Executive Director Update

World Trade Center (WTC) 
December 2021 Executive Director Update

In 2021, Governor Hochul signed into law, two pieces of legislation that impact eligibility for and processing of World Trade Center benefits:

• Chapter 424 of the Laws of 2021 expands the eligibility of certain public service employees for participation in the World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations. The law now includes public employees who became NYCERS members after the qualifying period under WTC law, but were employees of a public employer during the covered time period, and purchased some or all of the qualifying pre-membership period.
• Chapter 425 of the Laws of 2021 allows for electronic submission of a Notice of Participation in World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations. NYCERS was an early supporter of this bill, which will help streamline processing of WTC claims.

Both laws are effective as of September 13, 2021.