Volunteer Firefighters' Compensation Act (VFCA)
Montana Codes Annotated Title 19, chapter 17
The VFCA is a statewide retirement and disability plan. This compensation plan was established in 1965 and is governed by Title 19, chapter 17, MCA. All members are unpaid volunteers and the State of Montana is the only contributor to the plan. Benefits are established by state law and can only be amended by the Legislature. The VFCA provides pension, disability and survivorship benefits for all volunteer firefighters who are members of qualified volunteer fire companies in unincorporated areas, towns or villages under the laws of the State of Montana. Benefits are based on eligibility and years of service. Member rights are vested after ten years of credited membership service. VFCA also provides limited medical expenses for injuries incurred in the line of duty.The 2005 legislature amended the law (effective 4/25/2005) so that members of the VFCA can accumulate more than 20 years of service (with a maximum of 30 years). A member that chooses to retire and draw a pension benefit may return to service with the volunteer fire department without loss of benefits. A returning member may not be considered an active member. A brief summary of eligibility and benefits follows:
| VFCA Summary of Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Years of Service required and/or Age eligible for benefit |
|
| Additional Retirement | After April 25, 2005, members that have greater than 20 years of service credit (with a maximum of 30 years) may receive additional benefits (maximum benefit $225) |
| Vesting | 10 years |
| Benefit | $7.50 per year of service |
| VFCA Contribution Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| State | |||
| 5.0% of fire insurance premium taxes collected on certain fire risks. | |||
