Vermont

One-Time:
Effective for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2002, the benefit is $50,000 for the survivors of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness. Line of duty includes answering or returning from a call for a fire or emergency or training drill. Occupational-related illness means a disease that directly arises out of, and in the course of, service. This includes a heart injury or disease symptomatic within 72 hours from the date of last service in the line of duty. This legislation covers firefighters who are members of state, municipal, or county fire departments or privately-organized fire departments. Survivors must apply to the Firefighters' Survivors Benefit Review Board for the monetary award. If the Board decides to award a monetary benefit, it shall be paid to the surviving spouse, or if there is no spouse at the time of death, to the surviving child, or equally among surviving children. Natural or legally adopted children are eligible, regardless of age. If there is no spouse or children, the natural or adoptive parent or parents shall receive the benefit.

Contact: Office of the State Treasurer. 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609. Phone: (802) 828-2301.

 

Workers Compensation:
Benefit is 2/3 of employee's average weekly wages for spouse if there are no dependent children, 71 2/3% for spouse and one dependent child, and 76 2/3% for spouse with two or more dependent children. The employee's average weekly wage will be based on the firefighter's regular employment. If there is no spouse, the benefit is divided among dependent children. Minimum and maximum amounts apply. The spouse will not receive less than 330 times the maximum weekly compensation. The spouse is eligible until 62 if entitled to benefits under the social security act or until remarriage. Children are considered dependent until age 18 or longer if regularly enrolled in an approved educational or vocational training institution or incapable of self-support.

Contact: Vermont Workers' Compensation. National Life Building, National Life Drive, Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-3401. Phone: (802) 828-2286. www.state.vt.us/labind/wcindex.htm.

 

Funeral:
Maximum of $5,500 for burial expenses. Maximum of $1,000 for out-of-state transportation of the deceased to the place of burial.

Contact: Vermont Workers' Compensation. National Life Building, National Life Drive, Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-3401. Phone: (802) 828-2286. www.state.vt.us/labind/wcindex.htm.

 

Pension:
None.

 

Child's Education:
None.

 

Spouse's Education:
None.

 

Support Organizations:
None.