MARYLAND SURVIVOR BENEFITS

 

ONE-TIME DEATH BENEFIT

 

Death benefit (2011) is $132,849 to spouse or spouse and dependent children. The benefit is adjusted annually on July 1 based on the Consumer Price Index. Benefit provided when a career or volunteer firefighter dies in performance of duties. Performance of duties is defined as: actively participating in fighting a fire or while going to or from a fire; performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of a fire company; actively participating in ambulance, advanced life support, or rescue work as part of a fire, ambulance, rescue, or advanced life support unit while going to or from the scene; or providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a company or advanced life support unit. Benefit paid is in addition to any benefits from workers’ compensation and life insurance.

 

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Death Benefit Program
300 East Joppa Rd, Suite 1000
Towson, MD 21286-3020
Phone: (410) 339-5000 or (877) 379-8636
Website: www.dpscs.state.md.us

 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

 

For survivors of eligible workers, benefit is 66 2/3% of the employee’s wages for spouse or spouse with children. Two-year lump-sum payable upon remarriage; weekly benefits cease. Children receive benefits until age 18 or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support, or until 23 if full-time students. Compensation cannot exceed state’s average weekly wage.

 

Workers’ Compensation Commission
10 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 864-5100 or (800) 492-0479
Website: www.wcc.state.md.us

 

FUNERAL BENEFIT

 

Maximum of $10,000 paid to the spouse, children, parents, or estate of a volunteer or career firefighter, rescue squad member, or State Fire Marshal who is killed or dies in the performance of duties. Reduced by the amount of any Workers’ Compensation benefits paid. Workers’ Compensation allows up to $5,000. Exceptions to the limit are made if approved by Workers’ Compensation.

 

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Death Benefit Program
6776 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 585-3840 or (877) 379-8636
Website: www.dpscs.state.md.us

 

EDUCATION BENEFIT – CHILDREN

 

Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program. May be used for tuition and mandatory fees not to exceed that of a resident undergraduate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Good for five years of full-time or eight years of part-time study. Must be at least age 16. Covers graduate, undergraduate and professional studies. Amount may not exceed $9,000 per year.

 

Maryland Higher Education Commission
State Scholarship Administration
839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-4500 or (800) 974-0203
Website: www.mhec.state.md.us

 

EDUCATION BENEFIT – SPOUSE

 

Same as for children. Spouse cannot have remarried.

 

Maryland Higher Education Commission
State Scholarship Administration
839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-4500 or (800) 974-0203
Website: www.mhec.state.md.us

 

REAL ESTATE TAX CREDIT

 

§ 9-210 of the annotated code of Maryland authorizes each county or municipality within the state to offer a real estate tax credit, to a surviving spouse of a fallen fire fighter or rescue worker. Currently 14 jurisdictions have enacted some form of local tax credit for a surviving spouse.

 

NON-PROFIT OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

 

Provides burial service, space, and memorial free of charge for any firefighter killed in the line of duty and the surviving spouse.

 

Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens
200 E. Padonia Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Phone: (410) 666-0490 or (410) 666-8879
Website: www.dulaneyvalley.com