Available Benefits for the Survivors of Fallen Illinois Firefighters Following Line of Duty Deaths

Transcription

1 Available Benefits for the Survivors of Fallen Illinois Firefighters Following Line of Duty Deaths Illinois Fire Chiefs Association P. O. Box 7 Skokie, Illinois By Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd North Naper Boulevard, Suite 350 Naperville, Illinois (f)

2 Line of Duty Death Benefits Available to the Surviving Spouse and Children of a Fallen Firefighter 1 Part I: Available Federal Benefits Public Safety Officers Benefit 5 Public Safety Officers Educational Assistance 6 Hometown Heroes Act of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) Insurance 8 Social Security Benefits 9 Veterans Administration Benefits 10 Victims of Crime Act Benefits 11 Fallen Hero Survivor Benefit Fairness Act of Part II: Available Illinois State Benefits Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act 14 Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (Health Insurance Benefits) 15 Illinois Workers Compensation Act 16 Downstate Firefighters Pension Fund 17 Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 18 Illinois Higher Education Student Assistance Act 19 Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (Educational Benefits ) 20 Part III: Available Local Benefits Local Benefits Available 22 Part IV: Benefits Available Through Non-Profit or Private Organizations Benefits Available Through Non-Profit or Private Organizations 24 Part V: Sample Forms Benefits Checklist 26 Questions to Ask About Benefits 27 Contact Sheet 28 Necessary Documentation 29 1 Each potential benefit listed has separate eligibility requirements. Moreover, the material contained herein is intended to provide a summary of benefits that may be available to a firefighter s loved ones following a line-of-duty death. This summary is not intended to give individual legal advice, but rather general information concerning benefits that might be available. 2

3 In memory of Deputy Chief Mark Johnson I am honored to have the opportunity to write the preface for this document in memory of Hinsdale Deputy Chief Mark Johnson: a good friend, colleague, husband, and father who passed away suddenly on September 20, 2010 in the line of duty. When one enters the fire service or is promoted to a supervisory position, whether it is at the company officer level or a chief officer level, there is a commitment to make sure everyone goes home safe. However, we also know that the tragedy of a line of duty death (LODD) is a reality in our profession. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and a resource in the event a LODD occurs in your department. I am not sure any document can fully prepare one for a LODD, but in the days and weeks that follow a LODD, it is reassuring to have the information and contacts that this document will provide. Additionally, it is important to review this document proactively and make sure that you have information on file for the members of your department, and that this information is updated on a regular basis, so that in the event of a LODD, the firefighter s wishes are followed and respected. Experiencing a LODD is a sad, emotional and difficult time for a department and for the family of the firefighter. There are situations and sometimes complex issues that arise surrounding benefits and the application of certain laws that can cause strains in relationships. Understand that although it is tragic and difficult for fire service members to lose a brother or sister firefighter, it is more devastating to the families of these firefighters. Do all you can to be supportive to the families and act as an advocate during difficult times. As time goes by, remember to continue to provide support to the family of the fallen firefighter and honor their memory. I would like to thank the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the Hinsdale Fire Pension Board, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd., and especially Cheryl Johnson for their efforts in providing the information found in this document. My hope is that you will never have to use this document, but that if needed it will provide the information necessary to make sure that the firefighter s family s needs are taken care of. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Michael J. Kelly Assistant Chief Bartlett Fire Protection District (W) (C) mkelly@bartlettfire.com Deputy Chief Mark Johnson 3

4 PART I Available Federal Benefits Public Safety Officers Benefit Public Safety Officers Educational Assistance Hometown Heroes Act of 2003 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) Insurance Social Security Benefits Veterans Benefits Victims of Crime Act Fallen Hero Survivor Benefit Fairness Act of 2001 (Tax Benefits)

