Workers' Compensation benefits provide protection for employees relative to medical expenses and loss of salary resulting from an occupational injury or illness. Basic protection is provided under the Workers' Compensation Law. Other benefits may be available; contact Human Resource Management at 878-4822 or 878-4821 for additional information. Employees absent for one cumulative year due to occupational injury or illness may be terminated from State service under Section 71 of the Civil Service Law, which also provides certain re-employment rights if the employee subsequently recovers.

What to do if you sustained a work related injury or illness?

For New York State government employees of the State University of New York represented by UUP, Management Confidential, CSEA, PEF, Council 82, and MC Classified Service:

1. Call the ARS (Accident Reporting System) toll-free number, 1-888-800-0029, to report a work-related injury or illness 24 hours a day, every day. ARS wallet cards are available in Human Resources. If you would like a card or lose your card, please contact our office at 878-4822.
2. Call ARS right away. Your injury or illness report will be taken quickly and confidentially. Write down the incident number the ARS Call Center gives you.
3. Get medical help if you need it. Tell your doctor that your injury or illness is work-related. 
4. Report your injury or illness to your supervisor and complete an Injury/Illness Report. 

Why Call ARS?

Your call to ARS helps make sure all your Workers' Compensation benefits are available to you as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of your injury or illness, benefits may include medical treatment, wage replacements, leave usage and other benefits.

Your call to ARS helps reduce administrative costs by handling much of the work load each agency used to handle. And, ARS helps track injuries and illnesses.

ARS paves the way for a new benefit for certain employees - ONECARD Rx, the Workers' Compensation/Health Insurance prescription drug program. Employees eligible for ONECARD Rx will have no out-of-pocket cost and no claim forms to file for the prescription drugs needed to treat work-related injury or illness.

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Questions 

How will I know what phone number to call for ARS?
A wallet-sized card available from Human Resources lists the ARS toll-free number (1-888-800-0029) and steps to follow. 

When I call the ARS toll-free number to report my work-related injury or illness, is that all I have to do?
No, you must also report your injury or illness to your supervisor and Human Resource Management as soon as possible.

What if I am seriously injured and can't call to report the injury?
The report to the ARS Call Center can be made by a supervisor, co-worker or a family member.

Will the ARS Call Center be able to answer questions about Workers' Compensation benefits?
No, the ARS Call Center is only for reporting work-related injuries or illnesses. Call Human Resources at 878-4821 for benefit information.

How do I find out about the status of my Workers' Compensation claim?
The ARS Call Center will give you an incident number when you report the injury or illness. When you call Human Resource Management about your claim, use your incident number.

Who is our workers' compensation insurance carrier? 
The State Insurance Fund, 225 Oak Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, 851-2000.

What should I do with medical bills received related to my injury? 
Forward all medical bills related to the accident to Human Resource Management or instruct your physician to forward the bills to The State Insurance Fund.

Fraud Statement on Workers' Compensation

Any person who knowingly with intent to defraud makes a materially false statement, or conceals a material fact to obtain a benefit, shall be guilty of a crime and subject to fines and imprisonment. Report suspected Workers' Compensation fraud to:
 
Workers' Compensation Fraud, Inspector General's Office, (518) 473-4839, or Workers' Compensation Fraud, Inspector General, New York State Workers' Compensation Board, 100 Broadway-Menands, Albany, New York 12241.

The above information is published by the Employee Benefits Division of the State of New York, Department of Civil Service, The State Campus, Albany, New York 12239. The Department of Civil Service, The State Insurance Fund  and the Workers' Compensation Board administer the Workers' Compensation Program.