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Web Policy

Statement Regarding Website Accessibility

The Virginia Retirement System strives for a website with an accessible design, which allows as many people as possible to use technology regardless of disability, age or functional limitation. This website is complying with the Technical Standards from Section 508 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, Web-based intranet and internet information and applications (36 CFR § 1194.22), as well as conforming to the XHTML 1.0 Transitional standard. Section 508 addresses accessibility for people who have visual, hearing, motor or speech disabilities.

Notice Regarding Document Accessibility

Despite our efforts to comply with Section 508 Standards, VRS may not be able to fully comply in all areas.  In these instances, hard copy documents are available for those unable to access information directly from this website.  Simply 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

This website is maintained by the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). The pages, materials and screens featured on this site are copyrighted by VRS. 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 name, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), and logos featured on this site or in VRS publications are trademarks 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 is collected automatically about your visit, including but not limited to the following:

Collection of this information helps us improve the content of the VRS website and understand how customers use VRS Web pages. By doing this, we can alter and improve the site for use by our customers.

Data Collection Test

Currently, VRS is testing 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

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. To disable this type of cookie, 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. 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 is a defined benefit plan under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which also is subject to change

E-mail Security

Do not send confidential or personal information, such as a Social Security number, via e-mail from your computer, through the VRS website or through secure areas of the site. VRS will send only non-confidential replies.

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

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

To request information from VRS covered by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), please call 1-888-VARETIR (1-888-827-3847), ext. 3123. To learn more about FOIA, visit the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council website.

Linking Policy

This website includes hyperlinks to other websites that are neither controlled nor sponsored by the Virginia Retirement System. They are included on the VRS site solely as a reference, research or information tool 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

Some of the content provided on the VRS website requires the following plug-ins, or separate browser components, to view properly. These are free plug-ins:

Privacy Statement

The Virginia Retirement System (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 and services 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 Virginia Freedom of Information Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Personal information, such as name and Social Security number, is collected solely to administer benefits and services, including online services.

Security

VRS employs 128-bit encryption to protect the information on the secure site. This is standard industry technology that creates a secure environment for the transfer of information from your computer to VRS.

You can tell you are on a secure page by looking at the symbol at the bottom of the Web page. There will be a key or lock displayed on secure pages. Only submit data if these signs are present.

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

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. Occasionally, maintenance is necessary on other days of the week as well. VRS will post an announcement on the website if the maintenance window will impact website availability by more than 15 minutes.

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