Make Sure Your ERFCDirect Account Is Set Up
You'll need access to your ERFCDirect account to complete the retirement process. If you haven't already done so, set up your account using a personal email address and not your FCPS email, which won't be accessible when you're no longer an active FCPS employee.
Log in or create an ERFCDirect account
1 Year Before
- Download and print your plan's retirement checklist to guide you through the process.
- Gather the following documents:
- Birth certificate, REAL ID, Virginia driver's license, government-issued identification card, or passport for you and your survivor (if applicable)
- Survivor's Social Security card (Survivor Option Only)
- Marriage certificate (Survivor Option Only)
6 Months Before
Before you begin the retirement process with FCPS, we recommend running estimates for both ERFC and VRS to see both pension amounts for your retirement date.
Please Note: If you change your mind after submitting your HR-2 retirement form in FCPS StaffConnect, you’ll need to request approval to rescind your retirement and stay in your position. You may not be able to stay in your current position or location.
Step 1: Begin the Retirement Process With FCPS
To formally start the retirement process, go to FCPS StaffConnect to electronically submit your HR-2.
- Under “I want to submit a(n),” choose “Retirement from FCPS (HR-2) form.”
- Under “What is your retirement system(s)?,” choose ONE of the following:
- ERFC and VRS
- ERFC Only
- VRS Only
- Your “Last Work or Separation Day (Retirement)” is the last day of the month you’ll stop working at FCPS, which is the day before your retirement date. For example, if you want to retire at the end of the school year, your retirement date would be July 1. Your last work or separation day would be June 30 (not the last day of school).
- Fill out the additional fields, sign, and submit.
Step 2: Complete Your ERFC Online Retirement Application
Once your Retirement from FCPS (HR-2) form submission in FCPS StaffConnect is approved, you’ll receive an email from ERFC telling you to log in to ERFCDirect to complete your online retirement application (located under Online Forms on the left, or in the Retirement Eligibility box at the top). You'll also be assigned an ERFC retirement specialist.
Need Help With Your ERFC Online Retirement Application?
Schedule a Retirement Session
Once you receive confirmation that your retirement is approved, we're happy to answer any questions you have as you complete the ERFC online retirement application. Call us at 703-426-3900, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to request a virtual or in-person appointment with your assigned retirement specialist.
You're not required to meet with a retirement specialist in order to retire. It's completely up to you.
Questions About Your ERFC Pension Before You Retire?
Schedule a Question Session
At any stage in your career prior to initiating the retirement process, you can meet with a retirement specialist for a 30-minute Question Session. Call us at 703-426-3900, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to schedule one. You can choose a virtual appointment or meet with a staff member in person at the ERFC office. A few things to note:
- The session will only cover ERFC-related information. If you have questions regarding VRS, FCERS, or FCPS HR Benefit information, please contact those organizations directly.
- ERFC cannot provide financial advice regarding taxes, estate planning, or retirement date selection. Please contact a professional tax or financial advisor to help you with those questions.
- Before the session, please run your retirement estimate in ERFCDirectso that your retirement specialist can discuss that information with you.
Questions About Health Care Benefits in Retirement?
Contact the FCPS Human Resources Benefits Office
FCPS offers comprehensive benefits to eligible retirees. Visit the Retirees page for information about eligibility requirements, medical and dental benefits, life insurance, and medical plan subsidies. The FCPS Human Resources Benefits office handles all questions regarding your health care in retirement.