Georgia has a new benefit program for eligible state employees. With the recent passage of the Ashley Wilson Act (House Bill 451), first responders (peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical professionals and technicians, 911 operators, probation officers, and jail and correctional officers) serving Georgia public entities on an employed or volunteer basis now have a right to valuable benefits, effective January 1, 2025. 

These benefits are payable if you are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder arising from your service for any Georgia public entity. To support prompt treatment and return to service, the Act requires that first responders can quickly and confidentially obtain a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis and long-term disability benefits, if needed. 

Lump Sum Benefit

The supplemental benefit creates two once-per-lifetime benefits to assist with uninsured costs associated with PTSD treatment and recovery for eligible first responders. 

• The first is a $3,000 lump-sum benefit paid following the diagnosis of occupational PTSD by a qualified diagnostician. 
• The second is a long-term disability benefit if you are no longer able to perform your duties as a first responder due to your PTSD diagnosis.

Benefits are paid directly to you based on a flat schedule (not reimbursement) and there is no coordination with other insurance coverage.

For more information about Georgia’s First Responder PTSD Program, the claims process and FAQs, visit the DOAS website by clicking here.