Survivor Benefits Guide

Support for Families of Public Safety Professionals
What to do — and where to turn — when a loved one passes

Introduction

Losing a public safety professional — whether in the line of duty or not — is one of the most difficult experiences a family or agency can face. In that moment, emotions are raw, timelines are unclear, and responsibilities can feel overwhelming. At BCN, we’ve supported families and departments through these moments for decades. Many of us have worn the uniform or stood beside those who did — and we know firsthand that the people left behind often need more than forms and checklists. They need clarity, compassion, and a steady hand to help make sense of what comes next.

This guide was written with that in mind. It’s meant to walk you through the process, step by step, with the support of people who’ve done this before. If you need someone to talk to, someone to call, or someone to sit down and help you sort through it — we’re here. And if the member completed a BCN Living Trust or filled out our Line of Duty Death & Emergency Packet, this guide will help you put those preparations into motion. If you’re unsure, check with their department head or association leadership to see if those documents are on file.

You are not alone.

1. Immediate Steps

Notify the Employer

Contact the member’s department or agency as soon as possible. They will begin their internal notification process and guide you on benefits and protocol. Ask to speak with the HR contact or department designee for survivor coordination.

Contact BCN

Reach out to our office early — we’ll help you organize the process, coordinate communication with pension systems and benefit providers, and give you space to breathe while we handle the logistics.

2. Documentation You’ll Need

Begin gathering the following documents as soon as you’re able:

Certified death certificates (multiple copies)

Surviving Spouse’s Birth Certificate

Marriage certificate or domestic partnership record

Birth certificates for minor children

Social Security numbers for all dependents

Most recent pay stub or retirement statement

Pension account or member ID numbers

Life insurance policy information

Living Trust (if completed)

Military discharge paperwork (if applicable)

We’ll help you organize and prepare these for each system or agency involved.

3. Pension Systems

Whether the member was active, retired, or deferred, their pension system will need to be contacted to stop payments and initiate survivor benefits. Depending on the situation, benefits may include:

A continuing monthly survivor benefit

A lump-sum death benefit or return of contributions

A Special Death Benefit (for job-related deaths)

Ongoing healthcare or pension continuances under certain retirement options

BCN will walk you through what you’re eligible for and help you file the proper forms.

4. Job-Related vs. Non-Job-Related Death

Line-of-Duty (Trauma or Violent Incident)

If the death occurred during a violent or qualifying duty-related event, additional benefits may apply, including:

Federal PSOB (Public Safety Officers’ Benefit)

California Line-of-Duty Death Benefits

Special Death Benefit through CalPERS or 1937 Act

Workers’ Compensation death benefit

Tax-free pension treatment for survivors

Job-Related Illness or Injury

Even if the death wasn’t sudden or traumatic, benefits may still apply if the cause was connected to the job (e.g. cancer, cardiac, respiratory illness, etc.). We’ll help review the circumstances and connect you with the right professionals to assist with documentation and legal support.

5. Workers’ Compensation Death Claims

If the death was job-related, you may be eligible for a death claim through the employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. This can include:

Ongoing benefits for the surviving spouse and dependents

Burial and funeral coverage

A possible lump-sum payment

Access to legal or medical resources if needed

We’ll help you understand your rights and, if appropriate, refer you to a trusted workers’ comp attorney for deeper guidance.

6. Health, Life, and Other Benefits

Most agencies provide group life insurance, and many members carry supplemental policies as well. BCN will help you file these claims and verify coverage. You may also be eligible for extended medical coverage under COBRA, retiree healthcare programs, or through public safety survivor provisions.

If the member contributed to Social Security, surviving spouses or minor children may also qualify for benefits. We’ll assist in navigating that process.

7. Estate Planning and Final Wishes

If the member had a Living Trust or Will created through BCN, we’ll help you activate it. That includes reviewing the trust, notifying financial institutions, and assisting the successor trustee or family members with next steps. We’ll also guide you through funding or asset transfers, as needed.

If the member filled out a Line of Duty Death & Emergency Packet with BCN, check with the department head or association president to see if it’s on file. This packet outlines critical wishes — including funeral preferences, emergency contacts, and other personal details — to help families and departments act with clarity and respect.

If no estate plan was completed, we can connect you with trusted legal resources for probate and next-step support.

8. Emotional and Peer Support

You’re not expected to carry all of this alone. Every situation is different, and so is every path forward. We encourage families to lean on their peer support teams, chaplains, trusted coworkers, or survivor organizations. Many departments also offer counseling or Employee Assistance Programs to support emotional well-being.

We’re here for that too. If you need someone to call — just to help you think straight — we’ll take the call. That’s part of what we do.

9. How BCN Supports You

Every year, we assist with dozens of public safety death claims. Our team works directly with family members, HR departments, pension systems, attorneys, and benefit providers to make sure nothing gets missed and no one gets left behind.

We can help with:

Pension, life insurance, and survivor paperwork

Trust and estate guidance

Workers’ comp coordination and referrals

Long-term planning for spouses or children

Investment advice following a payout or transition

Compassionate, experienced support — even when it’s just a conversation

Final Thoughts

This guide can’t remove the weight of your loss — but it can help steady the steps ahead. We’ve been here before. We’ve seen what happens when families feel supported, and when they don’t. Our mission is to make sure you feel cared for, informed, and not alone in any part of this process.

If you need anything — even if you’re not sure what to ask for — call us. We’ll walk you through it, one step at a time.