How to Know if You’re Entitled to Compensation From the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides payments to most Lower Manhattan area workers, residents, students, and first responders. Several factors determine who is covered under the VCF, including if you have been diagnosed with any type of cancer or breathing/digestive illness since 9/11 if you were physically in Lower Manhattan anywhere below Canal Street (or where the 9/11 debris was handled such as the Morgue or Fresh Kills), and if you were in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 or any time during the months afterward until May 30, 2002. Families who lost a loved one to any cancer or breathing/digestive condition in the two-plus decades since 9/11 are often eligible to file a claim for compensation from the 9/11 VCF. 

The basic 9/11 VCF program eligibility requirements are set forth in the detailed 9/11 VCF Policies and Procedures, plus many other requirements of the 9/11 VCF Fund detailed in the hundreds of pages of notices and other publications issued by the VCF over the past decade. The events of September 11, 2001, have left a lasting impact on the country, and many of the individuals affected by the terrorist attacks are still dealing with its effects. If you or a loved one were affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, you may be entitled to compensation through the VCF. 

What is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund?

The September 11th VCF provides financial assistance to individuals who were physically injured, suffered illnesses or were killed as a result of their presence at one of the sites of the attacks or their involvement in the rescue, recovery, and debris removal efforts related to the attacks. This includes those present between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, in the 9/11 ‘Exposure Zone,’ which is the area of Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street, the adjacent waterways, the Morgue, Fresh Kills, or anywhere the WTC debris was handled, or at the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA sites. 

An Overview of the VCF and the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 was passed to provide medical treatment and compensation to first responders, volunteers, and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks. This Law established two related 9/11 programs: The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring to individuals who were exposed to toxins from the disaster site, while the VCF provides compensation to individuals who were physically injured as a result of the attacks and/or suffered a cancer or other illness during the twenty-plus years since the attacks.

The VCF has undergone several changes since its establishment. For example, the Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of VCF Act extended the claim filing deadline to October 1, 2090, and the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act of 2019 (known as the “Never Forget the Heroes Act”) increased the total funding ($10 Billion already and unlimited future funding) available to 9/11 victims and their families. The VCF and the WTC Health Program were also made permanent.

Understanding the "Exposure Zone"

The “exposure zone” is the area that was affected by the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. This zone includes the immediate area around Ground Zero, as well as a larger area that was affected by the debris, dust, and smoke that was released by the collapse. The exposure zone is defined as the area that includes all of Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street/East Broadway/Clinton Street, the Morgue, Fresh Kills, the debris removal routes and barges, and anywhere else that the WTC debris was handled. Additional sites include the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA crash sites. 

Factors Related to Eligibility

In order to be eligible for compensation from the VCF, individuals must have been present in the Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, along the routes of debris removal, or at one of the other crash sites, including the Pentagon site or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site. Individuals must also have been EITHER physically injured OR since been diagnosed with an illness such as a breathing or digestive condition or any type of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, thyroid cancer, or over 70 other types of cancer. 

In addition, like all government programs, there are deadlines and other strict requirements to submit detailed documents and forms. What's most important to know is that the time to register and file a claim is still open for most individuals or families who lost a loved one, even if you got sick many years ago or have been successfully treated.

Filing a Claim

Claims can be filed online, by mail, or in person. Claimants must submit proof of a WTC Health Program certified illness or injury. As a downtown resident, worker, or student, claimants must also submit documents that prove that they lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 or any time through May 30, 2002. The same is true for recovery workers or first responders/volunteers, who must similarly prove their involvement in rescue, recovery, and debris removal efforts related to the attacks. Awards vary based on circumstances, and claimants are encouraged to seek the help of an experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorney, who can provide guidance and support throughout the complex claims process and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted.

9/11 Compensation Claims Are All We Do

At our firm, we are dedicated to helping 9/11 victims receive the compensation they are entitled to. Our experienced team of 9/11 VCF attorneys is well-versed in the claims process, and we understand the unique circumstances and challenges associated with filing a claim. We have a proven track record of success and have helped thousands of individuals receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one were injured or suffered an illness as a result of your presence at one of the attack sites or your involvement in the rescue, recovery, and debris removal efforts related to 9/11, contact us today to discuss your options.