https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/massachusetts-death-benefit <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We ask Firemen, Police and Service members to risk their lives daily for us.  I have seen in the news that the state is considering expanding the benefits ($100,000) for those who have given their lives in the line of duty. They gave their lives to protect us. Why are our service members not included in this? When a National Guard, or Reserve or Active Duty service member gives their life to protect us why is not the same?  Why the difference?  Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:04:57 -0400 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/massachusetts-death-benefit <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We ask Firemen, Police and Service members to risk their lives daily for us.  I have seen in the news that the state is considering expanding the benefits ($100,000) for those who have given their lives in the line of duty. They gave their lives to protect us. Why are our service members not included in this? When a National Guard, or Reserve or Active Duty service member gives their life to protect us why is not the same?  Why the difference?  PO3 Bob Dunphy Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:04:57 -0400 2014-04-03T20:04:57-04:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/massachusetts-death-benefit?n=323063&urlhash=323063 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Plain and simple answer: different pot of money. We get death benefits mostly from federal budget. The state handles most of the emergency services for the state and it is probably a toss-up between state and local of who covers the local services benefits. Now there are some states that add benefits for servicemembers in their state, but that varies by state. I am all for taking care of the families of the fallen in the line of duty. Just need to work it to get that. LTC Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:27:05 -0500 2014-11-12T00:27:05-05:00 2014-04-03T20:04:57-04:00