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The State Board for Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers administers the Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers Relief and Pension Act (RCW 41.24)
2024 Board Meetings
There are currently no upcoming meetings scheduled.
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Latest Updates
Pension Benefits Set to Increase
As of February 1, 2024, BVFF received the needed ruling to implement the pension benefit enhancements that were passed during the 2020 Legislative Session. The proposed changes and effectives dates are outlined below. For more detailed information please reach out to our office staff.
- Effective February 1, 2024 Increase of pension calculations: All current and future beneficiaries will see an increase
- (# of payments * $10) + $100= Base Amount
- Effective February 1, 2024 cap of pension payments is removed. Members still active as of February 1, 2024 with 25 payments are eligible to begin making payments into the pension program again.
- January 1, 2025 annual fees for disability and pension will increase
- Required disability: increase from $30 to $50
- Optional pension: increase from $60 to $90
New Benefits Administration System in Development
BVFF has contracted Pension Technology Group (PTG) to develop and implement a new benefits administration system. This system will support and bolster BVFF’s ability to process annual reports, accept fees from municipalities, review claims, manage the pension program, certify retirements, and authorize payments for relief and pensions.
For our municipalities, this new system will mean improved customer service and an increased efficiency in the way BVFF reviews claims. It will also produce a better user experience, streamlining communication between municipality staff and BVFF as well as provide a suite of self-service tools.
Please check back here regularly for updates as development continues. We will also post links to helpful resources such as user guides and training videos to help staff jump into using the new system as quickly as possible. An early training video of the system was distributed the middle of August. If you would like to view this short video on what to expect please reach out to Hailey at haileyb@bvff.wa.gov. A training seminar will also be held during the WFCA annual conference at Tulalip resort on October 26.
Please contact me at haileyb@bvff.wa.gov with any questions.
Request for email contact information - Flyer
Database Replacement Project Infographic- Infographic
Database Project- FAQs
Video Tutorial- BVFF Training Video
PTSD/Mental Health Claims
If you or one of the volunteers with your municipality is experiencing a difficult time after a call response or training event and needs to seek professional counseling services there are benefits available. Under RCW 41.24 mental health claims are reported the same way a physical injury is reported. Benefits are available as long as the medical services are needed as a result of their volunteer fire/EMS or reserve law enforcement service. The claim must be reported within the ninety (90) day reporting window of either the original incident or the most recent triggering event; this will keep the claim open for one (1) year. BVFF must receive or pay on a claim (bill resulting from medical services rendered) within the one (1) year period to keep the claim open. If no billing claim is received or paid within the one year period that claim will close. It could be resubmitted if there is another triggering event at a later date. Please call our office with any questions.
Proportional Share
GASB 67 changed the way that local governments have to report their proportional share of pension system assets and liabilities. Your department's proportional share of pension system assets and liabilities can be accessed through the following links:
- FY23 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)
- FY22 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)
- FY21 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)
- FY20 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)
- FY19 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)
- FY18 (sorted by fire districts, city fire departments, police departments, sheriff's departments, EMSD's)