Refunds of Contributions:

Members leaving the department with less than 10 years of Fund participation may apply for a refund of pension contributions, without interest. Members leaving the department with at least 10 years, but less than 20 years, may apply for a refund of pension contributions, plus 5% simple interest.

Deferred Retirement:

Members leaving the department with at least 10 years, but less than 20 years of Fund participation may receive a deferred benefit of 1.7% of AMS for each year of participation. This benefit will be payable at 50 years of age.

Service Retirement:

Members who have at least 20 years of Fund participation are eligible to receive a monthly pension, payable at 50% of average monthly salary (AMS) for 20 years of participation plus 3% of AMS for each year of participation over 20 years, to a maximum benefit of 80% for 30 years of participation. (AMS is based on highest 78 bi-weekly pay periods.)

Disability Retirement Options (benefit eligibility will be determined by the Pension Benefits Committee):

Occupational On-Duty Disability: On-duty injury that leaves the member incapable of performing the duties of a firefighter, but may be capable of other employment. Pension benefits are payable at 50% of AMS, or normal service retirement, whichever is higher. (50% of AMS is not subject to income tax)

General On-Duty Disability: On-duty disability leaving firefighter unable to maintain any gainful employment (in current occupation or any other). Pension benefits are payable at 75% of AMS, or normal service retirement, whichever is higher. (75% of AMS is not subject to income tax)

(Heart disease, lung disease, or Cancer) Benefits may be available for full-time active members with at least six years of Fund participation if the member becomes disabled due to heart disease, lung disease, or cancer, and the member successfully passed a physical examination without any evidence of the disease before the claimed disability, or on beginning employment as a firefighter. {See Section 6(d) of the Statute} The level of disability will be determined as Occupational or General, based on medical evaluation and Committee review.

Off-Duty Disability: Off-duty injury or illness leaving firefighter unable to perform duties of a firefighter. Pension payable at 25% of AMS, plus 2.5% for each year of Fund participation. Maximum benefit is 50% of AMS, or normal service retirement, whichever is higher. (Benefit is subject to income tax)

(For further information, see “Summary Plan Description”, or call the Fund at 281/372-5100)

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