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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
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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

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