Print window

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Transferring DROP Account Monies to the City of Dallas 401(k) Plan

We Are Here to Help
Members on Active Service can transfer some or all of their DROP account to the City of Dallas 401(k) Plan. Below are a few of the questions Members may have about this Plan feature.

We do our best to provide clear, understandable information to you. If you have any other questions or wish to discuss possible transfer of your DROP account, please call the Pension System office to set up an appointment with one of our Benefits Counselors at 214.638.3863 or 1.800.638.3861.

Call your Department resources for information other than pension benefits.

Q: Who may transfer DROP account monies?
A: Only Members on Active Service who have a City of Dallas 401(k) account.
Q: How often will I be able to transfer my DROP funds to my City of Dallas 401(k) account?
A: Once each 12 months.
Q: Can I transfer my entire DROP account balance?
A: Yes. Either some, part, or all of the funds in your DROP account may be transferred to your City of Dallas 401(k) Plan account. As required by IRS Code, a portion of the transferred money is a return of your contributions. When the funds are transferred to Fidelity (on behalf of the City’s 401(k) Plan), the bulk of your funds will generally go into your pre-tax 401(k) account with a smaller amount (your after-tax contributions) going into your after-tax account.
Q: Will I make more on my funds if they are invested with Fidelity in the 401(k)?
A: With your DROP account, you know exactly the interest rate that will be used to credit earnings to your account each year. Under the City of Dallas 401(k) Plan, there is no guarantee on the amount you will earn or lose. Although it may appear to be necessary to take a higher risk to earn a greater return, this general investment principal is the result of investment professionals long-term statistics. It certainly does not mean that taking greater risks necessarily is more likely to generate higher returns in a particular case. You should carefully study about investing, and if possible, obtain sound advice from competent investment professionals about how to invest your 401(k) monies. The Pension System office and its staff cannot, in any manner, give investment advice.
Q: When will you transfer funds?
A: Your written request must be received in the Pension System office no later than three business days before the end of the month for which you want the transfer made. Fidelity (the 401(k) plan administrator) requires that you complete their “transfer form” which is available at the Pension System office. You must meet with a Benefits Counselor to ensure that the form is correctly completed prior to the three business days mentioned above. If your request is timely, we will transfer the funds on the first working day of the next month or as soon as administratively feasible.
Q: Can I transfer funds back into my DROP account from the City 401(k) plan?
A: No. Once the funds are removed from the Police and Fire Pension System, they cannot be redeposited.

We Are Here to Help
We do our best to provide clear, understandable information to you. For more Member or Pensioner information, please contact us via e-mail at info@dpfp.org. You also call the Pension System office at 214.638.3863 or 1.800.638.3861, and ask for a Benefits Counselor. Our Benefits Counselors are trained to answer all your pension questions.