Do volunteer firefighters get benefits?

May 2024 · 6 minute read

Volunteer firefighting has always been a noble and selfless profession. Volunteer firefighters are usually community members who dedicate their time and often risk their lives to help their neighbors during emergencies. But one question that frequently arises in the context of volunteering firefighting is whether volunteers get benefits or not.

Although volunteering in firefighting comes with many intangible rewards, the reality is that volunteer firefighters are not employees of the fire department, and some might need to enroll in programs or purchase insurance to get the compensation they deserve. This article sheds light on the benefits that volunteer firefighters can access and answers some frequently asked questions related to the topic.

What Are The Basic Benefits That Volunteer Firefighters Get?

As volunteer firefighters are not employees of the fire department, they don’t enjoy the same benefits as their professional colleagues. However, some benefits are available to volunteer firefighters, such as:

1. Training – Volunteer firefighters receive training on the fundamentals of firefighting, CPR, and other essential skills.

2. Personal Protection Equipment – Fire departments typically supply volunteer firefighters with protective gear, such as helmets, boots, gloves, and other equipment based on their level of experience.

3. Life insurance and accidental death coverage – Volunteer firefighters are typically eligible for limited life insurance and accidental death coverage through the National Volunteer Fire Council (NFVC) program.

What Is The National Volunteer Fire Council Insurance Program?

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is a nonprofit organization that provides life insurance, accident insurance, and disability insurance to volunteers who dedicate their time and risk their lives to protect their communities. The organization’s life insurance policy provides a beneficiary with a payout of $10,000 if a volunteer firefighter dies while on active duty, and a $5,000 payout if the volunteer is killed during training. The NVFC accidental death policy provides a $25,000 payout if the volunteer firefighter dies from accidents while on active duty.

Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Workers’ Compensation?

Since volunteer firefighters are not paid employees, they are typically not eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. However, exceptions exist in some states. For example, New York state offers workers’ compensation benefits to volunteer firefighters who become disabled or injured while performing their duties.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Apply For Unemployment Benefits?

Volunteer firefighters are typically not eligible for unemployment benefits since they are not paid employees of the fire department. However, some states allow volunteer firefighters to apply for unemployment benefits if they meet specific criteria.

What Is The Length Of Service Award Program?

The Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) is a system that enables participating fire departments to reward their volunteers for their dedication and service. Under the LOSAP system, participating departments can provide volunteers with tax-free contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA) for every year of active service.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?

Volunteer firefighters are typically not paid for their services. However, there are instances when firefighters receive payments for services such as providing fire prevention and protection services to commercial entities.

Are Volunteer Firefighters Covered Under The Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates employers to offer healthcare coverage to their employees. Since volunteer firefighters are typically not employees of the fire department, they are not mandated to receive healthcare coverage under the ACA. However, some states require fire departments to provide healthcare coverage to their volunteer firefighters.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Contribute To A 401(k) Plan?

Volunteer firefighters are independent contractors and are not eligible to contribute to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. However, they can save for retirement by opening an individual retirement account (IRA) or contribute to a Keogh plan if they are self-employed.

What Is A Keogh Plan?

A Keogh plan is a retirement savings plan designed for self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and small business owners. Unlike a 401(k) plan, which is an employer-sponsored retirement plan, a Keogh plan allows self-employed individuals to save for retirement and receive tax-deductible contributions.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Get Social Security Benefits?

Volunteer firefighters who have worked in jobs where they’ve paid Social Security taxes could be eligible for Social Security benefits. However, as most volunteer firefighters do not receive pay, they typically do not pay Social Security taxes. Consequently, they may not be eligible for full Social Security benefits unless they have other paid employment outside firefighting.

What Are The Requirements For Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter?

The requirements for becoming a volunteer firefighter vary from one fire department to another. However, aspiring volunteers typically need to meet some minimum requirements, such as:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Pass a background check.

3. Possess a valid driver’s license.

4. Be physically fit and able to perform the duties of a volunteer firefighter.

5. Have no criminal history.

Do Volunteer Firefighters Receive Any Tax Benefit?

Volunteer firefighters are not paid employees of the fire department, but the IRS recognizes their contributions and sacrifices. Consequently, the IRS provides several tax benefits to volunteer firefighters, such as deducting the cost of uniforms, training, and travel expenses from their taxes.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Volunteer Firefighter?

Volunteer firefighting comes with numerous benefits, such as:

1. The satisfaction of helping your community in times of emergency.

2. Access to necessary training and equipment.

3. The opportunity to develop new skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

4. The camaraderie and camaraderie of being part of a team.

5. Gain experience in a demanding profession.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Be Fired?

Volunteer firefighters are not employees of the fire department; they can be asked to leave or choose to resign at any time they want.

What Are The Duties Of A Volunteer Firefighter?

The duties of a volunteer firefighter vary from one department to another. In most cases, volunteer firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency calls, providing basic medical care, and operating firefighting equipment.

Can Anyone Become A Volunteer Firefighter?

Anyone who meets the minimum requirements set by the fire department can become a volunteer firefighter. However, volunteer firefighting might not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions and disabilities.

Do Volunteer Firefighters Need Special Certifications?

Volunteer firefighters usually need to obtain basic firefighting certification or attend a firefighting academy to learn the necessary skills and assessments required to become firefighters.

What Is The Difference Between A Volunteer Firefighter And A Paid Firefighter?

The primary difference between volunteer firefighters and paid firefighters is that paid firefighters receive regular salaries and benefits, while volunteer firefighters do not. However, volunteer firefighters do receive training, personal protective equipment, and limited insurance coverage for injuries and death while on duty.

Can Volunteer Firefighters Work As Professional Firefighters?

Volunteer firefighters can work as professional firefighters if they meet the qualifications required by their prospective employment. However, volunteer firefighting doesn’t guarantee a professional firefighting job nor does it give an advantage to secure one.

Conclusion

Volunteer firefighting is a selfless and rewarding profession that continues to play a crucial role in communities’ safety across the country. Although volunteer firefighters do not receive the same benefits as their professional colleagues, they can access training, personal protection equipment, and limited insurance coverage while performing their duties. By answering these frequently asked questions about the benefits of volunteer firefighting, we hope to help you make an informed decision about whether to become a volunteer firefighter or not.

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