Returning to Work
In certain cases, VRS retirees can return to work in critical shortage positions and continue to receive a retirement benefit. These positions are full-time and temporary, and you will not earn additional service credit. There are two types of critical shortage positions:
- Teacher or school administrator
- Bus driver
Retirees interested in critical shortage positions must meet certain requirements. These requirements are listed in the Retiree Handbook and on the VRS website at varetire.org/rtw. Select Critical Shortage in the Key Topics section. You do not have to be retired from these positions to return to work in one.
As a retiree, you can work for any employer that does not participate in the Virginia Retirement System, such as a nonprofit organization or private company, and continue to receive your retirement benefits.
If you return to employment with a VRS-participating employer, your options include:
- Returning in a critical shortage position as listed above, following a 12-month break in service.
- Returning as a retiree school security officer following a 12-month break in service. Open only to retired sworn law-enforcement officers. Positions are full-time. You will continue to receive your retirement benefit, but you will not earn additional service credit.
- Returning to covered employment. Your retirement benefits will stop, and you will become an active member. Returning to active employment will affect your accrued COLAs and may impact your benefit amount when you retire again.
- Returning to non-covered, or part- time, employment after a break in service of at least one full calendar month over a period you normally would work. You can continue to receive your retirement benefits.
Watch the “Considerations Before You Return to Work” presentation at varetire.org/rtw to understand how your benefits may be impacted. You can also call VRS at 888-827-3847.
