Members may be eligible for severance benefits under the defined benefit component of their plan if they are involuntarily separated from employment. Involuntary separation is a layoff because of a budget reduction, agency reorganization, workforce downsizing or another cause not related to job performance or misconduct. Members should see their human resource office for eligibility details.

Special waiver for selected positions

If you hold one of the following positions, are involuntarily separated from employment for reasons other than cause and are credited with 20 or more years of service credit at the time of termination, you may be eligible to retire with an unreduced benefit as early as age 60. Your employer must certify your eligibility on the Certification of Exception from General Early Retirement Provisions (VRS-8) . If you return to covered employment, you will be subject to the normal provisions for unreduced or reduced retirement under your plan, unless you are in a position that qualifies for this special waiver:

• Agency head appointed by the governor, a state board, commission or council
• School superintendent
• County, city or town manager or attorney
• Constitutional officer (if your position is abolished)

More Information

Hybrid Retirement Plan Handbook .

VRS