In recognition of the extraordinary contributions made by the Nation’s public safety officers, the Department of Justice established a benefit program for their survivors. Known as the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program, it provides financial assistance to eligible family members of firefighters, rescue, and law enforcement personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

To be eligible for PSOB, the death must be the direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. Currently set at $262,100, as of October 2002, the benefit is adjusted annually.

The PSOB fact sheet provides more specific information on eligibility. Survivors receiving PSOB benefits may also qualify for scholarship assistance under the Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program.

A department should contact PSOB immediately after a line-of-duty death to begin the claims process.