Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Update as of February 21st, 2025: Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the cuts, emphasizing the program’s importance to those who risked their lives in response to the 9/11 attacks. Amid widespread public outcry across political lines, the federal government is expected to halt reductions to staffing and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical care and research for 9/11 survivors, according to several New York lawmakers.

February 18, 2025: The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is a critical lifeline for 137,000 9/11 responders and survivors across the country, many who are currently battling 9/11 cancers and serious breathing conditions. Unfortunately, recent cuts by the new administration have put the future of medical care for 9/11 victims at risk. According to a statement by Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, these changes could delay urgent medical care for 9/11 cancer patients, halt important 9/11 cancer research, and reduce the program's ability to assist the entire 9/11 community.

Relocating to a new state, like Florida, doesn’t mean you lose access to critical 9/11 healthcare or 9/11 VCF compensation. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides support to survivors and responders no matter where they currently live. If you’ve moved to Florida but were present in the New York City Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, you are still eligible for compensation with the VCF, and you can also still access necessary medical treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Here's what you need to know about filing with the VCF and receiving medical care from the WTCHP while living in Florida.

While the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has a set of rules for a victim to expedite (speed up) an award, a VCF claim and award can be delayed for several reasons. Understanding the potential factors that can delay your VCF claim can help you navigate the system more efficiently and ensure that you receive your VCF compensation in a timely manner.

Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, the 9/11 Victim Law Firm, is honored to share the remarkable story of Lynne V. Byrne, a lifelong educator, leader, and inspiration whose legacy will continue to make an impact for generations to come. Through the dedication of her family and the efforts of our law firm, Lynne’s life and contributions are being celebrated with the establishment of an Endowment Fund at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. This initiative not only honors her life and her students but also brings attention to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and its potential to support others affected by the events of that tragic day.

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has certified as 9/11-related a total of almost 40,000 cases of cancers diagnosed in people who either lived, worked, or responded to the 9/11 attacks any time between 9/11 and mid-2002. The 10 most common cancers certified by the WTC Health Program are: 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men who were present in lower Manhattan during the many months after the 9/11 attacks. There is a strong, proven link between prostate cancer and exposure to the 9/11 toxic dust. Fortunately, advancements in treating prostate cancer through programs like the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) offer hope. Various cutting-edge prostate cancer treatment options are now available for those who have been diagnosed.  Anyone who worked, lived, or was otherwise present in lower Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002, needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as well as various treatment options available for 9/11-related prostate cancer. 

When a loved one passes away due to a 9/11-related illness, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) mandates the designation of a Personal Representative to manage the claim on behalf of the deceased. As the deceased cannot file a claim due to their passing, the VCF requires an authorized living person to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate. This individual is typically the executor, as designated in the deceased's last will and testament. In the absence of a will, an administrator is appointed by the local surrogate’s court to handle the estate. Whether an executor or an administrator, the appointment is made by the surrogate’s court in the county where the deceased resided at the time of passing. In most all VCF claims, it is the court-appointed executor or administrator who then acts as the Personal Representative of the VCF claim filed by the estate. 

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was established as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act) to provide comprehensive medical monitoring and treatment for individuals affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Whether you were a responder or someone who lived, worked, or attended school in Downtown Manhattan and the surrounding Exposure Zone, the WTCHP offers no-cost health services for both physical and mental health conditions linked to 9/11 toxic exposure. The program is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The dust and fumes from the September 11th attacks are a known cause of leukemia in downtown workers, residents, students, and first responders.  Research has proven that individuals in lower Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002, are at an increased risk of developing leukemia and other blood cancers. Understanding this connection is crucial for those who were exposed to the toxic environment created by the collapse of the Twin Towers, as it highlights the importance of health monitoring, treatment, and support through programs like the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

If you or a loved one was present in lower Manhattan during or after the 9/11 attacks, understanding the risks is an essential step in protecting your health. Ongoing health monitoring and no-cost treatment are available to downtown workers, residents, and first responders and can make a significant impact on an individual’s health outcomes. 

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide a cash award to first responders and anyone who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan who since got sick with cancer or other 9/11-linked conditions. In addition to awards for pain and suffering, if a 9/11 claimant is not able to work due to a 9/11-related cancer or other condition, the VCF will make an award not only for lost wages but also all employer-provided benefits including lost or reduced pension benefits. If you or a loved one suffered from a 9/11-related condition that impacted the ability to work and contributions to a pension, you may be eligible to recover lost pension benefits from the VCF.