Protection for First Responders

Know your rights! Because of your hard work and dedication as a first responder in the state of Illinois, there are several state programs designed to help you and your family if you have a catastrophic injury or are killed in the line of duty.

The Public Safety Employee Benefit Act

If you are full-time employee of a company and suffer a catastrophic injury or are killed in the line of duty, your employer is required to pay the entire premium of your health insurance plan.
If you are killed in the line of duty, educational expenses of your children may be waived by the state, up to 120 credit hours.

Injured First Responder Information

Rights

Medical Expenses
Off-Work Pay
Disability Pay
Medical Care by Doctor of Your Choice

Types of Accidents

Specific Accident (Altercations, Falls)
Repetitive (Computer Use)
Occupational Disease

Action to be Taken after Accident

Report Accident Within 45 Days to Employer
Report Accident Orally and in Writing
Report Accident to Doctor

What to Report

Date of Accident
Description of Accident
Description of Injured Body Part

Warning Signs/Employer Tool

Company Doctor
Independent Examination
Recorded Statement
Medical Nurse Assigned to Case
Light Duty

Benefits Available

IOD – Off Work – 1 Year – PEDA
Workers’ Compensation – Medical Bills,Disability Benefits
Pension – Line of Duty Disability
PSEBA – Health Insurance if Pension Awarded

Time to Report an Accident

Within 45 Days From Specific Accident
Repetitive Trauma – Consult an Attorney

Public Safety Employee Benefits Act

Illinois Pension Code