Employer Contacts must be updated when a change occurs within your location or every six (6) months. An email from Support@Arrivos is sent in January and July each year as a reminder to update contact information via the Employer Reporting Portal.
- All
- Employer
- Member Portal
- Membership
- Death Benefits / Beneficiary
- Retired Members
- Other Types of Service
- Disabilities
- QDRO
As a security measure there is only one (1) person at each location that can edit and enter contact information. The person with permissions to update contacts will receive an email from Support@Arrivos in January and July each year as a reminder to update contact information via the Employer Reporting Portal.
See FAQ Contacts: How do I update our location's contact and user information?
Employer contacts must be updated when a change occurs within your location or at least every six (6) months. As a security measure all locations must have at least two (2) individuals listed as a contact and can only have one (1) main contact at each location that can enter and/or edit contact information.
If you are the User with permissions, please complete the following steps to edit an existing contact:
- Select “Manage Contacts & Users” option, then click "Modify" (red button)
- Select the green plus sign to the left-hand side of the contact you are editing
- Under the "Employer Reporting Portal Permissions" section, enter their email address in the "New User Name" field
- Select the appropriate option from the permissions list
- Select "Submit"
If you are the User with permissions, please complete the following steps to add a new contact:
- Select “Manage Contacts & Users” option, then click "Modify" (red button)
- Select "Add Contact" button
- Enter new Contact’s information. Note that under "Employer Reporting Portal Permissions" you must enter their email address and assign User permissions.
- Once all information is properly entered select “Submit”
Membership App: Gives the user access to the Membership Application list and ability to create and submit new applications. If you want to limit the user to enter applications for Fire only, select “Fire”; for Police only, select “Police”; or if the user will be allowed access to all, select “All”.
Wage Reporting (All): Gives the user access to view all reporting histories and submit monthly/corrected reports.
Reporting History Only: Gives the user access to view all reporting histories.
e-Payment: Gives the user access to create and submit e-Payments to LOPFI as well as the ability to add/edit financial information to the wallet.
If you are the User with permissions, please complete the following steps to delete User permissions:
- Select the red X on the right of the User’s information and respond to the confirmation pop-up and select the “Submit” button.
If you are not the main contact and need permissions to make updates, please contact LOPFI staff by phone at (501) 682-1745 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM , Monday through Friday, and request an Employer Permissions Update form.
Please complete the following steps through the Employer Reporting Portal:
- Select “Wage Reporting”, “Correct Period”
- Select “Start Correction" to the left of the appropriate report start date
Verify that the period/month you are correcting (top left hand corner) is accurate before making corrections.
- Select the green pencil under the "Edit Status" column
- Enter a "Status Change Date" and select a "Change Reason"
- Select "Save"
Once a record has been updated you will see a green reverse arrow. Once all changes have been made select “Save and Validate”, and then “Preview Bill”.
When previewing the bill, verify the “Billing Summary” and “Revision Detail” for accuracy. The amount to be added to next regular report will reflect under the “Adjustments” portion of your next bill. If accurate, select “Submit Corrections”.
If the correction was properly submitted a message will appear stating such.
To locate the submit button, please try the following:
Select the CTRL button and then scroll backwards with your mouse track ball. This should reduce the screen size (smaller) and the "Submit" button should appear. To return your screen back to the previous setting select the CTRL button and then scroll forward with your mouse track ball.
If using a tablet or other handheld device try rotating the device to bring the "Submit" button into view.
Firefox browsers will need to select the CTRL button and the minus/plus key.
Please complete the following steps through the Employer Reporting Portal:
- Select “Wage Reporting”, “Correct Employee”
- Enter information in at least one of the required fields under "Employee Search"
- Select "Search"
- Under "Search Results" select "Start Correction"
Verify that the employee you are correcting (top left hand corner) is accurate before making corrections.
- Select the green pencil under the "Edit Status" column
- Enter a "Status Change Date" and select a "Change Reason"
- Select "Save"
Once a record has been updated you will see a green reverse arrow. Once all changes have been made select “Save and Validate”, and then “Preview Bill”.
When previewing the bill, verify the “Billing Summary” and “Revision Detail” for accuracy. The amount to be added to next regular report will reflect under the “Adjustments” portion of your next bill. If accurate, select “Submit Corrections”.
If the correction was properly submitted a message will appear stating such.
If you can receive emails at the email address you login with, select "Forgot password?" below the red "Login" button and then enter your email address on the next screen. You will receive an email with instructions on changing your password.
If you can no longer receive emails at the email address LOPFI has on file, please contact LOPFI staff by phone (501) 682-1745 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and ask for an Employer Reporting Portal re-set.
Vesting is the number of years a Member must accrue to be eligible for a future retirement benefit.
- Members that left LOPFI-covered employment prior to July 1, 1998 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement
- Members that were active on July 1, 1998 and Members hired prior to July 1, 2013 have a five (5) year vesting requirement
- Members hired on/after July 1, 2013 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement
Active Members hired prior to July 1, 2019 may be awarded simultaneous service credit for both paid and volunteer service with the same location, but at separate departments (Example: Paid police officer/volunteer firefighter or a paid firefighter/volunteer police officer).
