About Us
Survival Living Benefits is based in Columbus, Ohio is and actively growing a network of professionals and experts that align with our mission of improved protection for First Responders and their families.
Don Zender, President
Don spent 15 years working as a leading expert of NFPA 1851; Care, Cleaning & Maintenance of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment.
Following Passion
In Don's free time, he enjoys First Responder & collegiate hockey, lawn & landscaping, 4x4 off-roading and Weimaraner Rescue - meet the latest, Oakley!I have witnessed the devastation that a Cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment has upon a firefighter and their family. Families and the firefighter are further traumatized when their Work Comp claim is initially approved and then later challenged by their employer. First Responders and their families deserve better than this rollercoaster of emotions and heartache; and I believe we’ve found the best way to stop gap all of it while providing a long term solution to ensure the wellbeing & financial security of the First Responder and the family.
– Don Zender, President
Why We Care
It takes a major toll on the First Responder and family emotionally, physically and financially when “presumptive” Cancer claims to Workers’ Compensation are denied and/or require an appeal.
Motivated to answer the question, “How do I pay for Cancer?” Living Benefits are affordable and can be the answer for many. We’re confident that despite the unique circumstances of the fire service, if we cannot find coverage for you, it simply cannot be written.
At the age of 30 I watched my mother wither away during a 10 year stay in the nursing home from the trifecta of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia. Her maximum lifetime benefit on health insurance ran out in about year two of the nursing home stay. Subsequently being diagnosed in year six with breast cancer and receiving a double mastectomy. We ran out money to pay for her care and had no alternative but to place her on State Aid. While she did have a standard life insurance policy in place, in the absence of living benefits it did not kick in until some years later when she finally passed away, at which time the State took possession of the life insurance benefit to repay for all of her care expenses. Then there were property liens, legal bills and everything else that could have been avoided with a living benefits policy
– Don Zender, President
Where We Serve
Survival Living Benefits is currently licensed in the below-listed states with additional states on the horizon. If your state is not highlighted, please Contact Us for additional information! *Product & offering availability may vary by state.
- California*
- Colorado
- Florida
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- New York*
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia