Filing for 9/11-Linked Disability Benefits Is Broadened, Extended

Three groups of public employees who missed their chance to register for lifetime disability benefits for their 9/11-related illnesses were given another opportunity earlier last month when Governor Cuomo signed a bill extending the deadline until September 2014.

Those who became eligible for the first time as a result are in one of three categories. Some of them are city employees who would have been covered under language from the original bill involving the vesting of their pensions subsequent to 9/11, except that the city Department of Law challenged their status. Department of Education workers who were originally excluded because they belonged to either the Board of Education Retirement System (including some Teachers) or the New York City Employees’ Retirement System are now eligible as well.