Connecticut


Death	One-Time: None. Workers Compensation: Active members of volunteer fire departments are considered employees of the municipality the department is in and shall be compensated according to state workers' compensation law. If injured while engaged in fire duties, any active volunteer may collect benefits based on the salary of regular employment or the state average production wage, whichever is greater. 75% of this salary is payable to a spouse with children. Minimums and maximums apply, and there is an annual cost- of-living adjustment. Cumulative payments cannot exceed 100% of weekly earnings. Benefits will be offset by Social Security payments. Spouse eligible until remarriage; children until age 18, (22 if full-time student), or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support. Contact: Workers' Compensation. Capitol Place, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Phone: (860) 493-1500. http://wcc.state.ct.us Funeral: Maximum burial benefit is $4,000. Contact: Workers' Compensation Commission. Capitol Place, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Phone: (860) 493-1500. http://wcc.state.ct.us. Pension: Provided by the municipality. Child's Education: Tuition is waved in the Connecticut University System, regional community-technical college, or the University of Connecticut. Contact: Registrar's Office, The University of Connecticut, Wilbur Cross Building, 233 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, CT 06269-4077. Phone: (860) 486-3331. Spouse's Education: None. Support Organizations: Hundred Club of Connecticut 119 Oakwood Drive PO Box 419 Glastonbury, CT 06033-0419 (860) 633-8357 www.hundredclubofct.org Provides initial death benefit of $10,000, special financial assistance, and annual savings bond for children until age 18. Also offers a comprehensive college scholarship up to $25,000 a year for spouse and children. Scholarship covers tuition, and other expenses. Beginning at age seven, each student is eligible to receive a complete computer system. Money is available to help children ages 5-16 to attend summer camp. Under The Fixed Indebtedness Program, the board may provide financial relief related to mortgage and other debts. Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Inc. PO Box 9 Mansfield Center, CT 06250 (860) 423-5799 vvv.state.ct.us/cfpc/fso/ocsfa.html Provides up to $10,000 benefit for survivors of members of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association. In addition, weekly benefit of $70 per child until age 18.



Education	Tuition is waived in the Connecticut University System, regional community-technical college, or the University of Connecticut. Contact: Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Phone: (860) 947-1800.Phone: (860) 486-6173.



Workers Compensation	Volunteers are eligible for workers compensation for line-of-duty injuries that cause full disability. The benefit is based on the wages of the volunteer firefighter from their regular employment.



Funding	The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control offers the "Connecticut FAIR Plan Grant" fund. The fund subsidizes the purchase of equipment that will aid in fire investigations for departments. Contact: Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, Connecticut Fire Academy. 34 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1069. Phone: (860) 627-6363.



Health	None.



Legal	A municipality and firefighter in need of legal defense in a joint matter may be represented by the same attorney if the municipality files a statement with the court stating that it will pay any verdict entered against the firefighter. A municipality must pay for the damages incurred by a firefighter in the course of his or her duties, even volunteers, so long as the damages were not the result of a willful or wanton act. A municipality may acquire appropriate insurance to defray the costs of these payments.



Malpractice	Volunteer firefighters responding to emergencies or acting during an emergency are not liable for civil damages from any acts or omissions, except in cases of gross, willful or wanton negligence.



Retirement	The Connecticut LOSAP laws allow local municipalities to fund LOSAPs, but there is no state-wide program. Municipalities can choose between DB or BC plans.



Tax	State statutes allow local jurisdictions to give volunteer firefighters a maximum of $1,000 in tax breaks on property taxes.



Additional	Volunteer firefighters are eligible for special license plates for a fee. Volunteer firefighters can respond to fire calls during regular hours of employment without loss of pay, vacation time, sick leave, or earned income accumulation.

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