Members are limited to earning paid service credit or volunteer service credit at one (1) LOPFI-covered department at a time. A Member can choose to work at multiple volunteer locations, but may only be covered under LOPFI at one (1) location.
Members hired on/after July 1, 2019 must first attain a vested status with LOPFI before being eligible for simultaneous coverage at a second LOPFI-covered department. The maximum amount of simultaneous service credit that can be accrued is five (5) years.
If a Member dies before retirement, a benefit may be payable to the Member’s spouse and/or dependent child(ren) based on specific criteria.
If an active non-vested paid Member dies from a non-duty related cause, Member contributions will be refunded to the designated beneficiary.
If an active vested paid Member dies from non-duty related causes, a benefit is payable to the eligible spouse and/or dependent child(ren).
If an active paid Member dies from a duty related cause, a benefit is payable to the eligible spouse and/or dependent child(ren).
If an active non-vested volunteer Member dies from a non-duty related cause, there is no benefit payable.
If an active vested volunteer Member dies from a non-duty related cause, a benefit is payable to the eligible spouse and/or dependent child(ren).
If an active volunteer Member dies from a duty related cause, a benefit is payable to the eligible spouse and/or dependent child(ren).
For more information regarding survivor benefits, please refer to the Member Handbook.
It usually takes 60 days for Members to receive their first benefit payment via direct deposit. LOPFI utilizes electronic funds transfer to pay monthly retirement benefits. This method ensures your monthly retirement benefit reaches you on the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, your monthly retirement benefit will be paid on the preceding business day.
Note the direct deposit schedule can be viewed in the most recent issue of LOPFI's PensioNews.
Yes. Law allows Members to link their LOPFI service credit with other Arkansas retirement systems, which is called reciprocal service. Only 12 months of paid service credit may be recognized for each year. Concurrent or overlapping service credit will not be awarded. Participating systems include LOPFI, Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS), Arkansas State Highway Employees Retirement System (ASHERS), Arkansas State Police Retirement System (ASPRS), and the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS). To have your service credit with another Arkansas retirement system linked to your LOPFI record, a properly completed Reciprocal Service Credit form is needed. Reciprocal service credit requires all applicable retirement systems to document the service credit with their system. Once the reciprocal service credit is verified, LOPFI will send the Member a letter and a copy of the completed form.
Any active LOPFI Member who becomes totally and permanently disabled from their duties as a police officer or firefighter is eligible to apply for disability retirement. Members must apply while they are still active, or no later than thirty (30) days after termination of active LOPFI membership. Members must contact LOPFI staff between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to request a disability packet.
If a Member gets divorced and the ex-spouse is awarded a portion of the Member’s retirement benefit a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) must be filed with LOPFI. You may download a sample of the Model QDRO Language from our website. Members can either mail or email the completed QDRO that has been signed by a Judge and filed with the courts.
In order for the QDRO to be administered by the retirement system it must conform to the Model QDRO. Please contact LOPFI staff between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for more information.
No, Members may not withdraw their Member contributions for the purpose of an approved QDRO.
In order for a Member to withdraw their Member contributions they must cease LOPFI-covered employment and apply for a refund. By taking a refund of contributions, Members forfeit a future retirement benefit.
Duty disability means the Member is declared to be totally and permanently disabled from performing their duties as a police officer or firefighter. The total and permanent injury or illness arose out of and during the course of the actual performance of the duties as a police officer or firefighter under their LOPFI-covered employment.
Non-duty disability means the Member is declared to be totally and permanently disabled from performing their duties as a police officer or firefighter, but this type of disability was not the result of the Member’s actual performance of their job duties.
Duty disability:
Paid Members who are awarded a duty disability benefit with an effective retirement date on/after April 1, 2021 shall have his/her disability designated as Catastrophic Duty, Hazardous Duty, or Ordinary Duty and the monthly benefit payment calculated in compliance with the following criteria:
- Catastrophic Duty-Benefit calculated as greater of 28 years of paid service or actual service credit.
- Hazardous Duty-Benefit calculated as greater of 65% of final average pay or actual service credit.
- Ordinary Duty-Benefit calculated as greater of 15% of final average pay or actual service credit.
Volunteer Members who are awarded a duty disability would receive a benefit that is calculated as if the Member had attained 25 years of credited service (25 x current index amount).
Non-duty disability:
Paid Members and volunteer Members would be awarded a benefit based on their total credited service.
Members must meet the eligibility requirements specified in ACA 24-10-502 and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994. Arkansas code can be accessed by clicking on the Arkansas General Assembly site, which is located in the "Links" section under the "Resources" tab on our website, and click on "Search/View Arkansas Code".
