1) The Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association will provide a death benefit to its membership through the D.P.S.O.A. office, 5821 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752.

2) An eligible beneficiary shall be that beneficiary designated by a qualified Association member on his or her application for membership or in a subsequent written change of beneficiary designation. If such designation is not made by the member prior to date of death, or if a designated beneficiary predeceases the member or cannot be located, the eligible beneficiary shall be the member’s estate. Any change in beneficiary shall be in writing and signed by the qualified Association member. Any change in beneficiary designation will be effective only upon receipt by the D.P.S.O.A. office.

3) A death benefit of $10,000.00 shall be paid to the designated beneficiary or the estate of a qualified active duty member of the Texas Department of Public Safety whose death occurs in the line of duty. The member must be in good standing and dues paid in full pursuant to Article IV of the D.P.S.O.A. by-laws at the time of death.

4) A death benefit of $5000.00 shall be paid to the designated beneficiary or the estate of a qualified active duty member whose death did not occur in the line of duty or retired member whose dues are paid in full and who is in good standing pursuant to Article IV of the D.P.S.O.A. By-laws at the time of death. Retirees must have been a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, (including dues fully paid) thirty six (36) consecutive months immediately preceding the member’s date of retirement. For purposes of these guidelines, a “retiree” is defined as a member who has been granted retirement benefits pursuant to the Texas State Retirement System.

5) An Associate member in the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association shall not be eligible and shall not receive any death benefits under these guidelines.

6) The death benefit is not owed and will not be paid if the member (active duty or retired) dies by suicide while sane or insane, within two (2) years from the date the member joins the Association or within two (2) years from the date the member rejoins the Association after a break in membership.

7) The Board of Directors of the Association reserves the right to modify or repeal this death benefit at its discretion at any time with or without notice and nothing herein shall create a property right to any benefit stated herein.

8) Offer supplemental insurance enhancement to troopers killed in the line of duty.