19-17-403. Application for benefits. (1) A member may, as provided in this section, apply for retirement benefits before terminating service, but commencement of the benefits must be as provided in 19-17-411.

(2) A member, surviving spouse, or dependent child shall apply for benefits on a form provided by the board.

(3) The application must contain:

(a) the name, address, and date of birth of the member, surviving spouse, or dependent child;

(b) the date of birth of the member;

(c) the date of the member's death, if applicable; and

(d) the fiscal years during which service as an active member is claimed and the names of the fire companies with which the service was rendered.

(4) The board may require any proof of age, death, and service that it may consider proper, but it must accept a certificate properly completed and timely filed under 19-17-112 as prima facie proof of service.