Active LOPFI-covered Members that have met their vesting requirements may be eligible to purchase three (3) types of service credit:
- Former Military Personnel Service Credit - this is military service completed prior to becoming a LOPFI-covered Member
- Other Service Credit* - must be for employment as law enforcement or public safety that was not in a LOPFI-covered position
- Cadet Service Credit* - must be service that was rendered at a municipality that also has a Local Plan
Note Members may only purchase paid service and cannot purchase service credit for a period in which they were covered by a reciprocal system. Also, purchased service cannot be used towards DROP eligibility. *Service that is or will be eligible for benefit payments from another plan shall not be eligible for purchase under LOPFI.
A properly completed Miscellaneous Request form is required for all purchases and payments are made via the Member e-Payment utility. Contact LOPFI for further information on purchasing service credit.
A Miscellaneous Request form must be properly completed by the Member and department where the service was accrued and submitted to LOPFI to determine eligibility. If the service is eligible for purchase, the actuarial cost will be calculated and provided to the Member along with additional paperwork to setup a Service Financing Plan.
A Service Financing Plan is a payment agreement between LOPFI and the Member that outlines the conditions of the monthly installment option plan.
Members can only purchase paid service credit for employment that is not covered by a reciprocal system, and the Member cannot be entitled to a future retirement benefit for the proposed service to be purchased. Volunteer service is not eligible for purchase.
Note purchased service cannot be used toward DROP eligibility.
One-time each month. LOPFI utilizes electronic funds transfer to pay monthly retirement benefits. This method ensures your monthly retirement benefit reaches you on the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, your monthly retirement benefit will be paid on the preceding business day.
Note the direct deposit schedule can be viewed in the most recent issue of LOPFI's PensioNews.
Retirement benefits are direct deposited into the financial institution(s) of the Member’s choice. Members can change this information at any time by logging into their Member Portal.
See FAQ I am a retiree, where can I see/change my bank information? for instructions on how to edit/delete direct deposit information.
LOPFI-covered Members receive an annual 3% compound cost of living adjustment (COLA) each July 1st. Members must be retired a full 12 months prior to July 1st before they receive their first COLA. For example: if a Member retires July 1, 2023, they would receive their first COLA July 1, 2024; however, if a Member retires August 1, 2023 they would not receive their 1st COLA until July 1, 2025.
LOPFI will not reduce your monthly LOPFI retirement benefit due to earnings or pension(s) received elsewhere. However, Members employed by LOPFI-covered employers that do not withhold social security taxes from their paychecks could have their social security pension reduced. You should contact your local social security office to determine if any reduction will occur in your social security benefit due to receiving a pension based on non-social security covered earnings.
Members under Benefit Program 1 that are also covered by social security with their LOPFI-covered employer have a multiplier that includes a 1% temporary annuity. This means when a Member first becomes eligible for an unreduced social security benefit the 1% temporary annuity will cease.
Yes, child support can be deducted from your monthly benefit payment; however, proper documentation has to be filed through the courts and submitted to LOPFI.
Beneficiaries will need to contact LOPFI staff between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, in order to obtain the necessary paperwork.
Members can access their Member contribution information through their Member Portal.
No. Effective July 1, 2013 (Act 1065 of 2013) Member deposit accounts no longer earn interest.
If you are active under LOPFI-covered employment (including volunteer), active with another Arkansas State Retirement System, planning on returning to LOPFI-covered employment in the next 60-90 days or less, or returning/starting work with another Arkansas State Retirement System, you cannot apply for a refund of your Member contributions.
A refund of Member contributions is only available to paid service Members who terminate all LOPFI-covered service. Be certain to carefully consider if this is the best decision for you because you will forfeit all future retirement benefits applicable to the paid service that was refunded. If the decision is to proceed with a refund, the Member must apply through the Member Portal.
Refunds will not be processed until confirmation that the person actually terminated employment and all pay and Member contributions have been reported to LOPFI. All refunds are paid out using direct deposit information the Member will provide during the application process.
No, Member contributions are not available for loans. Contributions are in place to help pay for the cost of your retirement benefit.
Employer contributions are credited towards the employer’s accrued liability to help fund their employees’ future retirement benefits.
No. LOPFI is a defined benefit plan, not a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k). The plan design does not allow for additional Member contributions to be contributed into LOPFI. We encourage Members to establish sources of retirement investments such as an IRA.
Vesting is the number of years a Member must accrue to be eligible for a future retirement benefit.
- Members that left LOPFI-covered employment prior to July 1, 1998 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement
- Members that were active on July 1, 1998 and Members hired prior to July 1, 2013 have a five (5) year vesting requirement
- Members hired on/after July 1, 2013 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement
Members must meet one (1) of the following requirements to be eligible to receive a monthly retirement benefit:
- any age with at least 28 years of credited service
- age 55 with at least 20 years of credited service
- age 60 with at least 5 years of credited service or 10 years of credited service*
* Members that left LOPFI-covered employment prior to July 1, 1998 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement; Members that were active on July 1, 1998 and Members hired prior to July 1, 2013 have a five (5) year vesting requirement; Members hired on/after July 1, 2013 have a ten (10) year vesting requirement.
Active Members may elect an Early Reduced retirement benefit at age 50 with at least 20 years of credited service or at any age with 25 years of paid service (time credited as a volunteer will not allow for eligibility at any age with 25 years). The monthly benefit is permanently reduced ½ of 1 percent (.05%) for each month you are younger than age 55 (which calculates to 6% a year for each full year under the age of 55).
