2015 HB 3667 Grant: Workers' Compensation, Death, and/or Disability coverage - The 77th Texas Legislature (HB3667) created the Rural VFD Insurance Program and is funded by a 2% sales tax on the sale of fireworks. The program provides reimbursement grants for Texas firefighters to obtain workers compensation, death and disability insurance from private insurance companies. Each year more than 400 fire departments and 11,000 firefighters take advantage of the grant offering.

Who is eligible... 
Any chartered, non-profit volunteer or part-paid/volunteer fire department is eligible, provided the number of paid members is 20 or less.

All qualified departments must participate in a firefighter certification program administered under Section 419.071 of the Texas Government Code (Texas Commission on Fire Protection), or by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association of Texas (SFFMA), or by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

What is eligible... 
Any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (Workers' Compensation, Death, and/or Disability Insurance) is eligible. The insurance coverage must include a workers' compensation or similar benefit, and a death benefit. Departments may enter into agreements with cities or counties in order to qualify for coverage and/or special premiums.

How much will it pay...
The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage, up to a maximum of $112.00 per fire department member covered in the calendar year 2015.

How to apply...
It's easy, simply complete the following forms and submit via fax or mail. Please submit these forms only once during the enrollment period of December 2014 thru August 2015.     

• Application for Workers' Compensation Insurance Assistance
• IRS Form W-9 
• Fire Department Roster   
• Copy of Payroll Classification Schedule Page 1 and 2, or payment receipt for a Workers' Compensation Insurance Policy, or Death Insurance Policy, or Disability Insurance Policy

    
FAX: (979) 845-6160

Mail:  
Texas A&M Forest Service
Capacity Building Department
200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
College Station, TX  77845-3424

For more information...
Call:  979-458-6505
Email: [email protected]

Historical Funding Summaries

Starting in 2011, SFFMA has offered a new optional VFIS Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy to their members. This policy provides a $20,000 benefit for an On-Duty Accidental Death and a $10,000benefit for an Off-Duty Accidental Death. In addition, a $5,000 benefit is paid for a Severe Burn over 20% or more of the body. This policy is offered as an optional member benefit for only $10 per year for each individual member. Accidental death remains the #1 cause of death for working age people and many people do not have adequate life insurance to support their family in the event of their death. For more information on this member benefit, contact Diana Cardona at SFFMA at 800-580-7336.