Firefighters' Unified Retirement System (FURS) provides retirement, disability, and death benefits to all members. FURS is a defined benefit plan. A percentage of your pre-tax paycheck goes into your account, which will be managed by the Montana Board of Investments. When you retire, your benefit will be calculated using a formula based on your highest 36 months of salary and years of service.

Membership is mandatory in FURS if you are a full-paid firefighter employed by a first or second-class city; or a city or rural fire district that elected to join FURS. In the case of a city or fire district choosing coverage under FURS, existing firefighters can elect to become a member of FURS within 90 days of the effective date of the city’s or district’s election. If you were hired after the effective date, you are required to be a member of FURS.

FURS membership is optional if you are a part-paid firefighter. As a part-paid firefighter, you may elect membership in FURS within 90 days of first becoming a part-paid firefighter. After becoming an active member, you must remain a member until you terminate service as a firefighter.

If you are an active member of FURS, you cannot be covered under any other mandatory retirement plan. This includes any retirement plan to which an employer is required to contribute on your behalf.

LINK TO MPERA and FURS

FURS HANDBOOK LINK