Members must apply for retirement or enroll in DROP through their Member Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions.
By applying online you do not have to rely on the mail system delivering your documents in a timely manner or risk your personal information getting lost. Plus, you will be able to track the process of your retirement.
Remember you must apply at least 30 days, but no more than 90 days, from the date the retirement or DROP enrollment is to become effective. All benefits are paid the 1st of each month for that month. Example: if you want to retire or enroll in DROP December 1st, LOPFI must receive your online Application for Retirement no later than November 1st. If the application is received after November 1st your retirement or DROP enrollment will then be effective January 1st.
The online retirement, DROP enrollment, or conclusion of DROP participation is a two-step process:
Step 1 - The Member submits an Application for Retirement or enrolls in DROP via the Member Portal.
Step 2 - After the application/enrollment process the Member will receive an email notice, via the email address on file with LOPFI, which alerts the Member it is time to log back into the Member Portal to complete the remaining online documents.
For retirement, the online documents include selecting your Benefit Payment Option, choosing the appropriate tax withholdings, and completing the direct deposit information. Members who are entering DROP will complete the Benefit Payment Option document to finalize their DROP enrollment. Members who are concluding their DROP participation will complete tax withholding and direct deposit information and a DROP distribution form to let LOPFI know how they have elected to have the DROP balance distributed.
Local Plan Members must contact LOPFI and request a paper Application for Retirement. A legible copy of your driver's license and social security card is required with a paper Application for Retirement as well as for any beneficiaries that you nominate. If you nominate your spouse, a legible filed marriage license copy must accompany the application.
Paid Service - Benefit Program 1 (BP1): The amount of your retirement benefit depends on how many years and months of service you have, your Final Average Pay (FAP) (36 highest consecutive months of pay within the last 10-year period of LOPFI-covered employment) and the current multiplier.
See the Member Handbook for a detailed explanation of benefits for Members covered/not covered by social security with their LOPFI employer.
Paid Service - Benefit Program 2 (BP2): BP2 is an optional Benefit Program that allows LOPFI-covered employers the ability to provide an enhanced lifetime monthly benefit for their paid police officers or paid firefighters. The same retirement eligibility requirements apply to Members covered under BP2 as the current benefit structure under BP1. Upon adoption of BP2, Members begin contributing 9.5% of their gross salary into LOPFI. Refer to the Member Handbook for a detailed explanation of the benefits under BP2.
Volunteer Service - Benefit Program 3 (BP3): An indexed $8.09 times the total volunteer LOPFI service credit (years and months). The $8.09 rate is indexed each July to reflect the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Multiply the total volunteer LOPFI service credit (years and months) by $8.09 to determine your monthly benefit. The maximum benefit for volunteer service is currently $323.60 ($8.09 x 40 years). The $8.09 rate is/was effective July 1, 2023.
Volunteer Service - Benefit Program 4 (BP4): BP4 is an optional Benefit Program that allows LOPFI-covered employers the ability to provide an enhanced lifetime monthly benefit for their volunteer police officers or volunteer firefighters. The same retirement eligibility requirements apply to Members covered under BP4 as the current benefit structure under BP3; however, those Members covered under BP4 will have an increased indexed amount. The maximum benefit for volunteer service is currently $542 ($13.10 x 40 years). The $13.10 rate is/was effective July 1, 2023.
Please log into your Member Portal and have a personal benefit estimate calculated for you!
Your Final Average Pay (FAP) is the highest 36 consecutive months of reportable pay within the last 10-year period of your LOPFI-covered employment.
The Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) allows Members to accumulate a portion of their future retirement benefit in a separate account without having to terminate their LOPFI-covered employment.
The DROP has a 10-year maximum participation which means you must cease employment at the end of the 10-year period. At the conclusion of DROP, the Member shall terminate employment and begin receiving the full monthly retirement benefit calculated at the time they entered DROP plus any applicable cost of living adjustment (COLA). LOPFI DROP participants will begin receiving a 3% compound COLA to their future monthly retirement benefit each July 1st once they reach year six (6) in DROP.
Your benefit option is elected and starts at the time of DROP enrollment. Example: If you elect benefit option A60, which has a 60-month guarantee to pay a beneficiary and you participate in the DROP for 5 years (60 months), that 60-month guarantee has been met and there will not be any benefits payable to your survivor.
LOPFI DROP distributions occur the same month as the first benefit payment.
DROP distribution will occur one (1) month after the effective date of retirement for Local Plan Members that participate in DROP. This is to ensure that Member contributions are included for the final month worked.
LOPFI will not reduce your monthly LOPFI retirement benefit due to earnings or pension(s) received elsewhere. However, Members employed by LOPFI-covered employers that do not withhold social security taxes from their paychecks could have their social security pension reduced. You should contact your local social security office to determine if any reduction will occur in your social security benefit due to receiving a pension based on non-social security covered earnings.
