The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) is an effort of the U.S. Department of Justice; local, state, and federal public safety agencies; and national organizations. It offers death and education benefits to survivors of fallen public safety officers, including:

• Law enforcement officers
• Firefighters
• Other first responders

It also offers disability benefits to officers permanently injured in the line of duty.

A one-time payment is offered for:

• Death – A fatal duty-related injury must be the cause of death. (Certain fatal heart attacks and strokes are also covered.)
• Disability – Eligible officers must be totally disabled from a duty-related injury; permanently unable to work.

See the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Fact Sheet for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program for details.

Limited monthly payments are offered for:

• Education – Support for higher education for spouses and children.

See the Education Assistance Program fact sheet for details.

Qualified beneficiaries include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Designated PSOB beneficiaries
• Surviving parents

Eligible children include:

• Any natural, out-of-wedlock, adopted, posthumous child, or stepchild, age 18 or younger.
• Children between 19 and 22 may be eligible if full-time students at the time of the death.
• Disabled children over 18 who are incapable of self-support at the time of the death.

Find out how to apply on the BJA Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Programs website.