan defined contribution component or plans such as the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Virginia Cash Match Plan, if you participate.
Use Benefit Scout to Determine Optional Life Insurance Needs
With Life Insurance Awareness Month right around the corner in September, now’s a great time to make sure your optional group life insurance coverage still meets your needs.
Benefit Scout® is a free online tool from Securian Financial that helps you understand your options and choose the amount of coverage that works for you.
If your employer offers the benefit, visit Securian to access the tool as well as information about coverage options, rates, beneficiary designations and the process for answering health questions.
Three Tips to Boost Account Security
VRS takes steps every day to protect your personal and financial information. You can add an extra layer of security by following these three simple tips. Visit the Security Center for more.
1. Be alert for unsolicited counseling services.
VRS has received reports of companies contacting members via email or phone offering retirement counseling or insurance products. Such companies are not affiliated with VRS.
Remember:
- VRS never makes unsolicited calls or home visits.
- All VRS counseling is free to members and retirees.
- Official VRS mail comes on letterhead.
- Emails come from "varetire.org” addresses with the VRS logo.
Please exercise caution with unsolicited retirement planning offers. To verify whether a communication is from VRS, call 888-827-3847.
2. Register your online account(s).
Registering your online accounts, if you have not already, helps VRS keep your information secure. As a security best practice, log in to myVRS and your DCP Account, if applicable, at least every 90 days to check your account activity and change your passphrase. Read this issue’s Your Turn to Ask for more details.
3. Keep contact information up-to-date.
Keeping your contact information current in both accounts helps ensure that VRS can reach you with important updates and that only you have access to your personal information. Whenever there is a change to your address, phone number, email or bank account information, update your VRS account(s) immediately to reflect the change.
Be sure to periodically review your beneficiary information, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce or the death of a loved one.
