Updated: December 2009

One-time Death Benefit The Firefighters' State Benefit Fund provides a $10,000 death benefit for both paid and volunteer members. Contact: North Dakota Insurance Commission State Capital Fifth Floor 600 East Boulevard Avenue Bismark, ND 58505-6420 Phone: (701) 328-2440 Fax: (701) 328-4880 Toll Free: (800) 247-0560 Website: www.nd.gov/ndins Workers' Compensation Benefit is 66 2/3% of employee's average weekly wages for spouse or spouse with children, plus an additional $10 per week for each dependent child, up to 110% of the state average weekly wage. Minimum and maximum amounts apply. Spouse receives additional lump sum of $1,200 and $400 for each dependent child. Maximum payable total is $300,000 over the life of the claim. Children are considered dependent until age 18, age 23 if a full-time student, or longer if disabled or incapable of self-support. All medical bills acquired by the firefighter's death are paid. WSI pays all medical bills directly related to the compensable injury and death of a worker. Volunteer firefighters: Entitled to the same protection and rights as full-time, paid employees of municipalities. Benefits to spouse are based on wages received during regular employment. Contact: Workforce Safety & Insurance (Workers' Compensation) 1800 East Century Avenue, Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503-0644 Phone: (701) 328-3800 or (800) 777-5033 Website: www.workforcesafety.com (Reference: workforcesafety.com) Funeral Benefit Maximum of $10,000 for burial expenses. Contact: Workforce Safety & Insurance (Workers' Compensation) 1800 East Century Avenue, Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503-0644 Phone: (701) 328-3800 or (800) 777-5033 Website: www.workforcesafety.com Retirement/Pension Plan Career: Many municipalities have their own retirement or pension systems and some departments carry their own pension plans or have established relief funds. Contact: Check with benefits coordinator at individual departments. Education Benefit - Children Tuition and fees waived for in-state undergraduate colleges and universities if child was under age 21 at the time of death. Assistance available for up to four years, eight semesters, or equivalent. Benefit covers up to $4,000 per year for 4 or 5 years depending on the chosen program of study. Contact: North Dakota Board of Higher Education 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 215 Bismarck, ND 58505-0230 Phone: (701) 328-5936 Website: www.ndus.nodak.edu/sbhe/default.asp Education Benefit - Spouse Same as for children, except for age restriction. Contact: North Dakota Board of Higher Education 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 215 Bismarck, ND 58505-0230 Phone: (701) 328-5936 Website: www.ndus.nodak.edu/sbhe/default.asp Non-Profit or Private Organizations None.