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Program Description

The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen public safety officers. It also provides disability benefits to officers permanently injured in the line of duty.

Public safety officers include the following:

  • Law enforcement officers
  • Firefighters
  • Other first responders

The program is an effort of the U.S. Department of Justice, along with the following:

  • Local, state, federal, and tribal public safety agencies
  • National organizations

Benefit amounts may vary year to year. This may include a one-time payment for death or disability in the line of duty.

General Program Requirements

Survivors may include any of the following:

  • Spouses
  • Children
  • PSOB beneficiaries
  • Surviving parents

Children may qualify if, at the time death or disability, they are —

  • A natural, out-of-wedlock, adopted child or stepchild, age 18 or younger.
  • A child between 19 and 22 and a full-time student.
  • A disabled child over 18 who is unable to support themselves.

Application Process

Find benefit amounts and how to file claims on the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Programs page.

Last Updated: 02/21/2024