“Economic losses” are any type of financial loss that an individual or family member has suffered due to an eligible 9/11 condition. These do not include losses such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, or spousal/dependent loss of services, which are all considered “non-economic losses.” The four types of “economic losses” are discussed below.

Loss of Earnings or Benefits

If you are physically injured and unable to work as a result of an eligible condition, or if you are filing a deceased claim, you can make a claim to the VCF for lost earnings/benefits, for the past and for the future of your expected working life. The VCF award includes lost wages/earnings plus the value of any lost employment-related benefits, including pension programs, retirement contribution programs, 401(k) match, health benefits, and the value of any other employer- or union-provided benefits.

Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses

As part of the economic loss component of your claim, you may request reimbursement for past out-of-pocket medical expenses you have paid as a result of your eligible condition(s). This includes expenses greater than $5,000 for approved medical expenses paid prior to the date the WTC Health Program certified your condition applicable for treatment. 

Replacement Services Loss

Replacement services loss is intended to replace a service that the victim used to do. If you are filing for a deceased victim who died as a result of a VCF-eligible condition, the VCF may provide compensation for the value of services if the victim regularly performed general household-related tasks. This component of economic loss is typically considered only in deceased claims, although the VCF may also make a replacement services award in a personal injury claim where the claimant did not have prior earned income or worked only part-time outside the home. 

Examples of the types of tasks that are considered for “replacement services” compensation are services such as cleaning, cooking, child care, home maintenance and repairs, and financial services.

Burial or Memorial Service Expenses 

The VCF award also covers documented out-of-pocket burial or memorial expenses for victims who died as a result of an eligible 9/11-related condition. A claim for burial or memorial service costs must be submitted with the initial claim submission along with documentation of any coverage of expenses by life insurance or another similar source.

Breaking Down Your Economic Losses 

Economic losses consist of prior losses and future losses. Every case is different and average VCF payouts can vary. If you were disabled and unable to work or limited in your ability to work due to a 9/11 cancer or other related injuries or illnesses, you will receive a VCF award for lost earnings, both past and future.

Prior Losses 

Prior losses refer to any financial losses that the victim suffered since the 9/11 attacks. This includes lost wages plus employer-provided benefits, pension losses/reductions, the loss of medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and other expenses related to the victim’s cancer, illness, injury, or death.

Future Losses 

Future losses refer to any financial losses that the victim or their family is likely to suffer in the future due to the 9/11 attacks. This includes future lost wages, the value of future benefits such as the loss of health insurance, a reduced pension, employer-paid health insurance, and the total future value of any other employed-paid or provided benefits.