Bipartisan Bill Would Boost Death Benefits for Federal Employees
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Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act in the Senate this week. Among other provisions, the bill would increase federal employees' death gratuities and funeral allowances. Congress will enact annual increases to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.
Senators Robert Portman (R-OH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Gary Peters (D-MI), are co-sponsors.
The current death gratuity of $10,000 would increase to a proposed $100,000. In line with that increase, the bill also increases the amount dedicated to funeral expenses from $800 to $8,800. Accordingly, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act affords those defined as an employee of the federal government eligible to receive death benefits. If passed, this would mark the first change in the death benefit since 1997.
The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) commended the bill, urging the insufficient nature of the current benefits finalized during the Johnson Administration.
“In the most tragic of situations for our nation’s civil servants, it is necessary that our government provides ample funds to honor those killed in the line of duty and ensures their surviving family is taken care of,” stated NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, “It is far past the time to update the death benefits for federal employees who are killed in the line of duty.”
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) endorsed the bill, noting that an average of 24 federal employees lose their lives in the workplace annually.
“NTEU endorses this legislation because it honors the sacrifice of federal workers who lose their life in service to their country,” said NTEU National President Tony Reardon, “Supporting the survivors and families is the least we can do when tragedy strikes and a federal employee dies on the job.”
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) expressed support, though emphasizing the bill's long overdue revisions.
"Attacks on federal law enforcement are on the rise both domestically and internationally,” stated FLEOA National President Larry Cosme, “American public servants working on behalf of their nation are constantly targeted by criminals, terrorists, and state actors with malicious intent. FLEOA proudly supports the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act to bestow long overdue honor and support for the families of those making the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their nation.”
Former Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) introduced similar legislation in early 2016, though it did not make it out of committee. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) initially proposed the legislation in 2016 to Congress.
To report the death of an annuitant or a survivor beneficiary, contact the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Once verified, OPM will send an Application for Death Benefits to the person(s) who appears entitled to either survivor benefits or a lump-sum death benefit.