On September 29, 1976, the federal Public Safety Officer's Benefit Act was signed into law, providing payment of a $50,000 death benefit to survivors of state and local public safety officers who have died as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty. The benefit was increased from $50,000 to $100,000 for deaths occurring on or after June 1, 1988. Beginning on October 1, 1988, and on each October 1st thereafter, the benefit will be adjusted by the percentage of change in the Consumer Price Index. Eligible public safety officers includes probation officers.