What is the VCF (Victim Compensation Fund) for 9/11 and What Important Deadlines Should You Know About?


The Victim Compensation Fund is a fund that provides compensation for the individuals present at the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Either at the New York exposure zone, the World Trade Center, the Pentagon crash site; and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site between 9/11 2001 and May 30, 2002, who have been diagnosed with a 9/11 related illness.

The fund is available to first responders, as well as those who lived or worked in the exposure zone, and those who volunteered in construction and clean up after the attack. The VCF has enough funds to pay all eligible claims and has extended the claim filing deadline to October 1st, 2090.

How Do You File A Claim?

If you or one of your relatives has been diagnosed with an illness related to the 9/11 attack, you can either file a claim, or the victim can have a claim filed on their behalf by a relative or personal representative.

The filing process only takes three easy steps to complete, and you need to register with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) by your registration deadline, get certified by the World Trade Center Health Program for your condition, and file your claim and documents by October 1st, 2090.

Let’s break down each step and the deadlines associated with each.

You Must Register Within 2 Years of Being Diagnosed With a Certified 9/11-Related Condition

First, the claim filing deadline is the same for everyone, and that deadline is October 1st, 2090, which is more than enough time for you to get the ball rolling and then see the benefits of your claim. Still, make sure that your claim is filed once you get certified by the World Trade Center Health Program as soon as possible so your claim can be reviewed.

Now, the registration deadline is different for everyone, and it is not the same as filing a claim. The registration process simply lets the VCF know that you might be a potential claimant, and that your right to file a claim has been reserved. The deadline to register your claim is different for everyone and is affected by the circumstances that you are doing your claim for.

If you are filing a personal injury claim, then you are required to register within two years of your diagnosis once the WTC Health Program confirms your injury is 9/11 related. If the WTC Health Program certified you, then the two year period starts from the certification date,

If you were not certified by the WTC health program, then the two years will start at the date when you were certified by another government entity.

What Are Some Injuries That Are Covered By The VCF?

The injuries covered by the VCF include acute traumatic injuries such as burns, eye injuries, fractures, and head trauma. They also cover airway and digestive disorders such as chronic coughs, asthma, lung disease, and Gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Additionally, most cancers are covered as well, as well as mental health disorders that were caused by the attack

For the first responders at the world trade center, any musculoskeletal disorders are also covered. If any of these injuries can be connected to the events and locations of 9/11, then they will often be covered by the VCF. If you are suffering due to your heroic actions on September 11th, 2001, don’t be afraid to start filing your claim to the VCF in order to get the compensation you deserve, and then make sure to meet your deadline.

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Posted - 08/25/2022