IMPORTANT INFORMATION     

IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A FIRE RETIREE
STEPS TO BE TAKEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 
 
PLEASE FILE THIS INFORMATION SHEET WITH YOUR IMPORANT PAPERS
PLEASE GIVE ONE COPY TO YOUR LAWYER, ONE TO YOUR ESTATE AND KEEP ONE IN YOUR SAFE.
THIS IS A REMINDER OF SOME OF THE ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE
TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF A RETIREES DEATH.
 
IN THE EVENT OF A RETIREES DEATH: OHIO P&F Retirees:  Have Trained Personnel called HOST, and our host are Wayne Graff 513-231-2862,
Mrs. Dorothy Rechel President of the Widows. 513-922-3632  
To report the death of a member, contact the Police and Firefighters HOST immediately
The host will notify you of the actions you must take, in order to be covered for all benefits you may be entitled to.
One of the benefits is a $1000.00 paid to the estate but you have to apply for it.
 
SPECIAL NOTE FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES; if you are now covered by Part-B of Medicare, or are eligible for coverage, you can be reimbursed by the Pension Fund for the monthly cost. YOU MUST notify the Pension Fund of your coverage. Don’t fail to mention this when you call or you may temporarily not be covered by the Health Care. AND IS NOT RETROACTIVE.
 

CITY OF CINCINNATI DEATH BENEFIT:
As of this date, a death benefit of $5.000 is payable to the beneficiary of a deceased Firefighter. The beneficiary should notify District Chief Guy Frazier, at Fire Headquarters, 5th and Central Ave. 513-352-2565. Of the death to start the process and get the Death Benefit Application. In some cases. This $5.000 is subjected to State and Federal Income Tax. Check with your tax accountant or lawyer.
He also handles Pallbears, Honor Guards, and the Bagpipers.
 
 
 
MEDICARE/ SOCIAL SECURITY:
As of this date. A death benefit is available to survivors. Or you may be eligible for other benefits under Social Security or Medicare. Contact the Medicare Office, 1-800-772-1213.
 
GI INSURANCE:
Survivors of holders of GI Insurance can receive information from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Regional Office & Insurance Center (292), P.O. Box 8079. Philadelphia, PA. 19101-8079. Telephone 1-800-669-8477.
 
FEDERAL & STATE TAXES:
Tax laws change constantly. It is impossible to list here what the tax consequences may be in any given situation. Some pension’s benefits have been exempt from taxation. Either Federal or State. And the death of a pensioner may affect the tax situation of survivors.
A survivor’s best course is to consult with your tax preparer.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federal Tax. 513-621-6281. or Ohio State Tax Department. 513-632-8591.
 
WORKER’S COMPENSATION:
If a retiree was receiving Worker’s Compensation Benefits before he/she dies, the surviving spouse could be eligible for Death Benefits from BWC depending on the cause of death.
If the member was retired on disability, or dies from a heart condition, Or Cancer, Additional Benefits may be available. Contact Cincinnati Firefighters union. 513-241-3541.
 
SPECIAL NOTE:
Many agencies a survivor must deal with may require a copy of the Death Certificate or Marriage Certificate for proof of eligibility. It is advisable to obtain possibly Twelve (12) copies of the Death & Marriage Certificates. The Funeral Director can help you with this.
The different agencies will tell you which might be needed..  
 
IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A WIFE/WIDOW. PLEASE CONTACT THE ABOVE HOST.
In all cases. It would be wise to contact all of these agencies. And be guided by their advice.
 
If you are divorced make sure you have changed your beneficiary documents.  
 
If you have any other questions or problems you may contact--
Mike Kappa Sr. 513-921-2378 / Terry Baker 513-941-3920/ Wayne Graff 513-231-2862
 
Police and Firefighters Pension Fund address is 140 East Town St. Columbus, Ohio 43215
Toll Free number 1-888-864-8363
 
If the member is in the Knights of Columbus check with the Grand Knight for a death benefit.
Please Remember the Fire Museum in your Will.
Revised January 17, 2017
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