Permits survivors of certain retired members of PFRS to apply for accidental death benefits.
Impact
Under existing laws, only individuals currently serving in the police and fire services could be considered for accidental death benefits. By expanding eligibility to include retirees, the bill acknowledges the long-term impact that service-related injuries can have, even after retirement. The provision ensures that survivors, which can be a spouse, child, or dependent parent, are granted access to benefits even if the retiree was not an active member at the time of death, provided they can prove that the death was directly linked to a service-related injury.
Summary
Bill S577 introduces amendments to the accidental death benefits system for retired members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) in New Jersey. The bill allows the survivors of certain retired police and fire personnel to apply for accidental death benefits, a privilege previously limited to active duty members. This change is significant in recognizing the contributions and risks taken by retired members whose passings are connected to their service-related disabilities.
Conclusion
As the bill is considered in the legislative process, discussions around its implications and the fine balance between benefit allocation and sustainability of the retirement fund are expected to be pivotal topics. Overall, S577 is seen as a step toward better recognition of the sacrifices made by retired members of public safety sectors, thereby offering some degree of financial security to their families.
Contention
Notably, the bill clarifies that if a survivor has previously received compensation linked to accidental disability, they will not be eligible for any additional benefits related to accidental death benefits, which may generate debate around the fairness and adequacy of compensation provided to survivors. This provision is essential as it prevents double compensation but raises questions about whether the benefits structure sufficiently supports the survivors of retired members who have faced ongoing medical challenges stemming from their service.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.
Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
A bill for an act relating to public safety personnel retirement systems, the taxation of surviving spouse pension benefits, and including retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 745.) Effective date: 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 01/01/2024.