1. A. Application

   1. 1. All applications for pension and relief benefits must be made in advance of the regular monthly meeting at which the application is to be heard. Application shall only be made on a form provided by the board.
   2. 2. Documentary Evidence. Documentary evidence in support of disability applications shall be submitted in addition to the application, and may be in the form of doctors' reports, medical reports, or any other medical evidence or statements acceptable to the board which the claimant wishes to present to assist the board in making its initial determination of benefits payable. Said documentary evidence shall include a medical report from the board’s chosen physician.
   3. 3. Application for death benefits shall be made on a form provided for by the board.
   4. 4. Surviving Spouses' Applications. In addition to providing medical evidence and any other statements presented to assist the board in making an initial determination, all surviving spouses who apply for pension benefits shall do so on a form furnished by the board In addition, surviving spouses shall furnish the board with a copy of the member's death certificate and a notarized affidavit to the effect that the surviving spouse was married to the decedent at the time of his death, and list the names of any and all surviving children under 18 years of age. Accompanying this affidavit shall be a certified copy of the marriage certificate of the decedent and surviving spouse, and birth certificates of all children under 18 years of age.

2. B. Initial Determination

   1. 1. The board shall meet and make an initial determination on any application filed in accordance with these rules based upon the evidence that is presented by the claimant in support of that application.
   2. 2. After the board makes its initial determination, the claimant shall be notified of the board's determination by mail and/or electronic means, as to what action the board has taken. In the event the application or any part of it is denied, the claimant shall be advised of his right to appeal the initial determination of the board by filing such a request, in writing.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 11:3363.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Board of Trustees of the Firefighters' Pension and Relief Fund for the City of New Orleans, LR 5216:686 (August 1990), amended by the Board of Trustees of the Firefighters’ Pension and Relief Fund for the City of New Orleans and Vicinity, LR 52:218 (February 2026).