Start 2024 Right By Registering Your VCF Claim

As we welcome the beginning of another new year, anyone who was potentially affected by the 9/11 attacks should make sure they meet any deadlines, register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and take the first step towards getting free lifetime 9/11 healthcare and enroll in the  World Trade Center Health Program. The VCF was established to provide necessary financial support to those who have suffered from physical health conditions in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC). 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a health condition certified by the World Trade Center Health Program, registering with the VCF is the first step on the path to securing the compensation and support you deserve. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of dedicated VCF attorneys is ready to assist you in starting 2024 on a positive note. With decades of experience working with 9/11 victims, survivors, and responders, we offer comprehensive 9/11-related legal services, customized to meet your needs. 

Why Register With the VCF?

Filing a VCF claim may seem daunting, but doing so offers a path to financial support for those who have suffered from 9/11-related illnesses, as well as those who have lost family members, due to their presence in lower Manhattan on September 11th or in the year after the attacks. Whether you were a first responder, a survivor, a resident, a student, or a worker simply present in the NYC exposure zone, or you were part of the cleanup crew that worked along the route of debris removal, filing a VCF claim can provide essential financial compensation for economic and noneconomic losses suffered as a result of the attacks. These may include lost income, lost benefits, and lost services, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. 

VCF Eligibility

Eligibility for the VCF is specific to those who have suffered a physical injury or illness, such as respiratory disease or most any type of cancer since the 9/11 attacks. This includes exposure to the toxic cloud of dust and debris that was created in the collapse of the WTC and lingered in the air for almost a full year afterward. To be eligible for compensation, individuals must demonstrate that they were in the NYC Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and that they have a health condition certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Proof of presence at the sites and medical records are typically required to establish this eligibility. Family members may also file a VCF claim for deceased victims if a loved one passed away due to cancer or another 9/11-related health condition, even if the loved one died many years ago. 

The NYC Exposure Zone includes all of lower Manhattan south of Canal Street/East Broadway/Clinton Street. For first responders, the NYC Exposure Zone also includes any area related to or along the routes of debris removal, such as barges and the Fresh Kills landfill, and essentially anywhere WTC debris or the rescue and recovery equipment was cleaned or maintained. 

Steps to File a Claim with the VCF

Filing a claim with the VCF involves a multi-step process that includes registration, certification by the WTCHP, and filing a VCF claim with supporting documents such as multiple exhibits, affidavits, and many other records. Understanding these steps – and making sure that they are all done correctly – is essential for a successful claim.

Register with the VCF

The first step in the claims process is registration with the VCF, which may be done online or over the phone. This involves submitting basic information about yourself and how you were affected by the events of 9/11. Registration deadlines vary based on individual circumstances. Enrollment with the VCF is separate from filing your claim with the VCF and also different from registering and treatment with the WTCHP. Registration alerts the VCF that you may be a potential claimant. It preserves the right to file your claim in the future, waives no legal rights, and does not obligate you to file a claim. 

Get Certified By the WTC Health Program

Before you can move forward and actually file your claim with the VCF, you need to be certified by the WTC Health Program. This certification confirms that your health conditions are covered by the program and are related to the 9/11 attacks. The process begins with filing an application with the WTCHP, which can be done online or via fax or mail, along with supporting documentation. A health evaluation and authorization for the release of medical records are required for certification of the health condition; however, individuals are encouraged to apply to the WTCHP for medical monitoring even if they are well. 

File Your Claim and Supporting Documents

Once registered and certified, the next step is to file your claim with the VCF by the deadline. This includes submitting all required documents, such as proof of presence in the exposure zone with original records, affidavits, or other sufficient primary or secondary proof as well as, in some cases, any supporting medical records. Working with a law firm experienced in 9/11 VCF claims can make all the difference at this stage. A knowledgeable VCF attorney can guide you through the complex process, ensuring that every necessary detail is accounted for and that your claim is as strong as possible and decided as quickly as possible.

Kick Off Your Year with Our 9/11 Attorneys

If you are facing a 9/11-related health condition, help is available. Starting 2024 with the resolution to file your VCF claim is a significant step toward receiving the compensation you are entitled. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we understand the complexities of the 9/11 VCF claims system and are here to guide and represent you through every step of the process. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the overall process. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Reach out to us today, and let's work together to ensure your VCF claim is filed in the coming year.