How do I prove I was South of Canal Street on 9/11?

To be eligible for an award of compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund, you will need to prove that you were physically present in the “crash site” area (anywhere in lower Manhattan south of Canal Street) between September 11th, 2001 and May 30th, 2002.

This “proof of presence” must be established by a number of different documents.

• For downtown area workers, these document may include employer records confirming that the claimant or decedent was present at the site, such as a detailed employer’s letter, an official personnel roster and site credentials confirming work at the site (WTC work or access badges alone are not enough), workers injury reports that document being injured at the site. For area workers, orders (such as for the National Guard), instructions, confirmation of tasks performed (such as daily work sheet or records) from 2001 or 2002 are also helpful.

• For downtown area residents, you will need to establish proof of residence in the lower Manhattan area during the period after the attacks, including rent or mortgage bills/receipts, utility bill, and any other available documents showing that you lived in the area. You will also need to provide proof not only that you owned or rented in the area during this time, but also that you were actually physically living in the affected crash site area at some or all of the time during the eight and a half months after the attacks. This then requires at least two properly prepared and signed affidavits (at least one from a non-relative) that contain many specifics about your physical presence and that complies with the strict requirements of the VCF.

• For students, you will need to provide and submit school or day care records confirming enrollment or attendance during the period during or after the attacks. Two affidavits from witnesses who can attest to your presence at school may also be sufficient.

Other records that help to prove and establish your presence during or after the attacks include hospital or medical records showing or documenting treatment as a result of injury that occurred at or near Ground Zero.

Should you have questions about medical care or an award from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, please call us at 1- 800-887-7299.