COVID death benefits set for families

ALBANY — New York lawmakers passed legislation Thursday ensuring families of public employees who die of COVID-19 while working on the front lines of the pandemic will receive “line-of-duty” death benefits.

The measure establishes a presumption that deceased public employees contracted the virus while on the job, entitling families and beneficiaries to receive death benefits and a worker’s pension.

“These families have suffered a horrific loss and should not have to wait in limbo to get the benefits they are owed,” said Sen. Andrew Gounardes (DBrooklyn), who sponsored the bill.

The Senate passed the bill shortly before midnight Thursday and the Assembly followed suit early Friday morning. Both Gov. Cuomo, who will have to sign off on the legislation, and Mayor de Blasio backed the union-approved measure, which applies to cops, firefighters, medics, healthcare workers, teachers, transit employees and others.

So far, at least 277 municipal workers have died in the city since the Big Apple became the epicenter of the outbreak.

“I’m thankful that the Senate and Assembly were able to work together on such an important issue and take this positive step forward for the working men and women of New York State,” said Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D-Brooklyn), who sponsored the bill in his chamber.

To be eligible for the death benefit, workers must have contracted the virus within 45 days of reporting to work in person, have a confirmed positive test or be diagnosed before or after death by a licensed healthcare practitioner.

On the federal level, there have been discussions about a benefits package that would cover public- and private-sector workers considered essential who died during the outbreak. The Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act, supported by Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Carolyn B. Maloney, both Manhattan Democrats, and Peter King (R-L.I.) would be modeled on the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.