Members under Benefit Program 1 that are also covered by social security with their LOPFI-covered employer have a multiplier that includes a 1% temporary annuity. This means when a Member first becomes eligible for an unreduced social security benefit the 1% temporary annuity will cease.
If you have been retired from a volunteer status for at least 90 days and return to volunteer status, you will continue to receive your monthly retirement benefit; however, you will not be enrolled in LOPFI or accrue any additional benefits under LOPFI.
There are two (2) options available to retirees that return to LOPFI-covered paid employment.
Option 1:
Paid Members that retire can return to LOPFI covered employment after 30 calendar days, unless they participated in DROP, with the following provisions:
- Retirement benefit stops and will be re-enrolled in LOPFI.
- Remain re-employed for at least 12 months or more, benefit is recalculated using the additional service credit.
- Remain re-employed for at least 36 months or more, benefit is recalculated using the additional service credit and a new FAP.
- Members cannot take a refund when they are re-enrolled after retirement.
- Members can only return to LOPFI covered employment once after retirement.
- Volunteer Members can return to LOPFI covered employment after 90 days and continue to receive their monthly retirement benefit.
- Must waive any additional benefit accrual under LOPFI.
Option 2:
Act 344 of 2021 updated this return to service provision which was enacted in the 2019 session. A LOPFI retiree, including those that participated in DROP and those who used the early retirement provision, regardless of the date of retirement, may return to LOPFI covered employment without having his/her retirement benefit stopped. To be eligible to use this provision:
- The retiree must have been retired for at least 90 calendar days before resuming employment as police officer or firefighter.
- If the police officer/firefighter employee returns to employment with any of his/her previous LOPFI-covered employer(s), he/she must return to an entry level position OR to a position appointed by a mayor, city manager, or city administrator.
- The employer shall report the individual to LOPFI within ten (10) calendar days of their hiring and will be required to remit employer contributions based on the employee’s gross monthly earnings and without the aid of Premium Tax funding. Member contribution will not be required.
- This return to service provision is not available to a LOPFI disabilitant and should the police officer/firefighter employee become disabled during reemployment, he/she will not be eligible to apply for/receive LOPFI disability benefits.
The Member Portal allows Members access to their LOPFI account. Members can view their personal account information, update contact and beneficiary information, and perform various benefit estimates.
Retired Local Plan participants cannot change their beneficiary information through the Member Portal. You must contact LOPFI in order to obtain the Address, Beneficiary and/or Name Change form.
Select "Launch" under the Member Portal section on the Home page of the LOPFI website. If you have not registered your account you will select "Register as a new user".
You will be asked to validate your identity by providing a valid email address, password, social security number, last name, birth date, gender, and LOPFI status. The status options available are:
- I am currently working in a retirement system covered employment.
- I left a retirement system covered employment and am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit.
- I am currently in the LOPFI DROP program.
- I am currently receiving a survivor benefit or I am an Alternate Payee receiving a payment.
- I left a retirement system covered employment and do not receive a pension.
For added security you may enter your cell phone number or you may check mark the box stating "I don't want to use a Cell Phone Number".
After you have completed these steps select three (3) security questions of your choice and answer them. Use the drop down arrow to select questions and enter the answers in the spaces provided below. Check mark the box stating "By registering for this site, I agree to the Terms and Conditions." and select "Submit". You will then be asked to validate your Member Portal account by accessing your email account and select the email that came from Arrivos. Click on the link inside of the email to validate your account. You will then be redirected to the login screen where you will enter your email address/user name and password to login.
Once you have logged into your Member Portal, select the "Personal Information" tab located in the left hand side toolbar or select the "Update Name/Beneficiaries" or the "Update Contact Information" option located under the "I want to..." section of your Account Detail page. Add or update the information as needed in the appropriate fields provided and then select “Submit Changes”.
You will receive a message asking “Are you sure you want to submit these changes to LOPFI?” Select “OK” to submit the changes.
If the change was successfully submitted, you should receive a green checkmark stating “The change was successfully submitted to LOPFI.”
Since retired Local Plan participants cannot change their beneficiary information through the Member Portal, you must contact LOPFI in order to obtain the Address, Beneficiary and/or Name Change form.
Helpful Hints:
- You can only have one pending “Personal Information Change” at a time. If you wish to modify your change, you may remove/cancel the pending changes and submit a new one.
- To remove the pending change, select the “Cancel” button to the right of the pending change under the “Pending Changes” section.
- If you cannot see any “Pending Changes”, select the drop down arrows next to “Pending Changes”.
- Select “OK” to the prompt asking “Are you sure you want to cancel these changes?”
- If you are completing a name change, LOPFI requires a legible copy of your driver’s license and social security card reflecting your new name be submitted by mail or email (faxes not accepted).
Yes. All reported wages can be obtained by selecting the "Download Wages" button located in the Wage History section on your Account Detail page. Once you select "Download Wages" a .pdf will open that contains the wages reported to LOPFI each month by your LOPFI-covered employer (remember employers report to LOPFI a month behind). It will also provide you with your final average pay.
