Benefits & Programs
How the Relief Association protects and supports volunteer firefighters and their families.
Our Commitment to Members
When you serve your community as a volunteer firefighter, the relief association stands behind you. We provide financial protection and support:
- When you're injured in the line of duty
- When you face financial hardship due to firefighting service
- When your family suffers loss due to your service
- When you need equipment, training, or professional development
All benefits are funded through Pennsylvania state relief aid and community donations, and must comply with authorized expenditure categories under 35 Pa.C.S. § 7416.
Benefit Categories
Injury & Disability Support
Financial assistance for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and permanent disability when firefighters are injured in the line of duty.
Learn MoreSurvivor & Family Support
Death benefits, funeral assistance, ongoing family support, and educational assistance for children when a firefighter makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Learn MoreFirefighter Physicals
Annual physical examinations covered by the Relief Association through our partnership with St. Clair Occupational Medicine Center.
Program DetailsLife Insurance
Universal Life Insurance provided to all members. Firefighters receive $10,000 coverage; active non-firefighting members receive $5,000. Premiums paid entirely by the association. Members designate their own beneficiaries.
Additional Benefits
Beyond direct member support, the relief association may also fund:
- Protective equipment — Turnout gear, SCBA, helmets, boots, and other personal protective equipment
- Training and education — Certification courses, continuing education, and professional development
- Insurance coverage — Accident, life, health, and disability insurance for active members
- Equipment maintenance — Repair and upkeep of firefighter protective equipment
- Recognition and service awards — Honoring years of volunteer service
Eligibility
To be eligible for relief association benefits, members must generally:
- Be an active or life member of the relief association in good standing
- Have the injury, loss, or need directly related to firefighting duties
- Comply with relief association bylaws and procedures
- Submit required documentation in a timely manner
Specific eligibility varies by benefit type. Contact relief association officers at the next monthly meeting with questions about your situation.
How to Request Benefits
- Contact a relief association officer — Bring your situation to the attention of any officer, or raise it at a monthly meeting
- Gather documentation — Medical records, incident reports, receipts, and any other relevant paperwork
- Submit your request — Officers will guide you through the process and any required forms
- Review and approval — Requests are reviewed for eligibility and compliance with PA law
- Payment — Benefits are paid upon approval, with urgent needs expedited
All benefit requests are handled confidentially. Personal and medical information is shared only with officers involved in the review process.
Coordination with Other Programs
Relief association benefits may supplement other coverage you have:
- Workers' compensation — State-mandated coverage for workplace injuries
- Personal health insurance — Your primary medical coverage
- Disability insurance — Private or group disability policies
- Life insurance — Personal or employer-provided policies
Relief association benefits often help with expenses not covered by other programs, such as deductibles, co-pays, or gaps in coverage.