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The NYS Workers’ Compensation Board is pleased to announce that starting October 8, Board offices will be reopening for hearings and services by appointment. Virtual hearings will remain the standard statewide for all hearing locations.
Hearings
Any party attending a virtual hearing on or after October 8 can request to have their next workers’ compensation hearing in person at a Board location. Such requests should be made directly to the Workers’ Compensation Law Judge during a scheduled virtual hearing. Otherwise, hearings will remain virtual.
In-person hearings will bring the injured worker, their legal representative (if applicable), and other parties (if they so choose) together at a physical Board location for their hearing. Please note that attorneys and legal representatives will be required to accompany their clients to all in-person hearings or find an appropriate substitute to accompany them.
Services
Injured workers and other stakeholders will also be able to request in-person appointments at a Board office for support services and other Board resources, including meeting with one of our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors or Licensed Master Social Workers, completely free of charge. These in-person appointments can be requested on or after October 8, 2024, by calling the Board’s Customer Service line at (844) 337-6301. Note: This number is not available for requesting an in-person hearing; as indicated above, those requests should be made directly to the Judge during a scheduled virtual hearing.
*Note that in-person hearings and appointments for Allegany and Jamestown will be held in Buffalo, New City in White Plains, and Plattsburgh in Menands.
Reopening Board locations with this by-appointment approach allows the Board to offer an important public service while efficiently managing hearing calendars and local staffing requirements based on demand.
The Board will evaluate the success of this approach over time and make any modifications as appropriate. Please watch for more information in the coming weeks and months.
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