In your Member Portal under the LOPFI Service section on your Account Detail page select "Details". This screen provides you with the employment dates provided by your LOPFI-covered employer and your current LOPFI service credit. (Note that terminated is a LOPFI term and does not mean you were fired.)
In your Member Portal under the Total Contributions section on your Account Detail page select "Details". This screen provides you with the details regarding your contribution total.
Once logged into your Member Portal you can select the "Calculator" option listed in the left hand side menu or you can select the "Calculate a Benefit" button under the "I want to..." section of your Account Detail page. The calculator will produce a benefit estimate and provide your earliest eligible date of retirement. You will also have the ability to edit your calculation information to provide revised calculations.
Retirees must change their bank information through the Member Portal. Changes must be submitted to LOPFI by the 18th of the month to be reflected on the next month's benefit payment.
Once logged into your Member Portal select "Change Payment Method" under the "I want to..." section of your Account Detail page. This screen will provide you with your current payment method.
To update the information simply type the new routing and account number into the appropriate fields and select "Save". If you need to have more than one bank account on record please select the "Add Additional Payment Method" button and enter the required information. You will see a green checkmark if changes were submitted successfully.
Retirees must change their tax withholdings through their Member Portal. Changes must be submitted to LOPFI by the 18th of the month to be reflected on the next month’s benefit payment.
Once logged into your Member Portal select “Change Federal Tax Withholdings” or "Change State Tax Withholdings" under the "I want to..." section of your Account Detail page. This screen will provide you with your current tax withholdings.
To update the information, simply elect your tax withholdings and select "Save". You will see a green checkmark if changes were submitted successfully.
In the Member Portal under the "I want to..." section of your Account Detail page, select "View Benefit Verification Letter". The letter provides your gross benefit amount, retirement type, and your retirement date.
Log into the Employer Reporting Portal (with the incorrect email address/user name), then select "Change Profile" on the left-hand side.
To update information, select the red button next to any of the four (4) options available (Email/Password/Cell Phone/Security Questions).
Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation.
Employer contribution rates for the upcoming year are emailed to the main contact on record with LOPFI in June of the current year (i.e. results from the December-2022 valuation sent in the June-2023 valuation summary and reflect the 2024 Employer Contribution rate).
Member contributions are to be withheld on a pre-tax basis and remitted by the employer. Rates depend on whether or not that service is also covered by social security through the Member’s LOPFI-covered employer. Member contribution rates are as follows:
- Benefit Program 1 (BP1): Police officers and firefighters that are covered by social security with their LOPFI-covered employer will contribute 3.5% of their gross monthly reportable pay. Police officers and firefighters that are not covered by social security with their LOPFI-covered employer will contribute 9.5% of their gross monthly reportable pay. All Member contributions are withheld on a pre-tax basis and remitted by the employer via the ERP.
- Benefit Program 2 (BP2): LOPFI Benefit Program 2 (BP2) is an optional Benefit Program that provides police officers and firefighters with an enhanced lifetime monthly benefit. Regardless of social security coverage with their LOPFI-covered employer, Member contributions are 9.5%. All Member contributions are withheld on a pre-tax basis and remitted by the employer via the ERP.
- Volunteer LOPFI Service: No Member contributions
See FAQ Administration: How do I withhold Member Contributions from payroll?
“Pay” means the recurring remuneration paid an employee for personal services rendered by the employee in a position covered by the System.
“Recurring remuneration” shall include, but not limited to, overtime pay, education or certificate pay, holiday pay, sick pay and longevity.
“Recurring remuneration” (reportable pay) should not include lump sum payments such as un-used accrued sick/vacation pay as part of the Member’s reportable wages. However, if a Member takes a vacation and is using their accrued vacation leave, this pay will be considered reportable pay.
Back wages are reported by submitting a corrected monthly report and are billed at the current year’s contribution rate and without the aid of Premium Tax Funding.
See LOPFI's Rules and Resolutions (Board Rule #2) for further information.
You will need to contact your payroll representative to set up accurate payroll deductions. LOPFI Member contributions are withheld from the Member’s gross reportable pay on a pre-tax basis.
See FAQ Administration: What is reportable pay?
Information on how to start the adoption process is provided on the LOPFI website. From the Home page select the "Begin the Adoption Process" option located at the bottom of the screen under "Adopting Coverage".
Employers will need to complete the required forms for Volunteer and/or Paid locations to start the process. When completing the Contact Information Sheet be sure to indicate all police/fire departments that will be included in the adoption of LOPFI-coverage. Once all required forms are received by LOPFI, the employer will be sent instructions to finalize the adoption process.
Monthly Payroll Reports are available via the Employer Reporting Portal on the 25th of the month for the current month. Payroll Reports and applicable contributions are due no later than the 10th of the following month to avoid being delinquent and having state revenue withheld and/or penalties assessed (i.e. January’s report is available January 25th and due February 10th).
See FAQ Administration: When is money due to LOPFI?
Monthly Payroll Reports are available via the Employer Reporting Portal on the 25th of the month for the current month. Payroll Reports and applicable contributions are due no later than the 10th of the following month to avoid being delinquent and having state revenue withheld and/or penalties assessed (i.e. January's Payroll Report is available January 25th and due by February 10th).
