Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Programs
Funding Available to Support the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
FY24 Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) National Law Enforcement Survivor Support and National Firefighter and First Responder Survivor Support Programs Competitive Grant Solicitation
Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Program FAQs
FY 2023 Invited to Apply – Continuation of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) National Law Enforcement Survivor Support and National Firefighter and First Responder Survivor Support Programs
Recognizing Bravery & Sacrifice
To help recognize the courage and disregard for personal safety that law enforcement and other first responders have when faced with dangerous situations, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) oversees the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. Additionally, through the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, BJA provides benefits to first responders and their families. Learn more about these...
Workers’ Compensation
Generally, local, State or Federal benefits paid to individuals who are killed or disabled in the course of employment.
State Line of Duty Death Benefit
Provides State-funded disability and death benefits for State and local Public Safety Officers – or their beneficiaries – who suffered a fatal or catastrophic injury in the line of duty.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Provides benefits for first responders who died or who were disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Public Safety Agency
Generally, a local, State, Federal, tribal government department or agency, volunteer fire department, nonprofit rescue squad, or ambulance crew.
PSOB Designee on File with the Agency
The individual who, at the time of the Officer’s death, was to receive PSOB benefits according to the designation on file with the agency at the time of the Officer’s death.
Parent-child relationship
A relationship between a Public Safety Officer and a child, in which the Officer has the role of parent.
On-duty
On-duty refers to an Officer who is working a regularly scheduled or overtime shift, or performing a public safety activity at the time of the fatal or catastrophic injury.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
Provides peer support and counseling services, as well as assistance when filing your benefits application or claim. For more information, visit the NFFF website.
Missing Document Justification
This field allows you to explain why you cannot provide a specific document.
Minor child
The child of a Public Safety Officer who at the time of the Officer’s fatal or catastrophic injury was 18 years of age or under, or was a full-time student 22 years or under.
Minimum Required Documents
The documents an Applicant must provide for their application to be accepted as a claim.
Life Insurance Beneficiary on File with the Agency
The individual who, at the time of the Officer’s death, was named in the Officer's life insurance policy, according to the designation on file with the agency at the time of the Officer’s death.
Intentional Misconduct
Generally, this occurs when an Officer knowingly commits a violation of a law, rule, policy, or usual agency practice and such violation is done without reasonable excuse and is objectively unjustified.
Grossly Negligent
Generally, this occurs when an Officer’s performance of duty is an extraordinary departure from the appropriate degree of care that would be expected of a similarly situated Officer and occurs in the face of significant hazards or where serious injury or damage is likely to follow.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
An evaluation that measures an individual’s physical capability.
Final Review Form
This is the last opportunity to review your application before submitting.
Filing Timeframe Notice
Appeal requests must be received by the PSOB Office within 33 days of the date on the notification letter. If filing beyond 33 days, visit to learn more.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
Section 8191 provides payments to local and State law enforcement officers (not Federal employees) who are performing certain actions on behalf of the United States such as assisting federal officials in the apprehension of persons committing federal crimes.