If you served as a member of the New York Organized Militia that was activated on state active duty (SAD) on or after September 11, 2001, to participate in World Trade Center rescue, recovery or cleanup efforts, you may be able to take advantage of the World Trade Center Presumption Law established under NYS CLS MIL § 217. It provides a presumption that, if you are or become permanently disabled due to certain conditions and unable to perform your job, you can claim the condition was the result of your participation in the events of September 11 and after, unless it can be proven the condition was the result of other factors. If you are permanently disabled, this law will help you qualify for a World Trade Center performance of duty disability pension equivalent to a maximum of three-quarters of the your final annual SAD pay as provided for under NYS CLS MIL § 217 (1)(b) and/or help their beneficiaries become eligible for an accidental death benefit resulting from a qualifying World Trade Center condition, as administered by DMNA.
The deadline for service members to file a notice with DMNA of their participation in the World Trade Center rescue, recovery or cleanup efforts is September 11, 2026 (Chapter 561, Laws of 2022). If you participated, and you meet eligibility requirements, we encourage you to file an Application for World Trade Center Notice (DMNA 911-A). Filing this notice will protect your rights, and the rights of your beneficiaries to apply for benefits in the future.
