Retiree Resources
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RETIREE BENEFITS
A retiree elected to take survivor benefits with their pension. Is the benefit calculated at the current yearly payment or is it calculated on the pension payment when they first retired?
It is calculated at the current yearly payment.
HEALTHCARE STIPEND
If nothing has changed in my healthcare status, why is it necessary for me to file for the city stipend every year?
This is the City policy to file every year.
LIFE INSURANCE
A retiree elects to take the city life insurance in retirement. What is the maximum and minimum payment the beneficiary will receive? Is the payment based on the current yearly pension figure or the amount when they first retired?
These questions are based on the decisions an individual makes when they retire and make their life insurance selection. They can try reaching out to City HR for clarification and answers.
EMPOWER (formerly Prudential) PENSION INFORMATION
The May 2024 pension increase was due to the 3% COLA (cost of living adjustment). There was an IRS change that requires all retirees to complete an updated W-4P form as of 2022 or later. The W4-P form tells Empower how federal taxes should be withheld. If the retiree did not take action Empower was obligated to start to withhold taxes at a default rate (single with no adjustments) regardless of their marital status. We’ve included the W-4P form that should be completed and returned to Empower to update the tax withholdings to the level the retiree would prefer and this should mitigate the issues they are seeing in their pension checks. Learn more here.
CANCER PRESUMPTION
A retiree is diagnosed with a heart and/or lung ailment or cancer that is covered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is within the window of coverage. Who do they notify and what steps need to be taken to ensure they receive the benefit?
Please see the Code of Virginia § 65.2-402: Presumption as to death or disability from respiratory disease, hypertension or heart disease, cancer: Website link
For more information about this VA code, see the IAFF’s website about Presumptive Disability Law in Virginia here.
IAFF Cancer-Related Resources
The IAFF-ACS collaboration provides resources, tools, and prevention techniques to help protect firefighters with the hope of preventing future disease while providing critical patient support services across the country to improve the quality of life for firefighters living with cancer and advocating for improved access to care.
IAFF Presumptive Health Initiative: www.iaff.org/presumptive-health
IAFF Resources on Occupational Cancer: www.iaff.org/cancer
What to do After a Cancer Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with cancer is an overwhelming experience as it becomes the focal point of your life for an undetermined amount of time. Navigating this journey can be difficult, and feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear are common. Here are some resources to support you or a loved one during a cancer diagnosis.
IAFF & The American Cancer Society: www.iaff.org/fightcancer
National Firefighter Registry for Cancer: www.iaff.org/cancer/national-firefighter-registry
IAFF Support Line: (877) 901-7848
PENTAGON 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS
A retiree is diagnosed with a condition or illness related to 911. Who do they contact in order to begin the paperwork filed and benefit paid for a covered condition?
Victim's Compensation Fund
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation to individuals (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who were present at the World Trade Center or the surrounding New York City ("NYC") Exposure Zone; the Pentagon crash site; and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site, at some point between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and who have since been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.
The VCF website has forms and resources including a step-by-step guide for claimants; information needed to register, file, and monitor the status of a claim. Members and retirees who were at the Pentagon and families can go here to make claims for losses related to 9/11 illnesses. Learn more on their website: https://www.vcf.gov
World Trade Center Health Program
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors. Find more information on their website: www.cdc.gov/wtc/index.html
Barasch & McGarry Attorneys
Lawyers for firefighters and other victims of 9/11. Find more information by calling 212-385-8000 or visit their website: www.post911attorneys.com
Information from the Civil Division of the Department of the US Justice regarding 9/11: www.justice.gov/civil/vcf
Click the ‘+’ to expand each section.
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Please reach out to our Retiree Representative, Michael ‘Weezee’ Shaffer at mikeshaffer5@gmail.com, who is happy to answer any questions.
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Please notify the fire department and reach out to us. You can contact us through the contact form below, or email info@afdlocal2141.org.
Contact Alexandria City at DHR.Benefits@alexandriava.gov for health & life insurance benefits and Retirement@alexandriava.gov for Pension Benefits.
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The retiree dues cover the cost of a retired/alumni membership with the IAFF and the VPFF. Local 2141 does not charge for being an active retired member of our local.
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See this link for information on getting PFF license plates in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. If you are in a different state, please visit your state’s DMV website for information.
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Please reach out to Dylan Kempton at d.kempton@afdlocal2141.org with any updates to your contact information, especially your mailing address and email address.
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Once you are no longer an active employee, you will not receive a pay stub because you are no longer an active employee. Any payroll related questions should be addressed to: payroll@alexandriava.gov
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This is a requirement to continue to receive the City Subsidy and verify coverage. Please see Retiree Insurance Program Handbook for information on the City Of Alexandria's Retiree Benefits. This information is provided to all retirees at their exit interview.
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The benefit is based on the salary at that time the employee retires and if the retiree is eligible to continue life insurance into retirement. For further details and clarification on eligibility, click here. Each retiree's eligibility is different.
Alexandria City Retirement & Pension Contacts
General City Retirement Email: retirement@alexandriava.gov
Retirement Administrator: Kadira Coley - 703-746-3879
Pension Accountant: Nicole LaPoint - 703-746-3895
Health and Life Insurance Benefits: Call 703-746-3785 to reach the Human Resources Benefits and Records Division.
For general inquiries about the City retirement plans, including: Virginia Retirement System, disability, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (with MissionSquare) and Social Security, call 703-746-3906 or email retirement@alexandriava.gov