5 Public Safety Officers Benefits Act 42 U.S.C et seq. What does the Public Safety Officers Benefits Act (PSOB) provide to eligible survivors? The PSOB offers death benefits in the form of a one-time financial payment to eligible survivors of public safety officers who die in the line of duty. How can one obtain more information on the PSOB? The PSOB is administered by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. Survivors are encouraged to visit the Department s website for further guidance. Additionally, for more detailed and up-to-date information, visit: or call Who is an eligible survivor under the PSOB? The Act prescribes who is eligible to receive the benefits. So long as the fallen firefighter was employed by a governmental body, benefits are provided as follows: 100% of the benefits to the surviving spouse if there are no children; 50% of the benefits to the surviving spouse and 50% to the surviving children in equal shares; 100% of the benefits to the surviving children in equal shares if there is no surviving spouse; If there is no surviving spouse or children, then to the individual(s) designated as beneficiary on the most recently executed life insurance policy; If there is no surviving spouse or children and no designation of anyone else, then to the parent or parents of the fallen firefighter in equal shares. What is included in the term dependent children? This term includes children under the age of 18, or a full-time student under the age of 23, or dependent because of a permanent disability. This also includes stepchildren. What is the amount of the award? For fiscal year 2013, the amount is $328, The amount is adjusted each October, based on the Consumer Price Index. How to apply for PSOB. The fire department should contact PSOB to initiate a claim. There are two forms that must be completed: one by the immediate survivor(s) and one by the fire department. These forms detail the extensive documentation required to approve a claim. Additionally, an autopsy is strongly recommended, especially if there has not been an obvious traumatic injury. What if the PSOB claim is denied? PSOB has an appeals process that survivors can use to provide additional documentation or new information that may affect the final claim ruling. 5

6 Public Safety Officers Educational Assistance What benefits are available under the Public Safety Officers Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Program? PSOEA provides financial assistance for higher education for the spouses and children of firefighters killed in the line of duty. The program is designed to extend the benefits of higher education to qualified and deserving people who, by virtue of the death, may not otherwise be able to afford it. How can one obtain more information on PSOEA? For more detailed and recent information, including a downloadable application, visit Who is eligible to receive this benefit? Educational assistance is available under this program to eligible survivors after the PSOB death claim process has been completed and benefits have been awarded. Persons eligible to receive benefits under this program are: the surviving spouse; and children and/or stepchildren under the age of 27. The individuals must be full- or part-time students at an eligible institution. What is the amount of the award and what can it be used for? As of October 2011, the maximum award was $957 per month and is available for up to 45 months of full-time education or training (or a proportional amount of time for part-time studies). The award is adjusted each October based on the Consumer Price Index and will depend upon the number of courses and other eligible expenses. Such eligible expenses include: tuition and fees, room and board, book and supplies, other expenses consistent with the applicant s educational, professional or vocational objectives. Costs may be reimbursable for eligible costs incurred in previous years. How to apply for PSOEA? In order to apply for PSOEA, a PSOB death claim must be completed and benefits must have been paid. Have PSOB case number or date of award and information on estimated costs available at the time of application. To apply call the PSOEA at

7 Hometown Heroes Act of 2003 What is the Hometown Heroes Act of 2003? The Hometown Heroes Act was signed into law in 2003 as an expansion of the benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) Program. Principally, the Act makes the PSOB Program applicable to a greater number of beneficiaries, by redefining what fatalities qualify as line of duty deaths. What circumstances are covered by the Act? The Act creates a presumption that a firefighter who suffered a fatal heart attack or stroke within 24 hours after on-duty, nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity or training has died as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty. Therefore, the death would be considered a line of duty death. What must I show to invoke the benefits of the Act? To invoke the benefits of this Act, beneficiaries must submit information with the PSOB Program application that show five necessary criteria are met: 1. The cause of death was a direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke; 2. While on duty, the firefighter engaged in either fire suppression, rescue activity, hazardous material response, emergency medical services, disaster relief activity, other emergency response or participation in a formal training exercise; 3. The activity or training exercise involved nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity; 4. The fatal heart attack or stroke occurred within 24 hours of that activity; and 5. There is no competent medical evidence that shows that something other than the firefighter s work caused the heart attack or stroke. Do I have to submit past medical records? Not necessarily. If the PSOB Office requires medical records they will request them. In that case, they will ask for records going back three (3) years. But absent a specific request from the office, there is no need to supply these records. 7

