Financial Assistance for First Responders
First Responders Assistance
In an emergency, police, firefighters, and EMTs are, by definition, the first responders to the scene. They have a high-stress job, and they must balance the challenges of their profession with the responsibilities of their family life. And as with all of us, the unexpected can be a regular occurrence. As John Lennon sang, ” Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans.”
For some, financial challenges come with the daily responsibilities of parenting multiple children, a child with special needs, the rising cost of tuition, or caretaking for elderly or ill parents. For others, an accident, medical diagnosis, or a sudden death can take a financial toll.
Special Needs in First Responder Families
One out of five, 14 million children in the U.S. under the age of 18 have some form of special health care needs. 1 out of every 31 children has autism, and 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability, according to the CDC. According to Disability Scoop, families with a special needs child lose an average of $18,000 income each year caring for their child’s needs.
Additionally, the CDC reports that 1 in 4, over 70 million adults, live with a disability in the U.S. Disability can come from birth, accident, or illness. The National Disability Institute reports that adults with special needs have a 28% higher cost of living. 1 out of every 5 dollars spent is going towards disability-related expenses.
First responders can seem immune to everyday challenges because of the nature of their jobs and how they handle crises. The reality is that while the majority of first responders suffer some form of temporary or permanent disabling injury, many also are caring for children or adults with disabilities in their families.
First Responders Financial Needs
First responders have unique financial needs, in part due to their high-risk jobs. This leads to medical leaves and unexpected medical bills. Also, like most Americans, first responders are not always disciplined or knowledgeable about financial planning. They often lack adequate savings, investments, or emergency funds.
Due to their high-risk, high-stakes, trauma-filled jobs, police, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders have a tough-it-out mentality, and that leads to mental health issues. According to the First Responders Foundation, nearly 1/3 of first responders have suffered from depression, and 10% suffer from PTSD.
In 2026, a record 55% of Americans reported that their financial situation was worsening. The rising cost of gas, food, services, and medical care has over 70% of Americans stressed over finances, the highest in Gallup’s 25-year trend. Only 47% of Americans can cover a $1,000 emergency expense, according to Bankrate’s 2026 Emergency Savings Report.
$2,000+in Financial Assistance for Illinois First Responders
According to Police Chiefs Magazine, even though police officers face a higher risk of injury, disability, or death, over 77% have no estate plan. Only 52% had a health care surrogate.
Does a family member have special needs? Do you have financial costs that are inaccessible without support? Tuohy Law Offices can help you qualify for $2,000 toward a Living Trust estate plan – in addition to our first-responder 1/3 discount.
Your Living Trust
At the end of your life or if you become incapacitated, your real estate, financial accounts, firearms, and other assets held in your name may need to go through probate.
- A Will is filed in probate. The rule is that no one can legally sign on your behalf. Therefore, all assets in your name are subject to the probate process, which averages 18 months and is costly.
- A Living Trust completely avoids probate. An AB Living Trust protects up to $8 million of an Illinois estate from Illinois estate taxes.
- Your financial accounts, life insurance policies, and deferred compensation accounts can name your Living Trust as the beneficiary. This is subject to essential tax considerations.
- A Living Trust estate plan includes Health Care and Financial Power of Attorney documents. It also includes a Last Will and Testament. A Will is necessary for the guardianship of minor children and for transferring assets in your name out of Probate.
Contact us today for further information, or visit Tuohy Law Offices now.
Illinois first responders, military, veterans, educators, single parents, and nonprofit workers, lock in your 1/3 discount by clicking here today!
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Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, 60181
This blog entry is for information and planning purposes. Therefore, it is not legal advice. Please do not use this blog as a substitute for legal advice, which depends on specific facts and laws in a particular jurisdiction. No reader of this blog should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in, or accessible through, this blog without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the reader’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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