Volunteer Firefighter Pension Fund
Volunteer Firefighter Pension Fund supports Colorado local governments with state matching contributions to locally funded pensions, helping them offer retirement benefits to attract volunteer firefighters.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Preferred deadline for timely contribution) | May 31, 2027 (Final deadline for late applications)
Funding Amounts: Statutory state match of up to 90% of qualifying local contributions, subject to caps; may be $0
Summary: Supports Colorado local governments’ volunteer firefighter pensions through state matching contributions based on local tax revenue.
Key Information: Only qualifying volunteer firefighter pension plans are eligible; other Length of Service Award Plans (LOSAP) are excluded.
Description
The Volunteer Firefighter Pension Fund helps Colorado local governments offer retirement benefits to attract volunteer firefighters. Administered by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the program supplements locally funded pensions with state matching contributions under C.R.S. 31-30-1112. The match is based on tax revenue contributed to the pension fund in the previous calendar year, rather than a uniform award for every applicant.
The calculation considers the pension’s normal monthly retirement benefit, qualifying local contributions, and statutory limits. Funds paying benefits above $300 per month also require actuarial information. DOLA has administered and disbursed these contributions since July 1, 2004, when responsibility transferred from the Fire and Police Pension Association.
