PENNSYLVANIA SURVIVOR BENEFITS

 

ONE-TIME DEATH BENEFIT

 

The Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act provides for a one-time payment of death benefits to the surviving spouse, minor children, or parents of firefighters killed in the performance of their duties. It is adjusted annually. If no spouse, then payment goes to children under age 21; if no children, then to parents. Benefit covers deaths that occurred as a result of the performance of duties. For 2013-2014, the benefit is $123,277.64.

 

Department of General Services
Bureau of Risk and Insurance Management
Room 406, North Office Building (Physical Address)
Harrisburg, PA 17125
Phone: (717) 787-2492
Website: www.portal.state.pa.us

 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

 

Benefit is 51% of the deceased employee’s average gross wages to spouse with no children, 60% to spouse with one child, or 66 2/3% to spouse with two or more children. Wages used for basis cannot be in excess of statewide average weekly wage. Children are considered dependent until age 18, age 23 if a full-time student, or longer if disabled. Children include stepchildren, adopted children, and other situations. Upon remarriage, spouse receives two-year lump sum and benefits terminate. If spouse cohabitates, no lump sum is awarded and benefits terminate. Death from diseases of the heart and lungs may also be considered.

 

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Department of Labor & Industry
1171 S. Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
Phone: (717) 783-5421
Toll Free: (800) 362-4228
Website: www.dli.state.pa.us
Email: ra.li.bwc.helpline@pa.gov

 

FUNERAL BENEFIT

 

Maximum of $3,000 for burial expenses.

 

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Department of Labor & Industry
1171 S. Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
Phone: (717) 783-5421
Toll Free: (800) 362-4228
Website: www.dli.state.pa.us
Email: ra.li.bwc.helpline@pa.gov

 

EDUCATION BENEFIT – CHILDREN

 

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program provides waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board to children of firefighters who died after January 1, 1976, as the direct result of performing their official duties. To qualify, child must be a state resident, attend a state institution full-time, be age 25 or under, and be enrolled in an academic program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for this benefit, the child must have applied for other available scholarships, including state and federal grants. Adopted children are also covered under this benefit.

 

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
PHEAA State Grant and Special Programs
PO Box 8157 (Mailing Address)
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8157
Phone: (717) 720-2860
Toll Free: (800) 692-7392
Fax: (717) 720-3786
Website: www.pheaa.org

 

EDUCATION BENEFIT – SPOUSE

 

None.

 

NON-PROFIT OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

 

Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania offers scholarships for children age 16-25 whose parent died from a work-related accident which qualified for compensation under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law and resulted in financial need. Must attend an accredited, postsecondary institution. Deadline for application is April 15th of each year.

 

Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania
P.O. Box 543
Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: (610) 970-9143
Fax: (610) 970-7520
E-mail: info@kidschanceofpa.org
Website: www.kidschanceofpa.org