The Division of Fire Safety is pleased to announce that the Volunteer Fire Protection Association Workers’ Compensation Insurance Grant Program received, reviewed, and approved a record number of applications during FY26, resulting in the largest disbursement of funds from the program in its history. The grant awards, paid as a reimbursement, directly support the recipient fire departments in providing Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage for their volunteer firefighter “employees” who are injured when acting on behalf of the agency in response to calls for service.
This program was created by enactment of SCS SB613 in 2016 to enable the Division of Fire Safety to provide grants to eligible Volunteer Fire Protection Associations to offset or defray the cost of their Workers’ Compensation Insurance policy premium fees. Eligible agencies may receive up to $2,000 based upon the number of claims filed in the previous calendar year and the actual cost of the policy.
The FY26 disbursements from the program totaled $103,379 to 57 agencies. The FY26 appropriation for the program was $200,000. However, the FY27 appropriation was cut to $75,000 due to projected budget shortfalls. Grant applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and disbursements are made once all required documentation has been confirmed as valid.
Additional information about the program and eligibility can be found by visiting the Division of Fire Safety’s website and clicking on the link located in the Popular Links list.
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