DRS Notice 25-016, FAQs regarding volunteer firefighter participation in DCP
Applies to: Fire Protection Districts and Municipal Fire Departments
Subject: DRS Notice 25-016, FAQs regarding volunteer firefighter participation in DCP
The following FAQs provide additional information related to DRS Notice 25-014.
What if volunteers are issued a 1099? Are they eligible to participate in DCP?
No.
What if volunteers are issued W-2? Are they eligible to participate in DCP?
Yes.
I thought only wages could be contributed to DCP. We pay a stipend, does that stipend qualify to be contributed to DCP?
If the employer pays the volunteer through payroll and a W-2 is issued, then it can be considered compensation and can be contributed to DCP.
What if the volunteers are paid quarterly? Can they participate in DCP?
Yes. Volunteer firefighters who are paid monthly or quarterly can enroll with the online enrollment form and set up regular contributions.
What if the volunteers are paid annually or semi-annually, can they participate in DCP?
Yes. For this type of pay schedule, the volunteer must submit a Lump Sum or Leave Cash-Out Deferral Form to DRS at least 30 days before each pay date. After DRS has processed the form, employers will see the request on their DCP Change Report.
How should the volunteer complete the Lump Sum form?
On the form, the volunteer should indicate the amount they want deferred. They will need to submit a new form each time they are paid (annually or semi-annually) to submit a contribution to their DCP.
Where can I find instructions on how to submit a DCP Change Report and schedule a payment?
Instructions are saved here: Submit an Interactive DCP report and schedule a payment.
Who should the volunteer contact if they have questions?
Send an email to: drs.meddcpinfo@drs.wa.gov or call 800.547.6657 or 360.664.7000, option 5.