8 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) Insurance What is COBRA? COBRA is a federal law that guarantees the availability of health insurance to the spouse and dependent children following a firefighter s line of duty death. This act ensures consistency in health insurance offered to the spouse and dependent children before and after the death. Who initiates contact about the insurance? There is a timeline in order to receive COBRA benefits. The fire department or fire protection district must notify the health plan administrator within thirty (30) days of the firefighter s death. The plan administrator then has fourteen (14) days to contact the survivor and offer the benefits of COBRA coverage. The beneficiaries then have sixty (60) days to decide to whether they wish to accept the benefits under this act. Who is eligible? A surviving spouse and any dependent children (including stepchildren) are eligible for these benefits, provided that the deceased firefighter and the survivors have actually been covered under the firefighter s health plan at the time of death. Dependent children must be under 18 years of age, or, if child is a full-time student, under 23 years of age. The insurance coverage last for up to 36 months following the death. When will coverage start? If COBRA coverage is elected, the plan will be applied retroactively to the date that the original benefits ended because of the death. Who pays for COBRA coverage? Fire departments and fire protection districts are not obligated under the law to pay for the health insurance. In most cases, payment for the coverage under this act is rendered by the survivors. What benefits are available? Coverage under this act must be the same as the coverage the firefighter had prior to his or her death. However, survivors may elect to drop some incidental benefits in an attempt to lower premium costs. If the fire department or fire protection district changes its health plan, survivors will receive the benefits from the subsequent changes. 8

9 Social Security Benefits Who is eligible for Social Security and what benefits are offered to survivors? Any person who has worked and has paid Social Security taxes has earned benefits for his or her family. Social Security benefits offer a one-time death benefit of $255 toward burial expense and also offers monthly survivor s benefits. Persons that may be eligible for benefits under this program include: Widows and widowers age 60 and older Disabled widows and widowers Widows and widowers taking care of the fallen firefighter s child who is under the age of 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits Unmarried children under 18 years of age, or up to 19 years of age if attending high school full-time o Under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren or adopted children may be eligible for benefits Disabled children of any age who were disabled before 22 years of age Dependent parents 62 years of age or older Divorced spouses 60 years of age or older, if the marriage lasted 10 years or longer Who administers the program and how do you get in touch with them? The program is administered by the Social Security Administration. You can call the Social Security toll free at or visit the above website. You may also call or visit your local Social Security office. What benefits are available? Social Security benefits offer a one-time death benefit of $255 toward burial expense and also offers monthly survivor s benefits. What if the fallen firefighter was already receiving Social Security benefits? If the fallen firefighter was receiving Social Security benefits prior to his or her death, it is important to contact Social Security immediately to report the death. If benefits are paid by check, do not cash the check and return any checks received after the death to Social Security. If benefits are paid through direct deposit, notify your financial institution. 9

10 Veterans Administration Benefits What does the Veterans Administration Benefit include? The firefighter must have been a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable. Survivors may be eligible for a lump sum payment of $300 for burial expenses, an allowance of $300 toward a burial plot, burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag. Reservists entitled to retired pay are also eligible to receive a burial flag. Who administers the program? The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers the benefit program. How do you apply for veterans benefits? Contact the regional Veterans Administration Office listed in the Federal Government section of the phone book or call You will need: Proof of military service (Form DD-214) Service Serial Number Death certificate Marriage license, if applicable Children s birth certificates, if applicable How can I get more information? For more detailed and the most current information, visit or call

11 Victims of Crime Act Benefits 42 U.S.C.A What is the Victim of Crime program? The Victim of Crime Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to support state programs to provide compensation and assistance to victims of federal and state crimes. For firefighters, this would generally include deaths that involve arson, homicide, or other associated crimes. What types of costs are available? Each state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides financial assistance. In Illinois, up to $27,000 in financial assistance may be available (with certain limitations) for things such as medical costs, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and mental health counseling. Compensation is only paid when other financial resources, such as private insurance, do not cover the expenses. How can I get more information? Call to order printed resources from the Department of Justice. Visit the Department of Justice website at for a complete list of all services and contact information on offices throughout the United States. See for information on benefits offered in Illinois 11

12 Fallen Hero Survivor Benefit Fairness Act of 2001 Tax Benefits 2 What benefits does the Fallen Hero Survivor Benefit Fairness Act provide to surviving spouses of fallen firefighters? President Bush signed the law into effect in mid-2001 and allows all survivors who receive an annuity on account of a firefighter s line of duty death to exclude these benefits from gross income on their tax returns. What benefits are exempt under this Act? The law amends the Internal Revenue Service Code (the federal tax regulations) and exempts pensions or annuity payments on public safety death benefits. These public safety death benefits include those received by the surviving spouse of fallen firefighters. 2 The attorneys at Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo recognize that the intricate and complicated nature of tax issues are beyond their expertise. Accordingly, the information in this section is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used as tax advice. Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact a licensed tax expert for assistance with these benefits. 12

