Updated: October 2007

One-time Death Benefit $80,000 awarded for line-of-duty death of any volunteer in taxing districts or paid firefighter. Spouse receives the lump sum if there are no surviving children. If spouse and children survive, amount apportioned equally among all. If no surviving spouse, payment made to children age 18 or older. If under age 18, children receive $30,000 with $45,000 held in trust and divided into equal accounts until children reach age 18. If no surviving spouse or children, payment shall be made to parents of the deceased. Includes deaths resulting from heart or circulatory malfunction when the symptoms are first medically-treated within 48 hours after participation in the performance of duties or the result of illness, sickness, or injury caused by the performance of duties within 12 months. Certain medical restrictions apply. Contact: Kentucky Fire Commission 300 North Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (800) 782-6823 Website: www.kctcs.net/kyfirecommission (Reference: KY Code 61:315) Workers' Compensation If volunteer or paid firefighter's death results from a work-related injury, spouse receives $63,500.37 for 2007 ($65,813.60 for 2008). The amount is determined by the date of injury, not the date of death. This benefit is adjusted annually and includes burial expenses. Spouse and certain dependents also entitled to income benefit. Income benefit is 50% of average weekly wage for surviving spouse with no children. Benefit is only 45% of the average weekly wage for a spouse living with children, and an additional 15% for each child until the age of 18, or age of 22 if in college. Spouse living apart from children eligible for 40%. If death occurs within 4 years of date of injury as a direct result of a work-related injury, a lump sum payment of $50,000 shall be awarded; lump sum adjusted on an annual basis. Spouse receives 2-year lump sum upon remarriage with cessation of weekly benefits. Otherwise, spouse continues to receive benefits for life. Surviving children with no surviving parent eligible for specific amounts. Other dependent family members may be eligible for specific amounts. Contact: Kentucky Office of Workers' Claims 657 Chamberlain Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-5550 Website: labor.ky.gov/workersclaims Volunteer firefighters: Covered under law with income benefits based upon the average weekly wage in their regular employment. Premium paid by the Kentucky Fire Commission. Contact: Kentucky Fire Commission 300 North Main Street Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (800) 782-6823 Website: www.kctcs.net/kyfirecommission (Reference: Kentucky Revised Statutes 342:750 (6) & KY Administratiave Regulations Chapter 25) Funeral Benefit Included under Workers' Claims lump sum payment. All expenses paid. Retirement/Pension Plan Career firefighters may be covered on a department-by-department basis. Contact: Local department for further information. Education Benefit - Children No matriculation or tuition fees at state-supported university, community college or vocational training institution. Also covers dependent children, ages 18-22, of firefighters totally disabled in the line of duty. Contact: Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority 1050 U.S. 127 South Frankfort, KY 40601-4323 Phone: (800) 928-8926 Website: www.kheaa.com Education Benefit - Spouse Same as for children, except for age restriction; covers only spouses who do not remarry. Also includes spouses of disabled firefighters. Contact: Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority 1050 U.S. 127 South Frankfort, KY 40601-4323 Phone: (800) 928-8926 Website: www.kheaa.com Non-Profit or Private Organizations Kid's Chance of Kentucky P.O. Box 910234 Lexington KY 40591 (859) 608-2383 E-Mail: gdavis@alltel.net Call for benefits. Kentucky Firefighters Association Website: www.kyfa.org Provides free accidental death insurance up to $2,000 to eligible Fire/EMS personnel in Kentucky. Bluecoats of Louisville, Inc. 1442 Cherokee Road Louisville, KY 40204 Phone: (502) 454-5192 Provides financial compensation and education assistance for children. Covers Jefferson County. The One Hundred Club of Eastern Kentucky, Inc. P.O. Box 2118 Ashland, KY 41105 (606) 324-6905 Supplies short-term financial assistance based on need. Disability Employer shall pay for the cure and relief from the effects of an injury or occupational disease. This includes medical, surgical, and hospital treatment. Contact: Kentucky Office of Workers' Claims 657 Chamberlain Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-5550 Website: labor.ky.gov/workersclaims