19-17-401. Eligibility for pension and disability benefits. (1) To qualify for pension and disability benefits under this chapter, a member shall meet the requirements of subsections (2) or (3) and (4).
     (2) (a) For full pension benefits, a member must have completed at least 20 years' service and must have attained 55 years of age, but need not be an active member of a fire company when 55 years of age is reached.
     (b) A member who is prevented from completing at least 20 years' service may qualify for partial pension benefits if the member has completed at least 10 years' service and has attained 60 years of age, but need not be an active member of any fire company when 60 years of age is reached.
     (3) An active member of a fire company whose duty-related injury results in permanent total disability is eligible, regardless of age or service, to receive a disability benefit.
     
     (4) To receive pension or disability benefits, a volunteer firefighter may not be an active member of any fire company. A volunteer firefighter who receives pension or disability benefits under this chapter may not become an active member of any fire company.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 65, L. 1935; re-en. Sec. 5158.4, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 118, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 161, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 46, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 80, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 199, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 48, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 22, Ch. 157, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 489, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 11-2023(2); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 177, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 66, Ch. 464, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 283, L. 1993; Sec. 19-12-401, MCA 1991; redes. 19-17-401 by Code Commissioner, 1993; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 175, L. 1995.