Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
Managing Agency:
Program Description
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.
General Program Requirements
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.
Application Process
Find out how to apply on the BJA Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Programs website.
Program Contact Information
Contact us to learn more:
- Call: 1-888-744-6513 or 202-307-0635
- Mail:
PSOB Office
Bureau of Justice Assistance
810 7th Street NW
4th Floor
Washington, DC 20531 - Email: AskPSOB@usdoj.gov