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GERS UPDATE

July 2026 Issue

Relevant news, updates, and resources for your retirement planning!

Message from the Administrator/CEO

Angel E. Dawson, Jr.

Greetings Esteemed Readers,

As we continue working to strengthen and transform the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS), several exciting updates highlight our ongoing commitment to serving our members with excellence.

The second tranche of the Limited Personal Loans Program for active members was officially launched on June 1, 2026, and ends on July 31, 2026. The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, GERS has proudly served 835 members on St. Croix, who have borrowed approximately $8,187,230.00, and 618 members in the St. Thomas–St. John District, who have borrowed approximately $5,898,651.00. We remain committed to providing meaningful financial assistance to our members while exercising prudent fiscal stewardship to preserve the long-term sustainability and stability of the System.

We are making significant improvements to our facilities. Over the next few months, visitors to our St. Thomas Complex can expect to see renovations to the restrooms and lobby that align with ADA standards, ensuring a more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable environment for anyone who visits our facility.

In addition, GERS remains on schedule with the implementation of our new Benefits Administration System, V3locity. This upgrade will introduce a significantly enhanced digital experience for both members and employers, allowing many requests and transactions to be completed conveniently online with just a few clicks of a button. This migration effort represents an important step toward improving efficiency, accessibility, and customer service.

Progress also continues with the Havensight enhancement initiative. The Greenspace component is now approximately 80% complete, with an estimated two months remaining for construction. Additionally, the bronze monument is nearing completion and is expected to be installed at the height of the high season, where it will serve as a prominent feature for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Overall, the Havensight initiative continues to move forward.

While these accomplishments are encouraging, GERS continues to emphasize the fiscal challenges associated with the reduced rum cover-over revenues, which have contributed to ongoing budgetary pressures. While these fiscal realities require careful planning and responsible stewardship, GERS remains focused on protecting the interests of our members, strengthening operations, and pursuing sustainable solutions that support the long-term stability of the System.

We remain committed to enhancing the overall member experience by delivering exceptional service and transformative initiatives that add value to the community we serve.

Until our next update, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the journey ahead.

Angel E. Dawson, Jr.

Member Self-Service is About to Get Better!

A NEW GERS SYSTEM EXPERIENCE IS ON THE WAY

GERS is continuing to move forward with the V3locity upgrade, a major modernization effort designed to improve how members and employers interact with the system and with GERS services.

V3locity is more than a system update. It is part of a broader effort to improve service, strengthen communication, reduce manual processes, and create a more modern experience over time.

For members, this will include a new Member Self-Service (MSS) experience. For employers, this will include a new Employer Self-Service (ESS) experience. These future tools are intended to make it easier to access information, complete certain actions, and stay connected to important updates.

V3locity Update for Members

As part of this transition, GERS is preparing a new Member Self-Service (MSS) experience that is intended to make it easier for members, active and retired, to connect with GERS through more modern, secure, user-friendly tools. Member Self-Service will improve how members access information, receive updates, and interact with GERS.

The most important change to note is that all members, both active and retired, will be required to create a new Member Self-Service account. To better protect your personal information, the new portal will also require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Password requirements will be shared prior to the portal's launch. MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring members to verify their identity using two or more methods before they can access their account.

V3locity Update for Employers

As part of this transition, GERS is preparing for a new Employer Self-Service (ESS) experience.ESS will support a more modern and efficient approach to employer interaction, including future payroll reporting, contribution-related activity, and other employer-facing processes.

Employers should expect future updates outlining what is changing, how employer processes may be affected, when additional preparation and support information will be available, and where to go with questions or training needs.

GERS appreciates your continued partnership and support. We will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

Did You Know?

Summer is here, and we are halfway through the year! We know life continues and circumstances constantly change, which is why it’s essential to keep your beneficiary information up to date. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or changes within your family can all impact the decisions you made previously regarding your beneficiaries.

Reviewing and updating your information regularly helps ensure your benefits are distributed according to your current wishes and can help prevent unnecessary complications for your loved ones in the future.

Our goal is to make the process simple, clear, and stress free so you can feel confident that your information is current and protected. See below for more details.

Switching agency jobs this summer? See below for the important tip we have for you! Ensuring you thoroughly understand the Transfer Clause to avoid a break in service during your transition.

We also understand that switching positions can become overwhelming, especially when it comes to questions about transferring your service credits or other important records. The good news is you don't have to navigate it alone. At GERS, our customer service team is more than happy to help answer your questions, and help ease any concerns you may have along the way.

