1. What is the WOAA?
2. What is the purpose of the WOAA?
3. Who can become a member?
4. Are you eligible for membership after retirement?
5. How do I file a claim for benefits?
6. How do I change my address?
7. Who is my beneficiary? I am already a member.
8. What are the yearly dues and how do I pay them?
9. What do I need to do when a member dies and I am the beneficiary?
1. What is the WOAA?
A. The WOAA is the Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department.
2. What is the purpose of the WOAA?
A. The Association was organized for the purpose of providing financial assistance to deceased Officers loved ones. A death benefit is provided to assist family members in the critical period after a member dies.
3. Who can become a member?
A. Any sworn peace officer employed by the San Francisco Police Department is eligible to become a member once out of the police academy. No officer may join if they are over the age of 45 years of age.
4. Are you eligible for membership after retirement?
A. No
5. How do I file a claim for benefits?
A. The beneficiary or family member shall submit to the Secretary of the WOAA a death certificate issued by the county where the member passed away. A check will then be mailed to the listed beneficiary. If no beneficiary is listed, it will be sent to the probate court.
6. How do I change my address?
A. Send a letter to the Secretary of the WOAA at: PO BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247 or call the voicemail at 415-681-3660
7. Who is my beneficiary? I am already a member.
A. You may send a letter or email to the Secretary asking who is your beneficiary or, using the WOAA website, download a new beneficiary form and fill it out. If not countersigned by a WOAA board member, the new form must be notarized first. Mail to the above PO Box.
8. What are the yearly dues and how do I pay them?
A. The yearly dues are $100.00 a year. All retirees must send in a check to the WOAA in the month of January each year, or sign up at the The Police Credit Union for automatic payment out of your checking or savings account. Non- retired members currently pay through automatic payroll deduction each payday. You may print out the Authorization for Periodic Payments Form listed under the Resources button. Take that form to the Credit Union to establish regular yearly payments. You may also pay dues by using the PayPal button under the Donate Tab and enter that this is a dues payment.
9. What do I need to do when a member dies and I am the beneficiary?
A. Notify any trustee or officer of the WOAA to confirm that the officer was a paid up member of the Association. A WOAA officer will contact you with the confirmation and where to send in the death certificate. A current photo ID should also be included with the death certificate. If needed, the WOAA will immediately provide a check for $1,000 to the beneficiary of record until the death certificate becomes available and submitted.