New York State Death Benefits for Police, Firefighters and Corrections Workers
Our policemen, firefighters and corrections workers provide a valuable service to all New Yorkers by protecting our safety. Unfortunately, the dangerous nature of these jobs means that there is a high risk of on-the-job death.
If a New York State police officer, firefighter or corrections worker dies while in active service, the beneficiary is entitled to receive state death benefits. The benefits that are received depend on whether the death occurred at work or outside of the workplace.
Have you lost a loved one? NY State Death Benefit Information for Beneficiaries
Ordinary Death Benefits
If your loved one died while on active status but the death is not the result of an on-the-job accident, you may be entitled to an ordinary death benefit. To receive ordinary death benefits, your loved one must have participated in the state retirement system for at least one year. Up to $50,000 of the death benefit are paid in the form of group term life insurance, which is currently exempt from federal income tax. Your loved one may have additional contributions. The total amount of death benefits are determined by the worker's contributions and retirement plan.
You must notify your loved one's employer of the death as soon as possible.
Accidental Death Benefit
If your spouse died as a result of an on-the-job accident, you may be entitled to accidental death benefits. The accidental death benefit is a lifetime pension that may be as much as one-half of your loved one's wages. To receive these benefits, you must submit an Accidental Death Application (RS6046) which is available through the employer's personnel department. There is a time limit for this benefit.
Families of police officers and fire fighters who participated in the World Trade Center site rescue, recovery or clean-up efforts, may be eligible for an accidental death benefit if their loved one died from a qualifying condition.
In certain case, a special accidental death benefit may also be payable.