Customer Service

Do you have questions about your membership, service credit, retirement eligibility, online self-service registration, or GERS Educational Webinars? Get in touch with Customer Service today. We are here to serve you.

Call us directly at 340-693-3939 or send an email to customercare@usvigers.com. Kindly allow up to 24 hours for a response to emails sent outside of our regular office hours.

The Customer Service Team provides real-time communication via telephone, email, and in person. Overall, the team's goal is to provide you with accurate, courteous, accessible, and responsive service.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gersvi1959

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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gersvi1959

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@governmentofthevirginislan1118

Why Member Self-Service?

How much do you have in your retirement account?
Do you have beneficiaries listed?
Does GERS have my employment history?
Where can I locate a copy of my 1099R?

The answer you're looking for is Member Self-Service.

To sign up, please refer to the following instructions.

Go to www.usvigers.com and click on "Member Self-Service.

Enter your Username and Password and click on Log In

If you do not have a Member Self-Service account, click on "Register" and be guided by the prompts (enter your Social Security Number, Last Name, Date of Birth, and then click on "Validate".)

If you've forgotten your password, please contact Customer Service by telephone at (340) 693-3939 or via email at customercare@usvigers.com.

To update your primary address, phone number(s) and email(s), click on "Change" under "Contact Information".

You can also update your personal information by selecting "View/Update Your Personal Information" under "You and Your Beneficiaries".

Annual Statements

Your annual statement has been electronically delivered to your email on file. Please check your inbox and junk/spam folders for emails from V3locity SMTP (v3smtp@usvigers.com). To ensure you receive future communications, please add this email address to your safe sender list.

If your email address or mailing address has changed, please update your information in Member Self-Service. You can also access your Annual Statement by logging into your Member Self-Service.

Go to www.usvigers.com, select Member Self-Service, log in to your account, and click on Review Your Document History under You and Your Beneficiaries. If you experience difficulties accessing Member Self-Service or identify any inaccuracies on your Annual Statement, please contact our Customer Service Office for assistance.

Remember, your employer's contributions are as of December 31, 2025.

If you prefer a hard copy of your Annual Statement, from 2026 onward, please send an email to our Customer Service office at customercare@usvigers.com.

Click the video below to learn how to read your annual statement!

Download

What's New in Retirement In 2026: Trends Every Retiree Needs To Watch

By Andrew Rosen, Forbes

Source: What’s New In Retirement In 2026: Trends Every Retiree Needs To Watch

Retirement is no longer a singular life milestone with a clear finish line. It has become a dynamic stage shaped by policy shifts, investment innovation, demographic change, and evolving expectations about work and income. As we move through 2026, several retirement trends are gaining momentum and they may impact how people save, spend, and transition into later life.

Here are the most meaningful developments retirees and pre-retirees should keep on their radar. These trends carry implications for financial planning, lifestyle decisions, and long-term security.

Retirement Income Solutions Are Gaining Traction

One of the most notable shifts this year is the growing focus on turning retirement savings into steady income, not just accumulating a big balance. Plan sponsors and financial providers are increasingly prioritizing income solutions inside retirement plans, including hybrid target-date funds, annuity marketplaces, and structured withdrawal options.

This reflects a broader concern among retirees and near-retirees who fear their savings won’t generate a reliable stream of income in retirement. Interest in products that reduce longevity risk and market volatility is on the rise.

For today’s saver, that means thinking less about how much they have in their account and more about how they’ll convert it into a reliable paycheck.

Social Security Continues to Anchor Retirement Planning

Even as private savings take center stage, Social Security remains an essential pillar for most retirees. The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 helps offset inflation, especially for essentials like housing and healthcare.

At the same time, concern about the program’s long-term solvency remains high. A recent study found that nearly 40% of middle-income retirees are still worried about cuts or changes to benefits, despite this year’s COLA increase.

The takeaway: while Social Security plays a key role, it should not be the only source of income in retirement. Building a diversified income plan is more important than ever.

More Retirees Are Relocating Permanently

It’s not just snowbirds heading south for the winter anymore. A growing number of retirees are permanently relocating to states with lower costs, tax advantages, and more manageable healthcare systems. States like Florida, Texas, and Wyoming continue to attract long-term movers who are looking to stretch their retirement dollars. For some, this is a lifestyle choice. For others, it’s a strategic financial decision.

Whether or not a big move is on your horizon, it’s worth factoring location into your retirement planning. Tax policy, housing costs, and access to medical care can significantly impact your retirement experience.

