Updated July 2011
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 Street, NW, Suite 300 S
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 442-9700
Website: www.dcop.dc.gov
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
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
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: dchr.dc.gov
EDUCATION BENEFIT – CHILDREN
None.
EDUCATION BENEFIT – SPOUSE
None.
NON-PROFIT OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS
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.
Contact:
HEROES, Inc.
1100 G St NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 638-6658
Disclaimer: The material contained in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Survivor Benefits website is not the result of legal research, but rather is based on a scan of public documents. We have made every effort to be accurate and timely, but errors may exist. The material on this website is advisory only and should not be cited as evidence or proof that a benefit exists or that our facts are accurate. Always consult the decedent’s fire department for benefits assistance, or a benefits’ attorney. If, in the course of your own research, you see errors of fact, or new benefit information, please pass this information along to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
