Stafford Schools is dedicated to supporting your retirement journey. We're here to assist and guide you through this important transition. Whether you have questions about your benefits, need assistance with paperwork, or require any support, our team is ready to help. Your smooth and stress-free retirement experience is our priority. Feel free to reach out, and let us make this next chapter in your life a seamless and enjoyable one.
Thinking about retirement? Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into this new chapter of life and explore the fantastic benefits awaiting you through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)!
Our benefits team is here to make sure you're well-informed and supported throughout this exhilarating transition!
Dive into your retirement planning with personalized guidance from a member of our benefits team to make sure you're well-informed and supported throughout this exhilarating transition. You can also connect with a VRS retirement counselor at 1-888-827-3847 or visiting the Virginia Retirement System website . By clicking on the myVRS link, you'll unlock your member VRS Account, granting access to thrilling features like tailored benefit estimates, cutting-edge retirement planning tools, life insurance insights, and much more, all at your fingertips!
Now, if you're set and raring to go, take the leap by completing the Resignation and Retirement Form. This move notifies Human Resources of your plans, ensuring you receive all the necessary paperwork to make your resignation/retirement process a success!
Retirement isn't just a destination; it's an adventure waiting to unfold. Let's make every step exciting and memorable. Reach out for any assistance or guidance you need as you gear up for this thrilling new chapter!
Congratulations on reaching this wonderful milestone of retirement! Your journey into this new chapter is filled with exciting possibilities.
As you embrace this incredible phase, know that the Benefits team is here, ready to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to us with any queries or concerns you might have. Your comfort and peace of mind matter to us, and we're dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable retirement.
If there are any changes in your circumstances or if you've moved, please don't hesitate to update us using The Retiree Information Update form or MUNIS Employee Self Service to notify Stafford Schools. You can conveniently send it via email to knutsonca@staffordschools.net or fortincm@staffordschools.net, fax it to 540-658-6600, or mail it to 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA 22554. We want to make sure your records remain current and accurate. You will need to take additional steps to update the Virginia Retirement System.
Additionally, if you're considering returning to Stafford County Public Schools, the VRS guide on "Working After Retirement" is a valuable resource that addresses common questions and concerns you might have. We're here to provide the guidance and information you need to make informed decisions about your post-retirement plans.
Once again, congratulations on your retirement! We're thrilled for this new phase of your life and are honored to continue supporting you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your retirement should be filled with joy and relaxation, and we're here to ensure it's everything you've dreamed of.
The first step is to submit your Resignation and Retirement Form.
The Benefits Team will coordinate a meeting with you to discuss and finalize your retirement paperwork.
Reminder: VRS asks that all retirement applications be submitted 90 days in advance of your retirement date to allow for processing and to guarantee your first pension payment is made on time.
You may rescind your retirement through VRS, until your actual retirement date. For information about rescinding the retirement from your Stafford County Public Schools position, please contact the Office of Human Resources & Talent Development.
Normally, final contract pay (pay-off mid-school year) will be the first of the month after your final work day. If you retire at the end of the school year, you will receive your regular checks as outlined below.
• Ten month employees - final contract pay August 1.
• Eleven month employees - final contract pay August 1.
• Twelve month employees - final contract pay July 1.
Your retirement data sheet will ask you if you would like to have your eligible leave paid out or if you prefer to donate it to the sick bank (form in package). If you check yes under Section 5 of your data sheet, payout for unused leave will be made on the next available payroll after your last contract pay with the exception of end of the school year retirements. End on the school year retirements will have unused leave paid on the July 1 payroll. Pay for eligible unused leave is processed as wages and will be added to your July 1 payroll. All applicable payroll taxes apply.
*Sick leave and personal leave is paid out at $35.00/day for full-time contracted employees and $17.50/day for part-time employees. Employees must have 5 years of consecutive employment with the school division prior to retirement to be eligible for payment. Vacation leave is paid out at your daily rate, regardless of years of service. VRS Hybrid members are not eligible for sick leave payout.
VRS requires a bona-fide 30-day break in your contract from your current employer. This break must include 30 days when you would normally be working.
• 10-month employees –may return to non-covered work with SCPS on September 1
• 11-month employees – may return to non-covered work with SCPS on September 1
• 12-month employees – may return to non-covered work with SCPS on August 1
As a VRS retiree, you will forfeit your retirement benefits if you work more than 80% of a full-time position for any employer who participates with the Virginia Retirement System. The 80% rule applies to contracted positions, work as a substitute or hourly employment.
Employees with at least five (5) consecutive years of full-time service may continue health coverage with the same plan or a lower tier plan than that they had on their retirement date. If you were covering a spouse or child at the time of retirement, they may also remain on the plan with you.
*Categories are Employee only, Employee and one child, Employee and children, Employee and Spouse, and Family. Retirees pay the full premium amount of their selected health coverage. Subject to annual price adjustments. Retirees and may also continue with their choice of group dental plans offered through Stafford Schools.
No, the decision to discontinue enrollment is irrevocable.
Enrollment into Medicare A & B for an eligible retiree and/or their dependent is mandatory in order to continue health coverage with the school division. If the retiree and/or dependent has current Medicare A & B coverage, no further action is needed.
If the retiree and/or dependent is eligible but has not enrolled into Medicare A & B (Deferred coverage), then Special Enrollment Period (SEP) forms and an application from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be needed.
Representative will complete the employer form for you, upon request. Both forms must be mailed or submitted together.
Stafford County Schools offers a Medicare B supplement plan which includes coverage for the co-payments and deductibles that Medicare does not pay (Medicare F); and for prescription medications. (Medicare D)
Applying for Social Security is different for everyone. To create and access your own Social Security information visit my Social Security online.
You can only create a mySocial Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create
or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission. You can never share the use of your account with anyone else under any circumstances. Unauthorized use of this service is a misrepresentation of your identity to the federal government and could subject you to criminal or civil penalties, or both.
Retiree may also be eligible for Health Insurance Credit and/or Group Life Insurance benefits.
Currently*, the school division offers assistance to the retiree only with the continuation of health coverage through the division. Reimbursement Plan design can be found in Policy and Regulation #4706.
*Subject to annual Fiscal Year budgetary and design approval.