Healthcare Costs Remain a Wild Card

Healthcare continues to be one of the largest and least predictable expenses in retirement. Yet more than 80% of retirees still don’t have a plan for how they’ll handle rising medical costs.

Medicare premiums are also on the rise in 2026, with higher out-of-pocket caps and more expensive prescription coverage adding to the challenge. These changes can easily outpace Social Security increases and eat into retirement budgets.

Incorporating health-related expenses into your broader financial plan is a must. Consider tools like health savings accounts (HSAs), supplemental coverage, and long-term care planning.

Work After Retirement Is Becoming the Norm

The traditional image of retirement as a full stop from work is becoming outdated. Today, many retirees are opting for part-time work, consulting roles, or “semi-retirement” arrangements.

This isn’t just about financial need. For many, it’s about purpose, structure, and social engagement. Flexible work arrangements also reduce pressure on savings and allow retirees to delay drawing from investments or Social Security.

If you’re planning to work in retirement, make sure it fits into your broader goals. The right approach can support your finances and enhance your quality of life.

Legislative Changes Are Expanding Options

Retirement-related legislation is also evolving. Lawmakers are proposing updates that would make it easier for savers to use 401(k) plans to purchase annuities or create guaranteed income streams without early withdrawal penalties.

Other bills focus on increasing access to retirement plans for part-time workers and simplifying required minimum distribution (RMD) rules.

These changes can significantly affect your retirement planning, so staying informed and working with a qualified advisor is more important than ever.

What This Means for Your Retirement Plan

The retirement landscape in 2026 is changing. Planning today requires more than saving and investing. It demands an understanding of how policy, costs, income, and lifestyle all connect.

Here are four takeaways to consider:

Focus on income, not just accumulation. What matters is how your savings translate into stable monthly cash flow.
Get serious about healthcare. Factor rising premiums and unexpected medical expenses into your long-term projections.
Think geographically. Your state of residence can impact taxes, estate planning, and cost of living.
Embrace flexibility. Whether it’s part-time work or shifting spending, building adaptability into your plan is key.

Retirement isn’t the end of financial planning. It’s a new beginning. And the better you understand the retirement trends shaping this stage of life, the more confidently you can live it.

Retiree Corner

Let's see how sharp your eyes are. Find 4 or more differences in the image below. Raise the stakes by setting a timer for 1 to 2 minutes. The average time to beat is 1 minute 30 seconds to find the first 4 differences. Continue past the time limit and see how many more you can find. Alright, detective the clock starts now!

Retiree Payroll Schedule

Board of Trustees

Meeting Calendar

Regular Meeting of the Board Trustees on June 25, 2026

Watch Meetings on YouTube

GERS Events

August through November schedule.

Learn More

Pre-Retirement Workshops for Actives

Successful retirement planning begins with member education. The GERS is excited to announce the 2026 pre-retirement workshops, which are designed to help you better plan your retirement. Currently, we provide three workshop topics, rotating twice per month.

The Transitioning to Retirement Workshop is open to active members who are 6 months to 1 year away from retirement.
The Pre-Retirement Workshop is open to active members at any stage in their career.
The Countdown to Retirement Workshop is open to active members who are at least 2 years away from retirement.

AARP Financial Wellness Workshops

The AARP VI Financial Wellness Series 2026 are virtual financial education classes, presented by AARP Virgin Islands in collaboration with the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) of the Virgin Islands, which shares tips on saving and financial planning, managing and protecting your assets, planning for retirement, and estate-planning strategies. The sessions are FREE and open to the public, 18 and older.

Attention All Agencies!

Do you prefer an in-person workshop to learn more about GERS benefits and your retirement options? GERS is excited to collaborate with you. We offer onsite presentations and outreach events to keep your team informed. Contact us today at (340) 693-3939 or email membereducation@usvigers.com to schedule a session!

Schedule Your Outreach

GERS Stats

GERS' Bottom Line as of

May 15th Payroll

Total Actives	9,036
Total Retirees	8,790
Bimonthly-Retiree Payroll	$11,482,162.45
FY Total Number of Refunds	70
Total Refunds Paid	$732,513.18
Total Death Benefits	2
Death Benefits Paid	$49,042.97
Fiscal Year to Date Total Return Ending	8.7% as of May 31, 2026

The GERS funded status, is the level of accumulated assets that have been set aside for the payment of retirement benefits to employees. The GERS funded status is at 13.2%.

Investment Strategy