Bill passes in West Virginia extending partial disability benefits for first responders

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — A bill went into effect during the first week of June 2024 that will extend partial disability benefits to members of the West Virginia Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System.

The bill was passed during the 2024 regular legislative session, and will extend partial disability benefits for firefighters and police.

These men and women put their lives on the line every day for us. The least we can do is help support them and their families should something happen to them in the line of duty.

Delegate Geno Chiarelli | R-Monongalia, Lead Sponsor of House Bill 5188

Previously, disability benefits were only offered by the Firefighters Retirement System and the West Virginia Municipal Police Officers if one of the members was fully disabled, however the passing of the new law will extend benefits. One of which will include the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Retirement Plan’s partial disability benefit, which will be 45 percent of the average full monthly compensation for the person involved during the year the individual contributed to the plan before their disability.

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