Public Employee Press

Deadlines close for 9/11 Workers' Comp

Important deadlines are imminent for 9/11 rescue, recovery and cleanup workers - paid or volunteer - who could develop illnesses from their exposure.

Monday, Sept. 13, is the last day to register for future Workers Compensation benefits in case of future illness tied to that work.

Sept. 11 is the final deadline for filing NYCERS Form 622 to protect your right to a future disability pension from the retirement system.

If you are one of the 100,000 heroic workers and volunteers who did rescue, recovery, or cleanup work in the vicinity of the World Trade Center after 9/11, you are eligible to sign up with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board so you can claim benefits if you come down with an illness related to your exposure there.

For more information, go to www.wtcexams.org or call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-866-WTC-2556.

Symptoms from exposure to toxic substances often take years to develop. The most common illnesses linked to the toxic dust and fumes of the Ground Zero environment are diseases of the upper respiratory system. There are also mental disorders associated with the psychological trauma of that work.

Any eligible person who registers by the Sept. 13 deadline will have the right to file a 9/11-related Workers' Compensation claim at any time in the future, no matter when symptoms begin.

If you are at risk of developing 9/11-related disorders, protect your rights by registering, as 36,000 people have already done.

State guidelines and forms are available at WTC Form.