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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 4:40:32 PM

Can income from working in Homeland Security Mission Support be considered public safety?

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1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 4:40:33 PM

Yes, if your position qualifies, see below. On the Homeland Security Website there is a section for PSO jobs, it's just a matter of whether your position qualifies. 

For taxation purposes, a PSO is defined as: "an individual serving a public agency in an official capacity, with or without compensation, as a law enforcement officer, as a firefighter, as a chaplain, or as a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew."

FEMA employees as well as certain public employees working with FEMA are also considered PSOs. Similar positions in the non-public sector (e.g., security guard, trauma doctor or nurse, lifeguard) are not considered PSOs.

2 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 4:40:33 PM

Yes, if your position qualifies, see below. On the Homeland Security Website there is a section for PSO jobs, it's just a matter of whether your position qualifies. 

For taxation purposes, a PSO is defined as: "an individual serving a public agency in an official capacity, with or without compensation, as a law enforcement officer, as a firefighter, as a chaplain, or as a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew."

FEMA employees as well as certain public employees working with FEMA are also considered PSOs. Similar positions in the non-public sector (e.g., security guard, trauma doctor or nurse, lifeguard) are not considered PSOs.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 4:40:35 PM

Thanks Cathi.  I will check the DHS website now.