When an employee terminates employment with Fairfax County, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the previous employee has certain rights. All contributions the member has made into the retirement system, and any interest earned, belong to the member.

The number of years of contributory service determines the member’s options.

Less than 5 years of service:

• A terminating member with less than 5 years of eligibility service into the retirement system has two options:
  • Request a refund of all contributions and any interest payable.
  • Request a rollover of all contributions and interest into a qualified retirement plan, thereby avoiding potential penalties and tax implications at that time.

5 or more years of service:

• A terminating member who has 5 or more years of eligibility service has three options:
  • Request a refund of all contributions and any interest payable.
  • Request a rollover of all contributions and interest into a qualified retirement plan, thereby avoiding potential penalties and tax implications at that time.
  • Leave all contributions and interest in the Employees’ Retirement System for a deferred vested benefit, beginning at age 65.

If you are leaving or have already left Fairfax County employment, you should review the Options for Terminating/Separating Members information sheet. Members who are vested should review the Deferred Vested Retirement section of the Active Employee Retirement Handbook (page 21).