| |
| |
| Death |
One-Time:
As of 2001, $110,692 is paid out to spouse or spouse and dependent children. If no spouse or dependent children, payment goes to dependent parents. The benefit is adjusted annually based on the consumer price index.
Contact: Office of the Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Town Square, 444 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 201-7000 or (800) 342-5354.
Workers Compensation:
The benefit covers all firefighters killed or disabled in the line-of-duty. Benefits for spouse with no children are 50% of wages earned by paid employees performing similar services at time of death. Benefits for spouse with two or more children are 2/3. Benefits for spouse with no children last for 10 years. For spouse with children, benefits continue 10 years after last child is no longer dependent. Unmarried children are eligible until age 18 or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support, or until age 25 if full-time student. Benefits are adjusted to reflect cost of living increases. Medical costs directly related to the injury are paid. Combined total of government benefits cannot exceed 100%. Spousal benefits continue after remarriage.
Contact: Workers' Compensation Division, State Department of Labor and Industry. 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: (651) 284-5005 or (800) 342-5354.
Funeral:
Maximum burial allowance of $7,500.
Contact: Workers' Compensation Division, State Department of Labor and Industry. 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: (651) 284-5005 or (800) 342-5354.
Child's Education:
Waiver of tuition and fees for undergraduate or certificate programs at state-supported colleges and universities. If the student attends an approved Minnesota private college or university, the state will pay no more than the highest tuition and fees charged by a Minnesota public institution. Children are eligible until age 23. The benefit is renewable for a maximum of ten semesters or 15 quarters, whichever occurs first.
Contact: Department of Public Safety. 211 Transportation Building, St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 201-7000. www.mheso.state.mn.us
Spouse's Education:
Waiver of tuition and fees for undergraduate or certificate programs at state-supported colleges and universities. If the student attends an approved Minnesota private college or university, the state will pay no more than the highest tuition and fees charged by a Minnesota public institution. The benefit is renewable for a maximum of ten semesters or 15 quarters, whichever occurs first.
Contact: Department of Public Safety. 211 Transportation Building, St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 201-7000. www.mheso.state.mn.us
Bloomington, MN 55437
(612) 781-3371
Provides immediate contribution of $1,000. |
 |
|
|
| Education |
Training is available through the Minnesota State colleges & universities at a cost. Library is available for loaning.
Contact: Fire/EMS/Safety Center, Minnesota State Colleges & Universities. Wells Fargo Place, 30 7th Street East, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101-7804. Phone: (651)-649-5454. Toll Free: (800) 311-3143. FAX: (651) 649-5409. |
|
|
|
| Workers Compensation |
Workers' compensation covers all firefighters disabled in the line of duty. Benefits are based on the wages earned by paid employees performing similar services at the time of injury. The amount is based on extent and permanence of disability.
Contact: Workers' Compensation Division, State Department of Labor and Industry. 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: (651) 284-5005 or (800) 342-5354. |
|
|
|
| Funding |
Grants for equipment and training are available through the Division of Emergency Management.
Contact: Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Emergency Response Commission. 444 Cedar Street, Suite 223, Saint Paul, MN 55101-6223. Phone: (651) 201-7400. |
|
|
|
| Health |
There is no state benefit. However, many fire departments offer annual physicals and Hepatitis B vaccinations. |
|
|
|
| Legal |
By state statute, the city or township must provide legal counsel for any firefighter if an action is brought against the firefighter for damages caused by the operation of a motor vehicle in the course of the firefighter's official duties. The municipality must also pay the expense of defending the suit, including providing witness and reasonable counsel fees. |
|
|
|
| Malpractice |
Firefighters who render emergency service without compensation or the expectation of compensation are not liable for any civil damages as a result of acts or omissions, unless the firefighter acted in a willful and wanton or reckless manner. |
|
|
|
| Retirement |
Each department has the right to establish a Firefighter Relief Association. The program is funded by 2% fire insurance premium tax. Programs differ for each fire department. |
|
|
|
| Tax |
The state reimburses volunteer firefighter relief associations up to $1,000 in exchange for paying state taxes on their lump sum pensions. The amount of the benefit is 10% of the lump sum distribution up to a maximum of $1,000.
Contact: Minnesota Department of Revenue. 600 North Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55101. |
|
|
|
| Additional |
Volunteer firefighters are eligible for special license plates. The fee is $10. |
|
| |
|
