WTC Legislation

The World Trade Center (WTC) Disability Law, first passed in 2005, provides that NYCERS’ members, vested members, and retirees (retired after 9/11/01) who participated in WTC Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002 may be entitled to a presumption that any current or future disability caused by a Qualifying Condition or Impairment of Health arose from participation in such operations unless the contrary is proven.

Updated legislation, effective as of September 13, 2021:

Chapter 424 of the Laws of 2021 – Expands eligibility of certain public service employees for participation in the World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations.

This Act amends the Retirement and Social Security Law (RSSL) to include employees who became NYCERS members after the qualifying period under the World Trade Center (WTC) law, but were employees of a public employer during the covered time period and purchased some or all of that pre-membership period.

Chapter 425 of the Laws of 2021 – Electronic submission for Notice of Participation in World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations.

This Act amends the Retirement and Social Security Law and the New York City Administrative Code to allow for the electronic submission of a notice that a member participated in World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations for a qualifying period.

Updated legislation, deemed to have been in full force and effect on and after September 11, 2001:

Chapter 561 of the Laws of 2022 – Extends the deadline for filing a Notice of Participation in WTC Rescue, Recovery, or Clean-up Operations Form #622 to September 11, 2026.

Form #622 is not a disability application. It is a statement indicating the dates and locations of your participation in these efforts. Filing your Notice of Participation will preserve your right to apply for disability retirement under the WTC Law.

Download the WTC Disability Law Fact Sheet for more information or see our WTC FAQs page.