Bruce Hydock, an FDNY EMS captain, was forced to retire after battling multiple health issues linked to his service at ground zero post-9/11, including lung disorders and two cancers. He expected to qualify for disability retirement benefits from NYCERS, but his application was denied amid a recent policy change. This change prohibits appeals within a year, leaving Hydock without the ability to contest the denial or understand the reasons behind it. The lack of prior communication regarding this policy shift has caused frustration among affected retirees and advocates involved with World Trade Center health programs.
Bruce Hydock, an FDNY EMS captain, faced lung disorders and two cancers related to 9/11. He was forced into retirement for health reasons, losing his benefits.
NYCERS denied Hydock's disability benefits application after a policy change this year, which does not allow rejections to be appealed or explained for a year.
The policy change by NYCERS was not communicated to pension beneficiaries, retiree advocates, or municipal unions, leaving many in the dark about their rights.
Gary Smiley emphasized the lack of communication from NYCERS, highlighting the struggles faced by first responders affected by toxic exposure at ground zero.
#fdny #disability-benefits #world-trade-center-health #nycers-policy-change #first-responders-health-issues
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