See LOPFI's Rules and Resolutions (Board Rules #2 and #15)
To be eligible for retirement coverage in LOPFI, Members must meet the definition of a police officer, firefighter, or academy instructor as defined in Board Rule #15.
Board Rule #2 explains the computation of service credit and the proper enrollment of Members in LOPFI using their actual date of hire. Proper enrollment shall include probationary and/or training periods. In other words, a location cannot choose to delay enrollment. Enrollment is to occur on the first day the employment relationship begins.
LOPFI classifies Members of each location as either paid or volunteer (see Member Handbook for current wage threshold amounts).
A Member can be considered part-time by an employer/location and be classified as a Paid LOPFI Member if the monthly wages meet or exceed the minimum threshold amount for the year.
If a Member is considered a LOPFI-covered Paid Member, employers should make certain that they are withholding Member contributions in the correct amount.
If a Paid Member makes under the current wage threshold, the Member will not receive service credit for that month; however, Member contributions must still be withheld from the Member’s pay (in addition to being reported) and submitted to LOPFI during the monthly reporting process. There will be no suspension of Member contributions when pay is reported to LOPFI.
Board Rule #2 of LOPFI's Rules and Resolutions states to enroll the Member with the actual hire date and does include periods of probation and/or training. In other words, a location cannot choose to delay enrollment. Enrollment is to occur on the first day the employment relationship begins.
Members can receive credited service with the same employer for both paid and volunteer service for the same period as long as the service was earned at difference department (i.e. paid police and volunteer fire or paid fire and volunteer police.) Members are limited to earning paid service credit or volunteer service credit at one (1) LOPFI-covered department at a time. A Member can choose to work at multiple volunteer locations, but may only be covered under LOPFI at one (1) location.
Active Members hired on/after July 1, 2019, must first attain a vested status with LOPFI before being eligible for simultaneous coverage at a second LOPFI-covered department. The maximum amount of simultaneous service credit that can be accrued is five (5) years.
Remember when entering Membership Applications within the Employer Reporting Portal to select the correct department.
Entering New Members
- Select "Membership Application" (left-hand side menu bar)
- Then “New Membership Application"
- Complete all fields (Hire date, Department, Name, SSN, DOB, Gender, and Mailing Address)
- Select "Add Beneficiary" if there are beneficiaries listed on the Member’s application. *If there are no beneficiaries listed, the beneficiary will default to the Member’s estate.
- Select "Save" once all information has been entered
- Then “Submit”
Entering Returning Members
This process can be used IF the Member is returning to the same location as a rehire.
- Select “Membership Application” (left-hand side menu bar)
- Then “Quick Rehire”
- Enter the Member’s social security number and select "Save"
- Once the Member is located the fields will pre-fill with the Member’s current information LOPFI has on record (Name, SSN, DOB, Gender, and Mailing Address).
- Verify all pre-filled information is accurate.
- Enter the hire date and the department.
- Select "Add Beneficiary" if there are any beneficiaries listed on the Member’s application that do not appear on the application screen.
- Select “Save” once all information has been entered
- Then “Submit”
This payroll month:
To switch a Member from Paid to Volunteer or Volunteer to Paid within the same department (Police/Fire) you will submit a Membership Application with a comment stating “Going from (Paid/Volunteer Police/Fire) to (Paid/Volunteer Police/Fire)” in "Address line two". LOPFI staff will contact you for further information if necessary.
See FAQ Membership: How do I enter a Membership Application?
Prior payroll month:
If a Member terminated in a prior month, a corrected monthly payroll report will be necessary.
See FAQ Corrections: How do I complete a corrected report?
Then submit a Membership Application for the new department.
See FAQ Membership: How do I enter a Membership Application?
Future payroll month:
To switch a Member from Paid to Volunteer or Volunteer to Paid within the same department (Police/Fire) you will submit a Membership Application and enter a comment stating “Going from (Paid/Volunteer Police/Fire) to (Paid/Volunteer Police/Fire)” in "Address line two". LOPFI staff will contact you for further information if necessary.
See FAQ Membership: How do I enter a Membership Application?
If it has been less than a few hours since submitting the application, please contact LOPFI staff by phone at (501) 682-1745 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The application can be rejected so the Employer User can edit the information and re-submit the application.
If the wrong department was submitted, please create another Membership Application for the correct department, and enter a comment in "Address line two" stating "enrolled in (dept) in error" and submit the Membership Application. You will need to "Submit with Warnings". LOPFI staff will contact you for further information if necessary.
If the wrong hire date was submitted, please send an email to info@lopfi-prb.com with the Member's name, the last four digits of the Member's social security number, and their correct hire date.
If the wrong address/beneficiary information was submitted have the Member update their information through their Member Portal account.
If the wrong date of birth/social security number was submitted, you will need to send notice explaining the situation along with a legible copy of the Member’s driver’s license and social security card. The information can be mailed to 620 W. 3rd, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Once you are logged into the Employer Reporting Portal, select "Wage Reporting", "Reporting History". Click "Select" to the left-hand side of the most current monthly report that was submitted. The current Member list is found in the "All Members" report at the bottom of the screen.
