Relates to World Trade Center benefits

Easier disability claims for city police

Effective immediately, the law eases disability proof rules for New York City Police Pension Fund members. Members must timely file a notice of participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. The current filing deadline is September 11, 2026. After retirement or separation, a board finding of a qualifying condition supports presumed duty-related disability and incapacity at retirement. Competent evidence can rebut that presumption. A fully sworn notice also provides presumed proof of a qualifying condition, except when determining World Trade Center benefit eligibility. Rebutting the sworn-notice presumption requires competent evidence accepted by a quorum of the pension board. The board considers changing the retirement to accidental disability retirement after finding a qualifying condition. Any change starts on the reclassification date and preserves the member’s chosen retirement option.