Workers' Compensation Board Opens Manhattan District Office

 

Manhattan District Office reopening

Starting April 7, 2025, the Board's Manhattan District Office will be reopening for in-person hearings, support services, and use of Board resources by appointment only. Virtual hearings will remain the standard for hearings; however, anyone who would like an in-person hearing or an appointment for other services should follow the directions below. 

Requesting in-person hearings  

Any party attending a virtual hearing on or after April 7, 2025, can request to have their next workers’ compensation hearing in person, at the Manhattan District Office. Such requests should be made directly to the Workers’ Compensation Law judge during their scheduled virtual hearing. Otherwise, hearings will remain virtual. 

Check-in requirements 

All visitors must check in at the security desk in the lobby. Please reserve extra time for this check-in process and have your WCB case number and/or your photo ID available. 

In-person hearings bring the injured worker, their legal representative (if applicable), and other parties 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 the client. 

Services

Injured workers and other stakeholders will also be able to request in-person appointments at the Manhattan office for support services and other Board resources, including: 

• Free appointments with our vocational rehabilitation counselors or licensed master social workers. 

• Employers and business owners use of Board computers for case-related activities or to complete a Certificate of Attestation of Exemption from New York State Workers’ Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage (Form CE-200). 

As mentioned above, requests for in-person hearings must be made to the judge during a scheduled virtual hearing. To schedule other in-person appointments in Manhattan, please schedule in advance, as day-of appointments cannot be accommodated, and follow these instructions: 

• For vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work services, email VocRehab@wcb.ny.gov. 

• To schedule an appointment with a social worker, email SocialWorkers@wcb.ny.gov. 

• For all other appointment types, or if you prefer to make a vocational rehabilitation or social work appointment by phone, please call (844) 337-6301. 

This by-appointment approach to reopening will enable the Board to offer important public services 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. 

Questions? Contact the Board’s Customer Service line at (844) 337-6301.