Retiree News

As a retiree, you can work for any non-VRS employer and continue to receive your monthly benefit. However, if you return to work for a VRS-participating employer, certain rules apply.

Work in a Non-Covered VRS Position

VRS-participating employers offer both covered and non-covered positions. Covered employment is a full-time permanent, salaried position, while non-covered employment is typically a part-time position.

Returning to covered employment with a VRS-participating employer means you will become an active member. Your monthly defined benefit payment and any VRS defined contribution plan distributions will stop.

However, you may be eligible to work in a non-covered position with a VRS-participating employer and continue to receive your retirement benefits.

When returning to a non-covered VRS position, you can work no more than 80% of the hours required of a full-time employee in the same or a comparable covered position. Employers define the hours applicable for all positions.

If you return with the employer from which you retired, you must have a bona fide break in service of at least one calendar month. The Commonwealth of Virginia, including all state agencies and public colleges and universities, is considered the same employer. You cannot have a prearranged agreement to return to work with your former employer.

Fill a Critical Shortage or School Security Role

You may be eligible to return to work full time in a critical shortage position or as a retiree school security officer at a Virginia public school. If you qualify, you will continue to receive your monthly retirement benefit, but you will not earn additional service credit or be eligible for VRS member benefits. Positions are full-time and temporary (non-covered) for the current school year.

There are three types of critical shortage positions:

• Teachers, including principals and assistant principals.
• Specialized student support positions, including school nurses and other licensed health and behavioral positions employed by the school board.
• Bus drivers.

Eligibility details apply. For example, you must have a break in service of at least six consecutive months between your retirement date and the date you wish to work in a critical shortage position.

For complete eligibility details and an overview of how your benefits may be impacted, see Working After Retirement. Watch the Considerations Before You Return to Work video available on this webpage.