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Confidentiality of Information
Government Code
Effective September 1, 2001 Senate Bill 247 - Confidentiality of peace officer information Amends Government Code Section 552.1175.
Information that relates to the home address, home telephone number, or social security number of a peace officer or that reveals whether the peace
officer has family members is confidential and may not be disclosed to the public if the peace officer notifies the governmental body.
Financial Assistance
Burial
Departments do not pay for the burial of personnel whose death was in the line-of-duty. Texas Funeral Homes may offer benefits to family members on the
cost of the funeral and burial plot. Many departments may have already made previous arrangements for this financial benefit for personnel within the department. Some individuals may already have a prearranged
funeral plan.
Personal Matters
Information within deals with the major death benefits available from the federal and state government levels. Therefore , you are advised to check with
your local government agencies, retirement programs, unions and private organizations and associations for benefits that may be available to surviving spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers.
Handling your legal and financial affairs is a personal matter. We might , however suggest that 1) Consult legal assistance and 2) Consult financial
planning assistance.
We also suggest you have the following:
(1) Have a current will.
(2) Review the named beneficiary in your life, health, and accident insurance policies.
(3) Keep your insurance papers, your will and other important papers in a secure place.
(4) Leave specific instructions for interring your remains.
(5) Do not keep your spouse or executor in the dark about finances or assets.
We cannot "over-stress" the importance of having a current will. Our experience in working with surviving families has shown the difficulties
encountered when one dies without a will.
Worker's Compensation
Under Texas Workers' Compensation Law up to six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) is to be applied toward burial expenses. It is important to make the
survivors aware of this amount when purchasing items for the funeral. Example: The individual handling the funeral may wish to purchase extra flowers representing the children. This will be handled through your Risk
Management Department.
Workers Compensation web site under Rules Table of Contents Chapter 132 Death and Burial Benefits Section 132.13 pertains to this burial benefit.
Toll-Free: (800) 327-7713 ext. 4636
Web: www.twcc.state.us
Fleetwood Memorial Foundation
The Fleetwood Memorial Fund provides a lump sum payment of $10,000.00 which will be made to the survivor of any Texas Peace Officer. Ask if paperwork can
be handled by fax to expedite the financial assistance.
Ms. Diane Cravens
501 South Fielder Road
Arlington, Texas 76013
Phone: (817) 261-8954
Fax: (817)-261-2368
Email: Fleetwood@fleetwoodmemorial.org
Web: http://www.fleetwoodmemorial.org
Veteran's Benefits
The Veteran's Administration has benefits to individuals who served in the military. Money for burial expenses and death benefits or pension to
low-income widows and children. The web-site will provide you with specific information. Contact for an appointment and handle benefits in person.
Veteran's Administration Center
5000 Wissahickon Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
Phone: (800) 827-1000
Toll-Free: (800) 829-4833 for Local office
Web: http://www.va.gov
Social Security Benefits
A death benefit of $255.00 if payable to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased peace officer at the time of death, or if living
apart was eligible for social security benefits on the deceased peace officers' earnings record for the month of death. This is a one-time payment. If there is no surviving spouse the payment is made to a child
who was eligible for benefits on the deceased peace officers' earnings record in the month of death.
Make an appointment with a local office and handle benefits personally. Utilize the social security office locator on their web page. If the deceased
officer has vested into Social Security benefits may be provided to unmarried children under age 19, a spouse caring for children under age 16, spouse age 60 or above or dependent parent age 62 or older. Children
with disabilities may receive life time benefits.
Toll-Free: (800) 772-1213
Web: http://www.ssa.gov
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