World Trade Center Presumption

Provisions for an Accidental Death Benefit

World Trade Center Presumption

Chapter 445 (Laws of 2006) provides for an accidental death benefit to the beneficiaries of certain retirees who participated in the World Trade Center rescue, recovery or cleanup. Your beneficiaries may convert your retirement benefit to an accidental death benefit by filing an Application for Conversion of Service or Disability Retirement to Accidental Death Benefit for Victims of the 2001 World Trade Center Disaster (RS6418-W) if:

  • You, or your eligible beneficiary in the event of your death, filed an Application for World Trade Center Notice (RS6047-N) by September 11, 2026;
  • You retired under a service or disability retirement;
  • You have been retired 25 years or less at the time of your death; and
  • It is determined that the cause of death was the result of a qualifying condition.

Only your spouse, dependent children or dependent parent are eligible to receive the accidental death benefit. Eligible beneficiaries and the time period for filing the application are the same as those for the regular accidental death benefit provided by your retirement plan. Please consult your plan booklet or contact us for more information regarding this benefit, including filing deadlines.