Updated July 2021 (COVID-19 related benefits updated April 2021)
COVID-19 BENEFITS
COVID-19-related first responder deaths are considered line-of-duty deaths under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program. Legislation passed in August 2020 established a statutory presumption for first responders who die from, or are disabled by complications related to, COVID-19. Prior to August, suspected cases were required to have proof that exposure occurred during their work duties.
(Legislation: S.3607 – Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act of 2020)
Contact:
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program
Phone: (888) 744-6513
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: bja.ojp.gov/program/psob
ONE-TIME DEATH BENEFITS
None.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
If an injury causes death, at the time of injury or within four years as a consequence thereof, compensation is awarded to the surviving spouse, parents, or any heirs, including illegitimate children, who were dependent upon the deceased for support, partially or totally at the time of death. They are entitled to compensation payable in an amount not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000.00. Survivors of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related incident should contact the Workers Compensation Administration for further information.
Contact:
Department of Labor
Workers’ Compensation Administration
2353 Kronprindsens Gade
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 776-3700
Office of Finance Phone: 340-774-4750
Fax: (340) 715-543
Website: www.vidol.gov
FUNERAL BENEFIT
$800 from Workmen’s Compensation towards funeral expenses, upon receipt of a bill from the funeral home.
Contact:
Department of Labor
Workers’ Compensation Administration
53AB & 54AB Kronprindsens Gade
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340)776-3700
Office of Finance Phone: 340-774-4750
Fax: (340) 340-5908
Website: www.vidol.gov
RETIREMENT/PENSION PLAN
Upon death of a member before retirement as the proximate result of bodily injury, the surviving spouse will be entitled to 40% of income at the date of death. If there is a spouse with children, the rate is 60%. If there is no spouse, benefit is 10% for each child, with a maximum of 50% divided among all children.
Contact:
USVI Government Employees Retirement System
3438 Kronprindsens Gade
GERS Complex- 3rd Floor
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 776-7703
Fax: (340) 776-4499
Website: www.usvigers.com
Reference: USVI Section 709 – Duty Related Death; Provisions of the Retirement System VIC3 Chap 27
Resource: Calculating death benefits
EDUCATION BENEFIT - CHILDREN
None.
EDUCATION BENEFIT - SPOUSE
None.