New Members
Welcome to FPPA! The Fire & Police Pension Association provides retirement and death & disability benefits to first responders across the state of Colorado. Whether you’re fresh out of the academy or new to an FPPA-covered department, now is the perfect time to learn about your benefits.
Depending on the Plan(s) you’re enrolled in, FPPA provides Defined Benefit (aka pension), Deferred Compensation (self-directed investment account, similar to a 401(k)), and Death & Disability (24/7 coverage, on- and off-duty) benefits. Benefits in FPPA’s Plans are funded by monthly payroll contributions from Members and their Employers during their career.
Unsure what Plan(s) you’re enrolled in? The easiest way to learn what plan you’re in is by logging in to the Member Account Portal. Once you’re logged in, you can see your Plan(s), name or update beneficiaries, and use our calculators to estimate your future retirement benefits.
Defined Benefits (Pensions) in the Statewide Retirement Plan and the Colorado Springs New Hire Pension Plan are calculated using a Member’s age, years of service, and Highest Average Salary. Put simply, the more years you pay into the Plan, the larger your eventual benefit payment will be. The, when you retire, you’ll receive a portion or your salary each month until you pass away (or longer if you select a survivor benefit).
Deferred Compensation (DC) benefits are determined by the amount of contributions paid in and investment performance. In these plans, account balances are invested in the market during and after your career and can be withdrawn in retirement. FPPA’s DC Plan assets are held at Fidelity and are self-directed, meaning that you’ll make your own investment decisions for your account(s).
Benefits in the Statewide Death & Disability Plan vary based upon several factors like the nature/severity of the injury and whether the contributing incident happened on- or off-duty. But in general, beneficiaries in this Plan are paid a percentage of salary either for life or until the Member recovers.
Note for Volunteer Fire Plan Members: While FPPA administers these plans on the department’s behalf, actual benefits vary by department. For specific questions contact your department, or find general information on the volunteer departments page.
Get Started on Your Retirement Plan
Take these actions now to jump start your retirement readiness:
- Set up your account in MAP (Member Account Portal) and/or Fidelity
- While you’re there, name a beneficiary for your FPPA benefits
- If you have a DC account at Fidelity, name a beneficiary there as well. Beneficiaries do not carry over between FPPA and Fidelity
- Consider enrolling in an additional retirement savings plan, like FPPA’s 457 Plan (if offered by your employer)
- Contact FPPA with any questions