13 PART II Available Illinois State Benefits Line of Duty Compensation Act Public Safety Employee Benefits Act Workers Compensation Retirement/Pension Benefits Education Benefits

14 Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act 820 ILCS 315/1 et seq. What is the Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act? The Illinois Line of Duty Compensation Act provides benefits to the survivors of firefighters who die in the line of duty. The benefits offered are in addition to other available benefits. What benefits are available under the Act? The Act offers a lump sum death benefit, as well as burial benefits. What is the amount of the award? As of January 2010, the amount of the lump sum death benefit was $313, The amount is adjusted every year according to the Consumer Price Index. The Act also provides for burial benefits up to a maximum of $10,000. Who is eligible to receive benefits under this program? The benefits under this program extend to the survivors of a fallen firefighter, including volunteer firefighters. However, death must occur within one year from the date the injury was received. How are the benefits disbursed? The benefits available under this program are paid to the person designated by the firefighter. However, if no beneficiary is designated, or if no beneficiary survives the death of the firefighter, the benefits will be paid according to the firefighter s binding will. If there is no will, 100% of the benefits will be paid in the following manner: To the surviving spouse; If there is no surviving spouse, then to the surviving descendants of the firefighter in equal shares; If there is neither a surviving spouse nor surviving descendants, then the benefits will be paid to the surviving parents in equal shares or to the surviving parent if one is dead; If there is no surviving spouse, dependent children, or parent, then to the brothers or sisters, or their descendants, who were dependents of the firefighter. If there is no one who falls in any of these categories, then no benefits will be paid. How can you apply for benefits or receive further information? An application and instructions are available on the Illinois Secretary of State s Office. Visit for more information. 14

15 Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (Health Insurance Benefits) 820 ILCS 320/1 et seq. What is the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (PSEBA)? The Public Safety Employee Benefits Act offers health insurance assistance to the survivors of a firefighter. This Act requires the fire department or fire protection district to provide health coverage when the firefighter dies in the line of duty. What benefits are available under the Act? The Act provides the benefit of health coverage equal to that of the coverage prior to the death. Additionally, the Act provides for educational assistance, which is discussed in a later section. Who is eligible to receive benefits under this program? Benefits are available to the surviving spouse for life. Surviving children are covered by this Act until reaching the age of 18. Additionally, the Act will offer benefits to surviving dependents until the end of the calendar year of the child s 25 th birthday, if they are a full-time student or otherwise unable to find gainful employment. How are the benefits disbursed? After the death, eligible survivors will retain the health coverage equivalent to what was offered prior to the firefighter s death. Though, benefits from any other source will reduce the obligation of the fire department or fire protection district. Are there any limitations to receive benefits under this program? The Act provides a more precise definition of what constitutes a line of duty death. It states that the death must result from the firefighter s response to what is reasonably believed to be an emergency. Consequently, deaths resulting from training drills and exercises are not likely to result in benefits under this program How can you apply for benefits or receive further information? Personnel from the firefighter s employer are the best resources for assistance with receiving these benefits. Contact the fire department or fire protection district for further information and guidance. 15

16 Illinois Workers Compensation Act 820 ILCS 305/1 et seq. What benefits are available under the Act? The Workers Compensation Act provides both a burial benefit, as well as benefits aimed at compensating for lost wages. These benefits should cover all first-aid, medical and hospital expenses resulting from the fatal accident. Who is eligible to receive benefits under this program? A surviving spouse and/or surviving dependent children are eligible under this Act. A dependent child must be under 18 years of age, or 25 years of age if enrolled as a full-time student. If a dependent child is disabled, he or she would be eligible for benefits until the disability is removed. What is the amount of benefits available? The Act provides a burial benefit of $8,000. Additionally, the eligible survivors receive weekly payments equal to 2/3 of the decedent s weekly pay rate. How are the benefits disbursed? The benefits are disbursed in weekly payments to the surviving spouse for 25 years. If there is no surviving spouse or the surviving spouse dies before the youngest child turns 18, benefits are paid until the youngest child reaches 18 years of age. Are there any limitations to receive benefits under this program? The benefits paid on a weekly basis can be no greater than 133 1/3% of the statewide average weekly wage and they can be no less than 50% of the statewide average weekly wage. Additionally, the total amount of benefits paid is $500,000 or the survivor s benefit for 25 years, whichever is greater. Furthermore, if the spouse remarries and there are no surviving children who are entitled to benefits, the spouse will receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to two years of benefits. Lastly, when a surviving spouse is eligible to receive Workers Compensation benefits, the available pension benefits can be reduced in an amount equal to the amount of the Workers Compensation benefits. This results even if a surviving spouse does not receive Workers Compensation benefits. How can you apply for benefits or receive further information? For more detailed information, including application materials, visit or call

