NCJ Number
231309
Date Published
2010
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This document presents a checklist for a person to use in filing a death claim under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program, which provides a one-time payment to the families of public safety officers who die as a result of performing their duties.
Abstract
The first of three steps in filing a PSOB death claim focuses on information regarding the officer's line-of-duty death that can be obtained from the officer's agency records. This information pertains to the detailed circumstances associated with the officer's death, the investigation of the incident, the death certificate, information from an autopsy, a toxicology report, pertinent information related to a heart attack or stroke while on duty, and certain information pertinent only to cases that involve volunteer firefighters. The second step involves supplying information regarding the officer's surviving family and potential beneficiaries. Information to be provided includes the officer's current marriage certificate, if applicable; and divorce decrees for all the officer's and current spouse's previous marriages, including references to physical custody of any children, if applicable. Death certificates for all the officer's and current spouse's previous marriages are required when any of the marriages ended in death. The third step involves mailing all of the applicable aforementioned information to the PSOB Office, keeping a complete copy for the claimant's own records. The appropriate mailing, e-mail, and fax information is provided. Information is also provided on how to download death claim forms. The toll-free phone number of the PSOB Office is provided.