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HELPS Federal Tax Break for Retired Fire and Paramedics
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HELPS Federal Tax Break for Retired Fire and Paramedics

Retired fire and EMS personnel may reduce their taxable income by up to $3,000 for qualifying medical, accident, or long‑term care insurance premiums paid during the year. This tax benefit is available under the Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety Retirees (HELPS) Act. Following the 2022 Secure 2.0 legislation, premiums no longer need to be deducted directly from the pension payment to qualify. Premiums paid directly by the annuitant are eligible. This reduction does not appear on the annual 1099‑R Tax Statement. Retirees must claim it on their personal Form 1040. Retirees are encouraged to consult a tax advisor. The FABF cannot provide tax or legal advice regarding premium deductibility.

Tier II Wage Caps Effective for 2026 Tier II Wage Caps Effective for 2026 1099R Distribution Completed 1099R Distribution Completed
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2025 Board Meetings

To review Board Meeting dates and documents, please click the link below.

Board Meetings

Report to Participants

Member Trustee Election Information

Under provisions of the Illinois Pension Code, an election was held to fill the office of the Annuitant Member Trustee of the Retirement Board. The new term will run from December 1, 2025, through December 1, 2028.  Click here to see the certified results.

Click here to see the posted election notice for more details

Only one active member candidate registered a ‘Statement of Candidacy’ for the Fall Election. Accordingly, the Election Committee recommended that he be affirmed as the winner of the Active Member Trustee Election. His new term runs through December 1, 2028. Click here to see the certified results.

Click here to see the posted election notice for more details

Pre-Retirement Seminar

The 2026 Spring Pre-Retirement Seminar is scheduled to be held at Guaranteed Rate Field (Sox Park) in the Wintrust Conference and Learning Center. The date for the seminar is Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Registration is limited to 120 and we are at capacity for the spring event. We have tentatively set the Fall Pre-Retirement Seminar for September 27 at the same venue. Please register with the Fund via email at seminar@fabf.org to confirm participation or cancel if your plans have changed. 

Click here for more information and planning materials

CFD Retiree Memorial

Observed Holidays

Office Closed:

  • New Year's Holiday Observed
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
  • Lincoln's Birthday Observed
  • President's Day
  • Pulaski Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth Observed
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day/Indigenous People Day
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
  • Christmas Holiday Observed