Bureau of Justice Assistance
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program: Death Benefits
The Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program provides death benefits in the form of a one-time financial payment to the eligible survivors of public safety officers whose deaths are the direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. As of October 1, 2014, the benefit amount is $339,310.00. Since October 15, 1988, the benefit has been adjusted each year on October 1 to reflect the percentage of change in the Consumer Price Index. For each death and disability claim, the award amount is solely determined by the actual date of the officer’s death.
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program: Disability Benefits
The Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program (PSOB) provides disability benefits for public safety officers who have been permanently and totally disabled by a catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty if that injury permanently prevents the officer from performing any gainful work. Medical retirement for a line of duty disability does not, in and of itself, establish eligibility for PSOB benefits.
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program: Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit
The Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program expanded on December 15, 2003, to include circumstances under which public safety officer deaths resulting from heart attacks and strokes may be covered by the program. It establishes a statutory presumption that public safety officers who die from a heart attack or stroke following a non-routine stressful or strenuous physical public safety activity or training, died in the line of duty for benefit purposes.
Contact:
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program
Bureau of Justice Assistance
810 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20531
Phone: 888-744-6513
www.psob.gov
U.S. Social Security Administration
When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Up to ten years of work is needed to be eligible for benefits, depending on the person’s age at the time of death.
Social Security benefits can be paid to:
- A widow or widower – full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60
- A disabled widow or widower – as early as age 50
- A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits
- Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren or adopted children.
- Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office.
Contact:
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov