Bill Passed by Congress Ensures Benefits to Police Officers for Disability or Death Caused by COVID-19

A bill passed yesterday by Congress extends death and disability benefits to public safety officers (e.g., law enforcement officers) “who die or become injured as a result of COVID-19”.

Through the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB), officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty are ensured death, disability, and education benefits for themselves and families. This bill establishes that an “officer who dies from COVID-19 or related complications sustained a personal injury in the line of duty” therefore qualifying the officer for such PSOB benefits.

Families of police officers who die due to COVID-19 will receive $250,000 in death benefits.