Navigator
Online Retirement Is the Easiest Option for Many Members
Retiring online speeds up the process and allows members to bypass forms. Those who are eligible to retire online through their myVRS Accounts will see the Apply Now button when they select Apply for Retirement in the Manage My Benefits drop-down menu. If they do not see the button, they will see a message instructing them to submit a paper application directly to VRS.
Online retirement is not currently available to all members. Exceptions include but are not limited to those retiring with:
- Hazardous duty service.
- Judicial service.
- Long-term disability in their record or retiring on disability.
- Approved Domestic Relations Orders (ADRO) on file.
- Ongoing purchase of prior service agreements.
The online retirement process takes only about 30 minutes to complete. Throughout the process, members will find built-in counseling information, including videos and step-by-step guidance at key decision points.
By providing intuitive self-service features and pre-retirement counseling within myVRS, VRS also is streamlining administrative tasks for employers and eliminating manual paperwork.
Employers certify all retirements through myVRS Navigator. To certify retirements, go to the Organization menu option and select Retirement Certification. You should certify all pending retirements as you receive them, even if the retirement is dated for a future month. A screen in myVRS Navigator displays all retirements awaiting employer certification. A bulk certification feature speeds the process if you have multiple retirements.
Education and Counseling
Employers should continue to provide the normal level of counseling to employees as they prepare to retire, especially regarding individual employer benefits.
- The Applying for Retirement page provides members a rundown of the process and includes links to helpful resources.
- Several VRS webinars (recorded versions also available) cover the retirement application and planning process.
- Members also may book counseling appointments for one-on-one assistance.