17 Downstate Firefighters Pension Fund 40 ILCS 5/4-101 et seq. What is the Downstate Pension Fund? This pension fund is established and governed by state statutes. The statutes permit a local Board of Trustees to, among other things, determine the amount of benefits available to survivors. What benefits are available under this pension fund? When the death is a line of duty death, the minimum survivor s pension is established at 100% of the salary on the last day of service, regardless of the fallen firefighter s length of service with the fire department or fire protection district. Can the benefits be reduced at all? Yes. Under most circumstances the amount of benefits available through the pension fund will be offset by benefits paid under the Illinois Worker s Compensation Act. However, if the death is caused by a disease that is either aggravated by the employment or arose out of and in the course of employment, the pension benefits are not offset by Worker s Compensation benefits. How can I receive more information on the Downstate Firefighters Pension Fund? For more detailed information and to initiate benefits under this plan, contact the local Board of Trustees with the responsibility of administering the pension fund. Contact information should be available with the firefighter s employer. 17

18 Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 40 ILCS 5/7 et seq. What is the Illinois Municipal Retirement (IMRF) Fund? This retirement fund was created to provide disability, retirement and death benefits to employees of units of local government. Note that benefits under IMRF are only available in the rare situations where the firefighter was a member of IMRF. What benefits are available under this pension fund? When a death occurs in the line of duty, IMRF provides a lump sum death benefit payable to the beneficiaries regardless of the firefighter s length of service. A one-time death benefit is also available. What is the amount of the award? The lump sum is equivalent to one year s earnings plus any of the firefighter s contributions in his or her account plus interest. However, when a surviving spouse is receiving Social Security and/or Workers Compensation benefits, the amount of the IMRF pension benefits may be offset in an amount equal to those benefits. The one-time death benefit is equal to $3,000. Who is eligible for benefits under this program? In order for a surviving spouse to be eligible for funding under IMRF, the marriage or civil union must have occurred at least one year prior to the firefighter s death. Additionally, the spouse must be named as a beneficiary by the firefighter. How can I receive more information on IMRF death benefits? For more detailed information and to initiate benefits under this plan, visit or call The IMRF will then send all necessary forms to receive benefits. 18

19 Illinois Higher Education Student Assistance Act 110 ILCS 947/1 et seq. What benefits are available under the Illinois Higher Education Student Assistance Act? This Act provides assistance toward college tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate or graduate study at an Illinois college approved by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Who is eligible to receive benefits under this program? Under the Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers, the spouse or child of a firefighter killed in the line of duty may be eligible for benefit. Recipients do not necessarily need to be an Illinois resident at the time of enrollment. Stepchildren are not eligible. What is the amount of benefits available? The equivalent of eight (8) semesters of assistance may be received. The number of grants awarded through this program as well as the dollar amount of each grant varies from year-to-year based on the funding appropriated for the act by the General Assembly and the Governor. How are the benefits disbursed? Recipients attending an approved public college in Illinois receive full payment of tuition and mandatory fees on their behalf, though students may be responsible for payment until program funds are received by the college. Recipients should contact the college s Financial Aid Office or Business Office to determine the individual school s policy. Recipients attending an approved private college in Illinois will receive payment of tuition and mandatory fees in an amount that is equivalent to the most expensive comparable program of study at a public college in the state. How can you apply for benefits or receive further information? Most college financial aid offices, as well as most high school guidance counselors offices, have applications for this benefit available. For more complete information and application material, you may also visit Application deadlines do apply. 19

20 Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (Educational Benefits) 820 ILCS 320/15 What educational benefits are available under the Illinois Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (PSEBA)? If a firefighter is accidentally or unlawfully and intentionally killed in the line of duty, certain educational expenses which children of the deceased incur while obtaining a vocational-technical certificate or an undergraduate education at a State institution will be waived. Who is eligible to receive benefits under this program? The benefits prescribed by this Act are available to the children of a firefighter killed in the line of duty. The benefits extend until the child s 25 th birthday and are available during full- and part-time enrollment. How can you apply for benefits or receive further information? Eligible candidates are encouraged to contact their school s financial aid office or high school guidance counselor s office for further details. 20

