Public Employee Disability Act
Last updated on March 19, 2025
The Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA) is an Illinois law which provides financial protection for firefighters and police officers who suffer the misfortune of being injured in the line of duty.
Understanding the Illinois Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA)
PEDA is an Illinois law which provides financial protection for firefighters and police officers who suffer the misfortune of being injured in the line of duty.
Pursuant to the Public Employee Disability Act, which is codified under 5 ILCS 345/1 et seq, any eligible employee who suffers any injury in the line of duty which causes him/her to be unable to perform their duties shall continue to be paid full salary with no deduction from sick leave credits, compensatory time for overtime accumulations or vacation, and service credits in a public employee pension fund during the time he/she is unable to perform their duties due to the result of the injury.
These benefits last for one full year. Similarly, the injured employee is entitled to full salary. Benefits pursuant to PEDA are considered disability benefits and not salary. As a result, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code, such disability payments should not be considered taxable income. Any eligible employee who suffers any injury in the line of duty which causes him/her to be unable to perform their duties shall continue to be paid full salary with no deduction from sick leave credits, compensatory time for overtime accumulations or vacation, and service credits in a public employee pension fund during the time he/she is unable to perform their duties due to the result of the injury.
Disability Act Benefits
These benefits are provided to any full-time police officer or firefighter who is employed by the State of Illinois. In addition, the Public Employee Disability Act also includes any unit of local government, any State supported college or university, and any other public entity granted the power to employ persons for such purposes by law.
However, the PEDA explicitly excludes any employees of home rule unit with a population of over 1,000,000. This would exclude any police officers and firefighters employed by the City of Chicago.
PEDA is just one of several important laws which injured first responders should consider after suffering a work-related injury. Due to the complexity involved, it is extremely important to contact a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to maximize your potential benefits.
Paid Disability
First responders who qualify for benefits under Public Employee Disability Act are entitled to receive their full salary. Therefore, officers and firefighters are paid for the duration of their disability. This payment can be a total of 52 weeks.
Secured Pension
Police officers and firefighters under PEDA will continue to accrue service credits in their employee pension fund.
Continued Benefits
Injured first responders who remain disabled from their duties after the paid disability is over, are entitled to receive TTD. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
How We Can Help
There are multiple and overlapping laws which all provide unique benefits and all carry different requirements. It is extremely important for an injured police officer, firefighter or paramedic to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. This attorney is to understand each law in order to maximize the potential benefits which the laws provide. If you have become injured and you believe it may be related to your job duties, you should contact Eames Law Group for a free consultation at 312-319-8350.
