Refund of Contributions

Employee Refunds

A participant who resigns or is discharged from service before age 50, or a fireman with less than 10 years of service who withdraws before age 57, is eligible for a refund of their contributions for annuity and spouse’s annuity plus interest and the increment increase. The 1/8 of 1% contributions for ordinary disability benefits is non-refundable. Any participant shall be entitled to such refund until he re-enters service or until his annuity is fixed. To request a refund application, please email info@fabf.org. 

A participant who receives a refund of contributions and later re-enters service may restore prior service credit by repaying the refunded amount, plus interest at the actuarially assumed rate compounded annually, within two years after date of re-entry into service. If repayment is not completed within this two-year period, the Fund will recognize the re-entry date as the entrance date for all applicable purposes under the Code. For repayment assistance, contact benefits@fabf.org.

A participant who is unmarried at the time of retirement is entitled to a refund of contributions for spouse’s annuity purposes.

Beginning January 16, 2004, the widow of a participant who received a refund of contributions for widow’s annuity at the time of his retirement is not eligible for widows’ benefits unless the refund is repaid to the Fund, with interest at a rate of 4% per year compounded annually, from the date of the refund to the date of repayment. The marriage must exist for at least one year prior to the participant’s death for a spouse to be eligible for benefits. Benefits commence upon the death of the participant and receipt of repayment.