21 PART III Available Local Benefits Life Insurance Final Paycheck Sick Pay Health Insurance

22 Local Benefits Available The benefits available to surviving beneficiaries from local entities vary from municipality to municipality. Some benefits that may be available include: Life Insurance Retirement Final Paycheck Sick Pay Coverage of Hospital/Emergency Transport Costs Health Insurance (see Part II: PSEBA (Health Insurance Benefits)) Funeral/Burial Allowance Often the fire department or fire protection district will provide this information on these benefits. If not, inquire with the firefighter s employer. Questions to consider asking include: Is there a department life insurance policy? Will the final check include unused vacation and sick leave? How do I apply for ongoing health insurance benefits under PSEBA? For further information on the particular local benefits available for the survivors of a fallen firefighter, contact the fire department or fire protection district. 22

23 PART IV Benefits Available Through Non-Profit or Private Organizations The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 100 Club Scholarship Opportunities Illinois Firefighters Memorial Foundation Union Benefits

24 Benefits Available Through Non-Profit or Private Organizations If the fallen firefighter belonged to any organization, such as a union or a fraternal group, there may be additional benefits available. Some communities and states, including Illinois, have private organizations that will provide immediate assistance. However, with the majority of these organizations, assistance must be requested. Automatic assistance is rarely offered. Some organization which may offer assistance include: International Association of Fire Fighters o The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation o o Club Local Union Illinois Firefighters Memorial Foundation Illinois State Fire Marshal o Dignity Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services o Provides dignified and honorable tributes, at no cost, for career and volunteer firefighters who fall in the line of duty o Various locations throughout Illinois o o 24

25 PART V Sample Forms Benefit Checklist Questions to Ask Necessary Documentation

26 Potentially Available Benefits for Survivors of Fallen Firefighters Each benefit may have separate criteria for eligibility. Please see above sections for more information on the specific benefits and the necessary contact information. Eligible for this Have necessary Date Claim Notes benefit? information? Initiated Federal Benefits Public Safety Officers Benefit Public Safety Officers Educational Assistance COBRA Insurance Social Security Benefits Veterans Benefits Victims of Crime Act Benefits State Benefits Line of Duty Compensation Benefits Workers Compensation Retirement/Pension Benefits Education Benefits (PSEBA) Local Benefits Life Insurance Final Paycheck Sick Pay Health Insurance (PSEBA) Other Benefits National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 100 Club IL Firefighters Mem. Fund Union Benefits International Assoc. of Fire Fighters Illinois State Fire Marshal 26

27 Questions to Ask About Benefits If you are the surviving spouse, the following are sample questions to ask about each benefit: Final Payment Once the paperwork is complete and I receive confirmation of benefit eligibility, how soon can I expect to receive or begin receiving this benefit? Children: Is this benefit based on dependent children? How will my benefit change when my children turn 18 years of age? What if they are in college? What if they marry? What are the age limitations for children to receive this benefit? Are stepchildren and/or adopted children eligible to receive benefits? Remarriage: What happens if I remarry before I receive all the payments? If I remarry, will my children continue to receive their benefits? Taxes and Financial Considerations: Is this benefit exempt from Federal and/or state income tax? o If so, how can I get this in writing? Will this benefit be offset or reduce the amount I can receive from other benefit programs? All surviving beneficiaries are encouraged to keep records of the benefits and the award process. A sample form is included on the next page. 27

28 Contact Sheet Name of Benefit: Type of Contact: In-person Phone U.S. Mail Website Date: Spoke to: Phone Number: Time: Employee ID Number: Extension: Other Relevant Contact Information: Confirmation Number, if applicable: Summary of Contact: Information/Documents Needed: Next Expected Contact: Follow-up Needed/Notes for Next Time: 28

29 Necessary Documentation The following is a list of documents to have available while preparing various benefit claims, including but not limited to federal, state, local and/or personal benefits: Death certificate Social Security card o Fallen firefighter s o Surviving spouse s o Dependent children s Marriage Certificate Birth Certificate o Fallen firefighter s o Surviving spouse s o Dependent children s Insurance policies Deeds or titles to property Stock certificates Bank books Veteran papers or Veterans Administration Claim Number Recent income tax forms and W-2s Automobile title and registration papers Loan information Many of the benefits will require submission of a copy of one or more of the above documents. It is a good idea to have several copies of each on hand. 29