Myths & Case Studies

TOPIC:  Social Security. Myth:   Many people think that a firefighter spouse’s Social Security worker benefit will not be paid because they are the spouse of a firefighter. This is patently false; the worker will always receive their own benefit. TOPIC:  Healthcare. Myth:   If a retired firefighter or paramedic dies, their family will not receive healthcare benefits. False,  they will continue to receive firefighter healthcare benefits. TOPIC:  M

Joe is a 62-year-old happily retired firefighter living the (good) retired life. He and his wife, Tiffany, are receiving his monthly pension payment, seeing the kids and grandkids at least monthly, and spending winters in sunny Florida. He had worked 30 plus years for the CFD.  The 5 kids grew up in a loving, stable family environment.  They were set-up to enjoy  20+ years of retirement.   While on a FL trip, Tiffany starts to not feel well. They called their doctor&rsqu

Robert (Bobby) Smith was a happy man.  He had just surprised his girlfriend of two years by “popping the question” at her summer family gathering.   Julie was ecstatic and said “yes”.   The wedding was scheduled for a year later.  They agreed to let Bobby graduate from the firefighter academy and join the Chicago Fire Department.  As one of the last things completed at the academy, Bobby made Julie the sole beneficiary of his life insura

John was an active Firefighter, on the job for 25 years, when he was badly injured while on the job. He was hospitalized for several months and receiving Occupational Disability while his wife, Joan, was doing her best to manage the household and take care of their children’s needs.Trying to keep up with their bills became burdensome for Joan.  The monthly life insurance premium increased dramatically after the accident. In fact, the monthly cost doubled.   To save some mone

Frank is a 27-year-old fireman working out of the Northwest Side of Chicago.  Frank is single and has been a firefighter for 5 years. He recently bought a house in Evergreen Park and has a substantial mortgage (80% of the value of the home).He is riding his motorcycle on a hot summer day and is broadsided by a motorist. The motorist takes off and leaves the scene.  Frank is badly injured.  He suffered a brain injury and had a stroke while in surgery. His friends and family rally a