Page 8 - SeptemberThe Scoop 2017

DPS Offers Public Safety

Employees Death Benefit Fund

Shea Carter

Shea Carter, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, also serves on the Board of Directors for the Department of
Public Safety Employees Death Benefit Fund. She provided this helpful information on the worthwhile program.

If you are not a member of the Department of Public Safety Employees Death Benefit Fund, we invite you
to consider joining. All DDS and DPS employees, sworn and civilian, are eligible to join and the immediate
$6,000.00 payout to your family in the event of your death is well worth the cost to join. Benefit payments
are typically paid within 3 days of notification of a member’s death. This will provide much needed cash
to help with your final expenses. Even after retirement, your benefit remains the same with no increases
in payment or decrease in benefits. The initial membership fee is $10 for each six-month period you have
been employed; and we will work with you to schedule that in up to 3 payments. After the initial
membership fee the cost is $5 each time a member dies, which is done by payroll deduction. No more
than $10 per check will be deducted in the event of multiple member deaths. Death is a topic that none
of us like to discuss, but we should consider the financial strain it puts on our loved ones and want to ease
their burden during such a difficult time. Contact Diane Martin, dmartin2@dds.ga.gov, phone 678-413-
8708 or Mike Gilmer, mgilmer@gsp.net, phone 404-624-7860, to join today.

Why You Should Join?

1. GOOD BENEFITS:
Presently the Death Benefit Fund pays $6000.00 upon the death of a member. These benefits
could increase if the membership increases.

2. LOW COST:
You pay ten dollars ($10.00) initial membership fee for each six (6) month period you have
been employed and five dollars ($5.00) each time a member dies thereafter.

3. PAYROLL DEDUCTIBLE:
Payments are automatically deducted when a member dies. Your check stub is your receipt.

4. PROMPT BENEFICIARY PAYMENTS:
It is the policy of the Fund to pay recipients within three (3) working days after the death of a
member. Therefore, the family has extra money when most needed.

5. NO HEALTH EXAMINATION:
Membership in the Fund guarantees payment regardless of your health or preexisting condition.
However, you are not eligible to collect benefits during the first twelve (12) months except for
‘accidental death’ or in the line of duty.

6. NO RETIREMENT PENALTIES:
Benefits remain the same after retirement with no increases in payment or decrease in benefits.
Retirees also have the benefit of automatic deduction when a member dies.