Workers' compensation claims can come in handy if you've been injured, or even suffered a debilitating condition thanks to workplace conditions. If you were one of the thousands who helped out at and near the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks should take note and fill out a form.

The fact that the New York State Workers' Compensation Board is holding out until September 11, 2010 is good news, but it means that if you want to be eligible for future benefits, you need to act soon. In all, those covered include anyone who helped at out the WTC site, the Fresh Kills fill and the morgues in use.

Perhaps more importantly, you don't have to be paid to be included on the list, meaning that volunteer firefighters and others who helped out are still eligible. But the extended period for filing a claim only occurs for those who have claimed to be a participant.

This is particularly good news and is an add-on to the volunteer firefighter workers' compensation law that protects those who serve New York without pay and get injured in the line of duty. If you're curious how much you could receive depending on how your injury or condition is classified, click here for our handy guide.

And if you want help making a new claim based on 9/11 related conditions or a re-submission of an earlier one, contact a legal team like the one at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. to help you make sense of the process.