The Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) Program is a U.S. federal program that provides financial benefits to eligible families of public safety officers (including fire fighters) who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.
What benefits does PSOB provide?
The PSOB Program may provide:
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A one-time death benefit to eligible survivors
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Disability benefits to officers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a line-of-duty injury
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Educational assistance for eligible spouses and children
Benefit amounts are set by federal law and may change annually.
Who is covered?
PSOB generally covers public safety officers, including professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel, who:
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Die as the direct result of a line-of-duty injury
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Suffer a heart attack, stroke, or vascular rupture in certain duty-related circumstances
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Become permanently and totally disabled due to a catastrophic line-of-duty injury
Eligibility is determined through a federal review process.
Who determines eligibility?
The U.S. Department of Justice reviews all applications and determines whether the legal criteria are met.
The IAFF does not determine eligibility, but the IAFF works to strengthen and improve PSOB protections through federal legislation and may provide guidance to members and families navigating the claims process.
How the IAFF supports members and families
The IAFF has advocated for improvements to the PSOB Program, including expanding coverage and clarifying eligibility standards through federal legislation.
The IAFF also provides guidance to members and families navigating the PSOB claims process.
Where to find more information
For detailed eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and application instructions, visit the official PSOB website at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Contact the IAFF for PSOB assistance
If you need assistance related to a potential PSOB claim, contact the IAFF PSOB team directly:
Email: [email protected]