Updated: December 2009

One-time Death Benefit If a member dies in the performance of duty and the Mayor determines that the death was the sole and direct result of a personal injury sustained while performing such duty, a lump sum of $50,000 shall be made to the primary survivor. If more than one eligible survivor, each receives equal share of amount. If no eligible survivor, payment shall go to the parent or sibling if the parent or sibling received more than one half of his or her support from the member. Contact: Office of Personnel Employee Benefits Government of the District of Columbia One Judiciary Square 441 4th St. Suite 300 S NW Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 442-9700 Website: www.dcop.dc.gov (Reference: Title 5, Cpt 7 DC Official Code amended 2007) Workers' Compensation Benefit for spouse is 50% of employee's weekly wage and spouse with child can receive 66 2/3% of wages. Spouse receives two-year lump sum upon remarriage and weekly benefits cease. Children eligible until age 18 or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support, or until age 23 if full-time students. Contact: District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Department of Employment Services Labor Standards Bureau 64 New York Avenue, NE, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 671-1000 Website: does.dc.gov/does/cwp (Reference: DC Statutes, Sub sect 32-1509, "DC WC at a Glance") Funeral Benefit Maximum burial allowance of $5,000. Contact: District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Department of Employment Services Labor Standards Bureau 64 New York Avenue, NE, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 671-1000 Website: does.dc.gov/does/cwp Retirement/Pension Plan If a member dies in the performance of duty after December 29, 1993, and leaves a widow or widower entitled to all or a portion of the lump sum payment, an additional annuity shall be paid. It shall equal 100% of the member's pay at the time of death and shall be increased at the same rate as the change in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit shall be paid in lieu of any other benefits listed below. In the case of the death of a member before retirement, an annuity shall be paid to the spouse of approximately 40% of member's average pay at time of death. Children eligible for additional benefits of approximately 60% of member's average pay. Unmarried children are eligible until age 18 or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support or to age 22 if student. Spouse's annuity terminates upon remarriage before age 60; can be restored if remarriage is terminated. Lump sum survivor benefit of $50,000 is also available. Contact: District of Columbia Department of Human Resources Police & Firefighters Retirement & Relief Board 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 340 North Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 442-9700 Website: www.dchr.dc.gov (Reference: www.treasury.gov/offices/management/dc-pensions/pdf/police-firefighter.pdf - Member Handbook, 2007 Edition, Page 57) Education Benefit - Children None. Education Benefit - Spouse None. Non-Profit or Private Organizations HEROES, Inc. 1100 G Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 638-6658 Provides up to $6,000 for funeral expenses and an immediate check for $5,000 within 24 hours of death. Also provides college scholarship aid including room and board, tuition, books and associated fees. Aid is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate education.