Resources for Retired Police

Retired sworn members are eligible for certain ceremonial funeral service entitlements depending on length of service and rank achieved while employed with the Baltimore County Police Department. Entitlements may include an Honor Guard Color Team or Honor Guard Body Bearers, for example. If funeral entitlements are being requested, make immediate notification to the Police Department.

Many different life and health insurance benefits exist depending on options that were available during employment or the time of retirement. The Police Department's Office of Human Resources can provide you with appropriate contact information for the Baltimore County Retirement Office and Baltimore County Insurance Division so that you may obtain important information on these benefits.

The Baltimore County Police Department offers its own term life insurance policy to all of its members known as the Baltimore County Police Benefit Association (PBA). All active employees, sworn and non-sworn, are provided with an opportunity to join the PBA upon their date of hire and may remain a member throughout their careers and into retirement. All members are entitled to the benefits of the organization, so long as they maintain active or retired status, and remain in good standing. Upon the death announcement of a fellow PBA member, the membership contributes equal dues through an automatic payroll deduction. The funds collected are awarded to the member’s designated beneficiary as a one-time death benefit, calculated at $4 multiplied by the total number of members in the organization at the time of death. The death of a PBA member marks the conclusion of their membership.

If your loved one was a member of the PBA, his or her Statement of Earnings and Deductions (pay stub) would occasionally show a deduction for payouts to the PBA. To verify benefits, you must contact the Police Department’s PBA Coordinator.

For additional information and resources, please download the PBA Information Flyer.

Baltimore County public safety retirees who are disabled because of line of duty injury and are currently residing in Baltimore County are eligible for property tax exemption starting in July 2009.

Applications are available and are provided by the Office of Budget and Finance Tax Payer Services. For inquiries, email financeinfo@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-2872.

Applicants can send an email with their name, address and telephone number to verify eligibility, and a request to be mailed the necessary paper work for the credit.

Note: You do not have to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Police or any other group to take advantage of this tax benefit. This applies to Baltimore County only. Check with your county to see if they offer this benefit.

On December 24, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) formally issued an amendment to their original HELPS guidance with respect to their interpretation of the term "accident or health insurance plan" that is consistent with the original intent of the Act and the information provided by the Treasury Department in May. A copy of the amendment to the guidance can be found on the IRS' website and a link to this document—as well as an updated version of the FAQ on the HELPS provision—can be found on the Legislative page of the Grand Lodge's website.

Federal legislation and resulting IRS regulations affect individuals differently. Each member is encouraged to work with their individual tax professional to determine how the HELPS Retiree Act may apply to them. Visit HELPS Retiree Act for more information.