The nineteenth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center is different from the previous eighteen. Because of COVID-19, the ceremony will not be attended by thousands, those that attend must be masked and socially distanced, and the names of the victims will be read by recordings, instead of in person by family members of the victims.
What is important, though, is that we remember. And it is also important for us to remember Mother Jones’ instruction to “pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.”
Nearly two decades after 9/11, there are still forgotten victims among our World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and clean-up workers. It is important for them to know that the World Trade Center Registry has been extended until September 11, 2022. Registering preserves workers’ compensation rights for those who performed rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations after the World Trade Center attacks. The Workers’ Compensation Board was also directed to reconsider any claims it previously disallowed because of late notice or late claim filing.
Those who participated in the rescue, recovery and/or cleanup operations at the World Trade Center site should complete a form WTC-12. The form can be downloaded from the Board’s web site at this link:
Both workers and volunteers may qualify for coverage. Anyone who participated should register their service participation with the Workers Compensation Board as soon as possible. This registration will preserve the right to future benefits, should they ever be needed. An original, notarized Form WTC-12 can be filed until September 11, 2022.
Eligible work includes activities performed at the World Trade Center site, Fresh Kills Landfill, NYC Morgue or other temporary morgues on pier locations on the west side of Manhattan, and barges located between the west side of Manhattan and Fresh Kills Landfill. It is important to remember that the filing of the registration form WTC-12 is NOT filing a claim, but the sworn statement does extend the time to file. Completed forms must be received by the Board by September 11, 2022. To file a claim, a worker must also submit an Employee Claim Form C-3. A volunteer must submit the World Trade Center Volunteer’s Claim For Compensation (Form WTCVol-3) AND the following:]
1. Completed Form WTC-12
2. Proof of volunteer status (letter of commendation /confirmation from the agency that directed their September 11th volunteer activities at Ground Zero, pictures, witness letters, etc)
3. Medical evidence of a causally related injury or illness from volunteering at a designated site
4. Letter of determination from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC HP); the Board now requires that volunteers use the WTC HP before filijng a claim with the Board. The determination of benefits letter from the WTC HP should be submitted along with the WTCVol-3.
5. If you have submitted a claim to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the most recent eligibility determination letter, award letter, or other notice of claims status
6. Completed World Trade Center September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Authorization release form.
7. Completed WTC HIPAA Authorization release form.
Victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks may also be entitled to lifetime health benefits from the World Trade Center Health Program and cash from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
The Victim Compensation Fund recently extended the filing deadline for certified conditions. If you were certified by the WTC Health Program for a 9/11-related physical health condition before July 29, 2019, you are required to register your claim with the VCF by July 29, 2021. If you are registering to file a claim for an individual who you believe died of a 9/11-related physical health condition before July 29, 2019, you are required to register with the VCF by July 29, 2021.
If you or someone you know needs information, advice or representation about a September 11th injury or disability, please feel free to call any of our offices or contact us by email at info@greyandgrey.com. Because we remember.