Statement Regarding Website Accessibility

The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) strives for a website with an accessible design that allows as many people as possible to use technology, regardless of ability, age or functional limitation. This website subscribes to the Technical Standards from Section 508 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, web-based intranet and internet information, and applications (36 CFR § 1194.22 Section 508) that address accessibility for people who have visual, hearing, motor or speech disabilities.

Notice Regarding Document Accessibility

Although we seek to comply with Section 508 Standards, VRS may not be able to fully comply in all areas. In these instances, contact VRS to request an accessible format. If you have suggestions for improving the accessibility of information on this website, please contact our webmaster.

Cookies

VRS uses electronic "cookies," which are simple text files that contain information related to your use of the VRS website and are required to access some VRS online services. VRS does not store any personal information in cookies.

Copyright Notice

VRS holds the copyright for the pages, materials and screens featured on this website. Visitors may download any material from this site for personal, non-commercial use. No materials may be reproduced for profit or used without the permission of VRS. The VRS and myVRS logos are registered trademarks of the Virginia Retirement System and may not be used without permission.

For permission to use VRS material, please contact the Director of Public Relations.

Data Collection

When you access the VRS website, some information about your visit is collected automatically, including but not limited to the following details:

• Your internet domain and IP address
• The date and time you visited the site
• The pages you visited
• The web address of the site from which you linked to the VRS site

Collection of this information helps VRS improve the site and its content for our customers and understand how customers use VRS web pages.

VRS is using Google Analytics on this website. Google Analytics uses a first-party cookie and JavaScript code to collect information about visitors to this site, in adherence to Google's own privacy policy. This analysis is done anonymously, and no personally identifiable information is collected.

Opting Out of Data Collection

Google Analytics uses its own cookie to track visitor interactions. The cookie is used to store information such as what time the current visit occurred, whether the visitor has been to the site before and what site referred the visitor to the web page. Some browsers will indicate when a cookie is being sent and allow you to decline cookies on a case-by-case basis. In addition to declining cookies, you can also install the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on in your browser, which prevents Google Analytics from collecting information about your website visits.

Disclaimer

VRS provides this website as a convenient method for members and the public to obtain information about the benefits and services provided by VRS and third-party administrators of VRS benefits. Every effort is made to ensure that all information appearing here is timely and accurate. However, this information is subject to change and VRS will not be held responsible for any errors.

In the event of any conflict between the information presented on this website and the laws governing retirement benefits, the law prevails. The provisions of Title 51.1 of the Code of Virginia contain the laws that govern VRS. The Virginia General Assembly makes changes to these laws periodically. VRS administers defined benefit, defined contribution and hybrid plans qualified under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which also is subject to change.

Email Security

You are not required to provide any information requested via this website. However, please be aware that some features or services, such as web forms, may not function without the requested information.

Important email notice: Do not send confidential or personal information, such as a Social Security number, via email. This communication is not secure. To protect the privacy of our customers, VRS will send only non-confidential replies.

Linking Policy

This website includes hyperlinks to other websites that are neither controlled nor sponsored by the Virginia Retirement System. The external links are included solely for their value as information, reference or research tools related to VRS' mission. Inclusion of any hyperlink should not be interpreted as an endorsement by VRS of the site, the site's sponsor, information, product or service.

Plug-ins Required to Use This Site

To ensure proper viewing, some of the content provided on the VRS website requires the following free plug-ins, or separate browser components:

Privacy Statement

VRS is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers. VRS does not sell customer information to anyone. Information is shared only with those authorized to administer benefits, services and financial education for VRS members, retirees and beneficiaries. The records maintained by VRS are protected as provided by the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act and the Freedom of Information Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit the VRS Freedom of Information Act page. Personal information, such as name and Social Security number, is collected solely to administer benefits and services, including online services.

Security

To protect your privacy on our secure websites and applications, VRS uses an Entrust Extended Validation Certificate supporting strong encryption standards protecting your browsing session.

If you have questions about the validity of our certificates, or other security concerns, contact our webmaster.

If VRS suspects there has been unauthorized access to customer information, we will contact the appropriate legal authorities.

To provide you a more secure environment, VRS supports only the latest internet browsers. If you use Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 or 9, you may not be able to access some varetire.org websites. Get the latest version of Internet Explorer.

Surveys

From time to time, VRS may request information from customers via surveys. Participation in these surveys is completely voluntary, and responses are kept strictly confidential. If you are contacted to complete a survey, it is your choice whether or not to participate. Survey information is used to monitor or improve VRS customer services and products as well as this website.

System Availability

When needed, routine maintenance of the VRS website occurs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after 6 p.m. Maintenance is occasionally necessary on other days of the week. VRS will post an announcement on the website if the maintenance window will impact website availability by more than 15 minutes.

Website Translation

Translation tools can recognize pages or sections of text in a particular language. Also, browsers and other applications can present information in the language selected. Learn how to set or change your web browser language preferences. The following document types may also be translated via document upload using Google Translate for Documents: .doc, .docx, .odf, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .ps, .rtf, .txt, .xls, or .xlsx.

Translation Disclaimer

The Virginia Retirement System website may be translated for your convenience using software powered by free website translation software available in your web browser. No automated translation is perfect, nor is it intended to replace human translators. VRS does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Some pages may not be accurately translated due to the limitations of the translation software. Text in images, PDF files, Word documents or other document types cannot be translated. VRS accepts no responsibility and disclaims any and all liability for damages that may occur due to outdated or incorrect translations rendered by any third-party services.

The official text of the VRS website is the English language version. Any discrepancies or differences created in translations are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes.