NCJ Number
231308
Date Published
2010
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This document presents the steps in the appeals process under the Federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program, which involves disability or death payments to officers and/or their families when officers are killed or injured while performing their duties.
Abstract
The appeals process is occasioned by a letter to a claimant that his or her claim has been denied. Enclosed with this letter is the determination that provides the basis for this decision along with information about filing an appeal. The claimant can contact the PSOB Office with any questions about the appeals process or in order to provide notice of appeal. Notice of an appeal must be provided to the PSOB Office within 33 days of the date of the letter that denies the claim. Upon receiving the notice of appeal, the PSOB Office assigns a hearing officer to the claim, who contacts the claimant to discuss the appeals process and next steps. The hearing officer will then reconsider the claim, accepting and considering any newly submitted information. Once the hearing officer's determination has been submitted to the PSOB Office, the claimant is notified by letter of the outcome. Should the hearing officer reverse the initial denial of the claim and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Director agrees, the claim is approved and the benefit is paid. If the hearing officer does not reverse the denial of claim, the claimant may request an appeal to the BJA Director, who reviews the claim for a final decision.