People who performed rescue, recovery or clean-up work at the World Trade Center have until Sept. 13 to register with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board to preserve their eligibility for future benefits, should they ever need them.

Since its introduction in 2006, 35,980 people have filed the WTC-12 form. It contains eight simple questions and must be notarized before filing. While the law typically has a two-year limit on opening a workers’ compensation claim, the WTC-12, while not a claim in itself, allows these workers – both paid employees and volunteers – to file future claims if they notify the board of their participation in World Trade Center operations.

People who performed these activities in the area south of Canal Street, and at Fresh Kills Landfill, on the barges, the piers, and the morgues, up until Sept. 12, 2002, should file the WTC-12, no matter how long their service lasted and even if they are not ill or injured. Any worker who is presently ill and has not opened a claim should also file a C-3 form to pursue benefits. Residents of any state may register. Immigration status is not a factor.

Visit http://www.wtc12.org or call 877-WTC12-08 to learn more information and get the WTC-12 form.