NY A00294

Lowers the wage-earning capacity loss threshold for requesting reclassification from 75 percent to 50 percent.

Removes the time restriction that limited reclassification requests to the year before scheduled exhaustion of indemnity benefits.

Defines "extreme hardship" as: (a) social security disability and pension income being less than 50 percent of average weekly wage; (b) inability to meet expenses for self and dependents; (c) additional medical, functional, or vocational factors that further eroded wage-earning capacity; or (d) income below federal poverty guidelines.

Allows claimants meeting extreme hardship criteria to request reclassification to permanent total disability or total industrial disability status.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.