Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) FAQs
This FAQ explains how the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program works, what benefits may be available, and how recent changes driven by IAFF advocacy – including recognition of occupational cancer – affect fire fighters and their families.
What is the PSOB Program?
The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program is a federal program that provides death and education benefits to the families of eligible public safety officers killed in the line of duty in the United States.
PSOB is administered by the United States Department of Justice and is separate from the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.
Does PSOB cover disability?
Only in very limited circumstances.
PSOB may provide disability benefits only in cases involving catastrophic, permanent, and total disability that prevents a fire fighter from performing any gainful work.
Who is considered an eligible public safety officer?
Under federal law, eligible public safety officers may include:
- A sworn fire fighter or emergency medical worker employed by a governmental or qualifying nonprofit agency
- Cadets or trainees who die during recognized training
Eligibility is determined through the PSOB claims process.
Who is eligible to receive PSOB benefits?
Eligible beneficiaries may include:
- A surviving spouse
- Dependent children
- In certain circumstances, other designated beneficiaries
Beneficiary eligibility and benefit distribution are determined under federal law.
What types of line-of-duty deaths are covered?
PSOB may provide benefits for deaths resulting from:
- Traumatic incidents during emergency response or training
- Certain cardiovascular events
- Job-related occupational cancer
- Suicide following qualifying on-duty traumatic exposure
Each claim is evaluated based on the facts submitted.
Are deaths from occupational cancer covered?
Yes.
With the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, occupational cancer is now recognized as a line-of-duty death under PSOB when federal requirements are met. This allows eligible surviving families to qualify for federal death and education benefits.
What cancers are included under the law?
The law defines “exposure-related cancer” to include the following cancers:
- Bladder
- Brain
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colon / colorectal
- Esophageal
- Kidney
- Leukemia
- Lung
- Malignant melanoma
- Mesothelioma
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ovarian
- Prostate
- Skin
- Stomach
- Testicular
- Thyroid
The law also covers:
- Any cancer recognized as a World Trade Center–related health condition, and
- Any additional cancers that may be added in the future through the process established in the law.
What conditions must be met for the cancer presumption to apply?
The presumption applies when all the following are true:
- The exposure occurred while the fire fighter was engaged in line-of-duty action or activity
- The fire fighter served as a public safety officer for at least five years before the cancer diagnosis
- The cancer diagnosis occurred no more than 15 years after the fire fighter’s last date of active service
- The exposure-related cancer directly and proximately resulted in death or permanent and total disability
All claims are reviewed by the Department of Justice through the PSOB claims process.
Are previous cancer deaths covered?
Yes, in some cases.
The cancer provisions apply to death claims involving exposure-related cancer on or after January 1, 2020.
The law also allows individuals to file a PSOB cancer claim within three years of the law’s enactment, even if the claim would have been otherwise too late.
I have a PSOB cancer claim. Can I file it today?
While the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act has been signed into law, the cancer provisions are not yet in effect. The Department of Justice must complete additional implementation steps before PSOB cancer claims can be accepted. This can take up to a year.
Once the program is in effect, eligible families will be able to file claims under the new cancer provisions.
Does PSOB cover suicide related to PTSD?
In limited circumstances, yes.
Congress expanded PSOB to recognize deaths by suicide that occur following one or more qualifying on-duty traumatic events, when supported by evidence of conditions such as PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, or other trauma- and stress-related disorders.
The suicide must have occurred on or after January 1, 2019, though the qualifying traumatic exposure may have occurred earlier.
What benefits does PSOB provide?
Depending on eligibility, PSOB may provide:
- Death Benefit: A one‑time, nontaxable federal payment of approximately $461,656 for eligible line‑of‑duty deaths.
- Education Assistance: Eligible spouses and children may receive support for tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and other education‑related expenses, with a full‑time monthly benefit of approximately $1,574.
How long does the PSOB process take?
PSOB claims require an in-depth federal review. Some claims are resolved more quickly, while others involve significant factual and legal complexity. Benefits are not paid until the review process is finished.
How do I apply for PSOB benefits?
PSOB claims are submitted through the U.S. Department of Justice’s online PSOB claims system and typically require information from both the applicant and the employer.
Can the IAFF help with PSOB claims?
Yes.
While PSOB determinations are made by the U.S. Department of Justice, the IAFF can assist families and affiliates in understanding eligibility, navigating the claims process, and identifying available resources.
How can I contact the IAFF for help?
Email [email protected] with any questions about the PSOB program.
Who decides claims?
All PSOB claims are reviewed and decided by the U.S. Department of Justice in accordance with federal law.
How can I ensure that future legislation benefits fire fighters and their families?
The PSOB cancer protections did not happen by chance.
These enhancements are the direct result of sustained IAFF advocacy at the federal level. Our union led the effort to ensure occupational cancer protections – and we continue to push for stronger protections for IAFF members.
To protect fire fighters and their families, the IAFF must remain fully engaged in the legislative and regulatory process. Supporting IAFF FIREPAC helps ensure we have the strength and resources to keep winning these fights – and to be ready for the next one.