Georgia First Responder PTSD Program provides valuable benefits to state employees

Photograph of the Georgia state capitol building. There are large trees in front of the photo and blue skies with a few wispy clouds behind the building. The wording `Department of Administrative Services` is overlaid in the bottom left corner of the photo accompanied by the Georgia state logo.

Posted: 01/06/2025

By: Deborah Rollins

Georgia First Responder PTSD Program provides a new benefit to 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. 

Clicking here for more information about the First Responder Program, claims process and FAQ.