Local Links and Resources

New York State Death Benefits Available to the Surviving Families of Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

To obtain certified copies of registered personal documents, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics: Submit written request to New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Building, Albany, NY 12237. Office: (212) 619-4530. www.health.ny.gov 



State Death Benefits

Any death benefits that may be available are administered through the New York State Retirement System. They administer the payment of Ordinary Death Benefits, Accidental Death Benefits, and Disability Benefits. For more information, contact the New York State Retirement System, 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12244-0001. Toll Free at (866) 805-0990 or Locally: (518)474-7736. http://www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/ 

Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation coverage is compulsory for employers in New York.

Benefit is 66 2/3% of the employee's wage for spouse only or spouse with child(ren). Payments are subject to Social Security benefit offsets. Two-year lump sum payable to spouse upon remarriage and weekly benefits cease. Children receive benefits until age 18 or beyond age 18 if disabled, or until age 23 if full-time students. Funeral expenses are limited to amounts established in a fee schedule of charges and costs for funeral services established by the Chairperson of the New York Workers' Compensation Board. To receive workers' compensation benefits the surviving spouse must take the initiative and file a workers' compensation claim through a workers' compensation attorney to receive any compensation. The determination as to whether the claim will be paid will be determined by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

​For more information contact the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, 328 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. (Mailing: PO Box 5205, Binghamton, NY 13902- 5205.) Office: (877) 632-4996. www.wcb.ny.gov

Health Benefits

Health benefits vary depending upon police department benefits. Spouses of state and county officers may elect to continue to participate in the same benefit program in effect at the time of the officer's death. Contact the Benefits Coordinator at your agency. 

Retirement / Pension

Individual cities and municipalities are responsible for providing retirement and pension plans for law enforcement officers. Contact your local agency’s Benefits Assistance Officer.

Funeral and Cremation Benefits

Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery providers created the Public Servants Program for emergency service personnel. This program provides dignified and honorable tributes, at no cost, for career and volunteer law enforcement officers who fall in the line of duty. Visit their website for complete information at www.dignitymemorial.com and look under Public Servants for details. You may also call 847-824-4145 and speak with a representative.

Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. provides complimentary burial vaults and related services for fallen law enforcement officers. For more information visit www.wilbert.com, or call (800) 323-7188.