When health challenges make it difficult to continue working, support may be available through VRS to help protect your income.
The disability benefits available to you depend on your employer and position.
State Employees
Virginia Sickness and Disability Program: If you are a state employee in VRS Plan 1, VRS Plan 2, the Hybrid Retirement Plan, the State Police Officers’ Retirement System or the Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System, you are automatically enrolled in VSDP upon employment, with the exception of some university faculty. VSDP provides leave benefits and income protection if you can’t work because of illness or injury.
There is a one-year waiting period from your hire date for non-work-related disability coverage. You may want to purchase an individual policy during this time. Work-related disabilities are covered on your first day of employment.
Plan 1 members with a membership date before January 1, 1999, who did not elect VSDP during one of two open enrollment periods offered in 1999 and 2002, are covered under disability retirement.
Political Subdivisions and School Employees
VRS Disability Retirement: If you are an eligible Plan 1 or Plan 2 school division or political subdivision employee who is unable to perform your job due to a permanent disability, you may be eligible for disability retirement. You can apply from the first day of employment or within 90 days of your last day of employment.
Virginia Local Disability Program: If you are an eligible political subdivision or school division employee covered under the Hybrid Retirement Plan, or you are an eligible emergency dispatcher in VRS Plan 1 or Plan 2, you are automatically enrolled in VLDP or a comparable program provided by your employer. Check with your human resource office to see if your employer participates in VLDP or offers a comparable plan.
VLDP provides income protection if you can’t work because of illness or injury. After one year of continuous participation in VLDP with your current employer, you will become eligible for non-work-related short-term disability coverage. Your employer may offer gap coverage, or you can purchase an individual policy to ensure you have coverage during your waiting period. Work-related disabilities are covered on your first day of employment.
Additional Coverage
Most health insurance plans don’t cover services like home health care, assisted living or nursing home care — the cost of which can quickly deplete your savings.
Consider purchasing additional coverage using the Commonwealth of Virginia Voluntary Group Long-Term Care Insurance Program. At group rates, your premiums may be more affordable. You pay premiums directly to Genworth Life.
