One-Time:
Benefit is up to $100,000. Survivors are awarded $25,000 for deaths related to official duties and an additional $75,000 if the firefighter is killed in an incident related to responding, engaging in, or returning from a fire. Full payment is given only to a spouse and/or children under age of 22. A lesser amount is awarded to parents if there is no surviving spouse or children. Additional benefits are paid in three annual installments. This benefit also covers State Forestry and Arkansas Fire Training Academy employees, as well as firefighters at Camp Robinson and Fort Chaffee.
Contact: State Claims Commission. 101 E. Capitol Avenue, Suite 410, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 682-1619.
Workers Compensation:
Volunteers are deemed county employees so survivors receive minimum level compensation. Survivors also receive death benefits in same manner as regular employees.
Contact: Workers' Compensation Commission. PO Box 950, 324 Spring Street, Little Rock, AR 72203-0950. Phone: (501) 682-3930 or (800) 622-4472. www.awcc.state.ar.us
Funeral:
Maximum of $6,000 for burial expenses.
Contact: Workers' Compensation Commission. PO Box 950, 324 Spring Street, Little Rock, AR 72203-0950. Phone: (501) 682-3930 or (800) 622-4472. www.awcc.state.ar.us.
Pension:
This benefit is only applicable to members of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI). If duty-related death occurs before age 55, service credit is determined as if the deceased has accrued 25 years of service. Volunteer service is indexed. The spousal benefit is computed as if the employee had retired; the monthly benefit is equal to 50% of the amount a volunteer firefighter would receive. The benefit for dependent children is based on several factors. LOPFI is a "Defined Benefit" Plan where the member bears no investment risk. LOPFI has a 5 year vesting. Each July 1st, LOPFI retirees receive a compound 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA). Members have to be retired for 12 full months prior to July 1st to receive a COLA. Call LOPFI to schedule an appointment for pre-retirement counseling 30-90 days prior to desired retirement date. Remember, all retirement dates are effective the 1st day of each month.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): member (if applicable) and employer contributions must be paid into the system after the member returns to LOPFI covered employment. Service credit is granted only after payment is full. Please remember this provision is exercised at the member's discretion.
Contact: Local Police and Fire Pension Review Board. 620 West 3rd Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 682-1745. www.lopfi-prb.com; email: info@lopfi-prb.com
Child's Education:
The benefit consists of an eight-semester scholarship at any state-supported college or university. Additionally, up to four semesters may be at a technical institute. This benefit does not cover cost of books, food, school supplies, materials and fees for extracurricular activities. Benefit is available until age 23.
Contact: Arkansas Department of Higher Education. 114 E. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 371-2050. www.arkansashighered.com
Spouse's Education:
The benefit consists of an eight-semester scholarship at any state-supported college or university. Additionally, up to four semesters may be at a technical institute. This benefit does not cover cost of books, food, school supplies, materials and fees for extracurricular activities. If the spouse remarries, benefits cease at the end of the semester in which remarriage occurs.
Contact: Arkansas Department of Higher Education. 114 E. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 371-2000. www.arkansashighered.com
Support Organizations:
None. | 
