The Overview
If you work for New York State or a local government, this change could matter a great deal to your family if the worst happens. New York's Assembly Bill 11555, which increases certain special accidental death benefits paid to the widow, widower, or children of a deceased member of the state and local retirement system, became law when Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed it on June 26. For members of New York's Police and Fire Retirement System, accidental death benefits can provide a lifetime pension to a surviving spouse or dependent parent, and workers' compensation payments reduce the amount, according to the New York State Comptroller.
What the Law Does
The accidental-death benefit for Police and Fire Retirement System members is generally 50 percent of final average salary each year, reduced by any workers' compensation benefit paid because of the death, according to the New York State Comptroller. Eligible survivors include a surviving spouse or dependent children, and workers' compensation benefits can reduce the pension amount, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation notes.
For members of the Police and Fire Retirement System, the accidental-death benefit generally pays a surviving spouse or dependent parent a lifetime pension, as described in the Comptroller's guidance.
Legislative Status
The Rules Committee sponsored the bill. Both chambers passed it June 4 without a single no vote: the Assembly 139-0 and the Senate 60-0.
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