The Membership Application section contains all (terminated, active, suspended, etc.) applications submitted through the Employer Reporting Portal by the location. Any Membership Application not submitted through the Employer Reporting Portal will not populate under the Membership Application section.
The Membership Application section contains all (terminated, active, suspended, etc.) applications submitted through the Employer Reporting Portal by the location. Any Membership Application not submitted through the Employer Reporting Portal will not populate under the Membership Application section.
If you can receive emails at the email address you login with, select "Forgot password?" below the red "Login" button and then enter your email address on the next screen. You will receive an email with instructions on changing your password.
If you can no longer receive emails at the email address LOPFI has on file, please contact LOPFI staff by phone (501) 682-1745 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and ask for an Employer Reporting Portal re-set.
Log into the Employer Reporting Portal (with the incorrect email address/user name), then select "Change Profile" on the left-hand side.
To update information, select the red button next to any of the four (4) options available (Email/Password/Cell Phone/Security Questions).
Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation.
To remove an error/warning you must first review and/or correct the error/warning then select "Save and Validate". If you receive the following:
- Wage Discrepancy: Error: Wages are at least 30% lower/higher than the previous reporting period; a wage discrepancy selection is required that provides an explanation for the variance.
- Status Change: Error: When status is changed, a status date is required.
- Termination Warning: Warning: Make sure wages do not include payment for unused sick/vacation/annual compensation - only submit wages for hours worked.
You may also use the built in help features by selecting the "i" or "?" icon. If you have additional questions, please see other questions listed in this FAQ menu or contact LOPFI staff by email at info@lopfi-prb.com or by telephone at (501) 682-1745 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
The number of pay periods box is where you will enter how many payrolls were reported within the monthly Payroll Report that is being prepared. If your department has only volunteer coverage, you will enter the number one (1). If you are on a bi-weekly payroll, most of your pay periods will be two (2). However, each year there are typically two (2) months that will contain three (3) pay periods. If you use a weekly payroll the pay periods will be anywhere from four (4) to five (5). Please remember to enter the monthly total of the Member’s reportable pay on the Payroll Report (the system will not multiply number of pay period times the Member wages input).
Monthly Payroll Reports are available via the Employer Reporting Portal on the 25th of the month for the current month. Payroll Reports and applicable contributions are due no later than the 10th of the following month to avoid being delinquent and having state revenue withheld and/or penalties assessed (i.e. January’s report is available January 25th and due February 10th).
See FAQ Administration: When is money due to LOPFI?
The required payment due is to be received by LOPFI on/before the 10th of the month following the reporting month (i.e. January's required payment must be received by LOPFI no later than February 10th).
LOPFI's e-Payment process ensures payments are remitted in a timely manner. A delinquent payment will result in having state revenue withheld and/or penalties assessed.
First, verify that the correct number of pay periods was properly entered then follow the instructions below:
- If a Member is paid more or less because of higher or lower hours, select Hours High/Low.
- If a Member has had a raise and is now being paid at a different pay rate, select New Pay Rate.
- If a Member is new and their first month of pay was less than the current wage threshold, select New Hire.
If none of the three (3) options work for your specific situation, please select Other and provide a comment in the "Note" field as to the cause of the wage discrepancy.
See FAQ Reporting: I received an error/warning, what should I do?
The most common warnings occur during the monthly Payroll Report process when a Paid Member terminates employment or when completing a Membership Application.
Terminating Employment Warning: “Make sure wages do not include payment for unused sick/vacation/annual compensation – only submit wages for hours worked.” To proceed, verify the wages are in fact reportable to LOPFI. To update, make necessary changes, and select "Save and Validate". If accurate, select "Continue with Warnings" and continue with the remainder of your monthly Payroll Report.
See FAQ Membership: What is reportable pay?
Membership Application Warnings: “Hire date is more than 30 days in the past” or “An active record exists as of the hire date entered for this SSN in this employer”. To proceed, verify that the Member’s information is accurate. To update, make necessary changes and select "Save". If the Member’s information is accurate, select "Submit" and "Continue with Warnings".
You must terminate a Member within the current reporting period (i.e. September 3rd termination date must be done during the September reporting period).
If you are past the current reporting period you will need to complete either a "Correct Period" or "Correct Employee".
Please complete the following steps through the Employer Reporting Portal:
- Select "Wage Reporting", "Reporting History"
- Click "Select" to the left of the reporting period you would like to view/print
- Scroll to the bottom of the page
- Select the link under "All Members", "Summary/Detail", "No Service Credit", or "Wage Discrepancies"
Under the heading "Report Revisions" is where you will find any revisions.
To view your "Bill Summary" make certain you select "Bill Summary" next to "Report Revision".
To view your "Revision Detail" make certain you select the appropriate selection by whichever revision you want to view.
The Revision Detail will appear as an adjustment in the "Bill Summary" section of future Payroll Reports.