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

[CathiM · Accepted solution]

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.

[ajohnson]

Thanks Cathi.  I will check the DHS website now.