Police Survivor Support Scheme launched

Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are to get financial support through a new government-funded scheme, Policing Minister David Hanson announced today.

The Police Survivor Support Scheme will see up to £20,000 given to families left struggling financially after officers have been killed while keeping the streets of the country safe.

The cash is aimed at partners of dead officers who have formed a new relationship, which means they are no longer eligible for the survivor pension.

Now the one-off payment of up to £20,000 will be handed out to give added financial support after the end of the pension entitlement.

Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said:

"Our brave police officers put their lives on the line on a regular basis to help keep the rest of us safe.

"This scheme will give financial support to families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation."

The Home Office-funded initiative will be run by the Police Dependants' Trust (PDT), which has been providing financial support to the families of officers killed on duty for over 40 years.

PDT Chief Executive David French said:

"The Trust has been operating since 1966 and we are delighted to work with the Home Office to administer the scheme for our widows. It should also be noted that all those eligible for this scheme should have been registered with us already. I hope that many more will be able to access the assistance that the Trust may be able to offer."

The Home Office worked closely with the PDT and drew on its experience of supporting former officers and their dependants to develop the scheme.

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