Edit 1/1/2023: Information in this article has been updated to include information specific to the Statewide Retirement Plan.
On April 1, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB20-1044 into law. This bill, sponsored by FPPA, provides a number of retirement security measures that will benefit the thousands of Colorado first responders enrolled in our Plans. One provision in particular has led to a number of questions from interested Members and Employers: The Rule of 80.
Simply put, the newly created Rule of 80 will allow some of our state’s longest-serving firefighters and police officers to claim a normal retirement as early as age 50, compared to the ‘normal’ age of 55. But how does it work? Who qualifies? Why did FPPA create this feature? These are the questions we’ll answer in this post. So, first things first…
How does the Rule of 80 work?
To explain the Rule of 80, let’s first recap the definition of Normal Retirement. Under the Statewide Retirement Plan, a Member is eligible for a full, unreduced benefit when they reach 55+ years of age and 25 years of service in the plan. This is essentially the standard for Normal Retirement. Members who do not meet this requirement could instead claim an early or vested retirement. Definitions for those types of retirement can be found in the Plan brochure.
The Rule of 80 is essentially a new, additional definition for Normal Retirement. This definition allows a Member to qualify for a normal, unreduced pension benefit if their age and years of service add up to at least 80, starting at age 50. The age and service combinations that qualify are shown in this chart:
Previously, Members who would have qualified for the Rule of 80, and couldn’t wait to collect their pension until age 55, would have instead been forced to take a reduced, vested benefit.
When does the Rule of 80 go into effect?
Members in the Statewide Retirement Plan: Defined Benefit Component became eligible to claim a Rule of 80 retirement on January 1, 2021. Hybrid Defined Benefit Component Members became eligible on January 1, 2023
How will we pay for the Rule of 80?
This feature will be funded by an increase in Member and/or Employer contributions depending on the Component. These increases are described at ForwardWithFPPA.org (review this page for Defined Benefit and Social Security Component Members, and this page for Hybrid Defined Benefit Component Members)
Is the Rule of 80 available with any other retirement plans?
The Rule of 80, as described on this page, is available to applicable Members of the Statewide Retirement Plan. Separately from the actions described here, Members of the Colorado Springs New Hire Pension Plan: Fire Component, elected to add the Rule of 80 to their Plan in 2022. More information can be found in the Plan brochure.
Can Members participate in DROP or Deferred Retirement under the Rule of 80?
The short answer is yes. As explained above the Rule of 80 is basically a new definition of Normal Retirement. Therefore, all features and tools available to Members claiming a Normal Retirement are included under the Rule of 80.
There are, however, additional details and things to consider when completing DROP or Deferred Retirement under the Rule of 80; if this is something you’re considering, please get in touch with our staff to discuss your options.
Why did FPPA pursue this feature?
As described on this page, FPPA created the Rule of 80 as a nod to Colorado’s longest-serving first responders:
“In order to qualify for an unreduced benefit under the Rule of 80, a firefighter or police officer would most likely need to begin working at an FPPA department in their early 20s, and then work their entire career as a first responder in Colorado. In many cases, working as a first responder for so long takes an enormous physical and mental toll, and often these Members must consider taking a reduced, early retirement. This rule would help to reduce such instances and reward these Members’ service.
Due to the requirements, not all of our Members would be eligible to claim a Rule of 80 retirement, but those that do will be among the longest serving public safety officers in Colorado. Our goal is to allow them to end their career on their own terms, perhaps even a few years earlier than most with an unreduced pension benefit.”
Do you have additional questions about the Rule of 80? Get in touch with us!
Ryan Woodhouse is the Content and Publications Manager for the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado. When not managing content for FPPA, Ryan can be found fly fishing in the Colorado high country or shouting at the TV during University of Wisconsin football and basketball games.