The first September 11th Victim Compensation Fund registration deadline is rapidly approaching. If you’re an eligible responder or survivor, it’s critical to be aware of whether you must register with the VCF by July 29, 2021. Registration by this date may be mandatory depending upon when the WTC Health Program certified your 9/11-related health condition. If you fail to register by the applicable deadline, you could be forever barred from filing a claim with the VCF to recover the compensation you deserve for your 9/11 cancer or illness.

Understanding the July 29, 2021 Registration Deadline

The VCF deadlines can be confusing to understand. It’s essential to know the difference between the registration deadline and the claim filing deadline. While the cutoff date to file a claim is the same for everyone — October 1, 2090 — the registration deadline for responders and survivors can vary. However, before you can file a claim for compensation for your 9/11-related illness, you must register with the VCF.

According to the Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, July 29, 2021 is the earliest registration deadline. While all responders and survivors may register by this date, some are required to do so. Responders and survivors who must register with the VCF on or before the July 29, 2021 registration deadline include:

• Responders who were certified by the WTC Health Program for a 9/11-related health condition before July 29, 2019.
• Survivors who had their 9/11-related illnesses certified by the WTC Health Program prior to July 29, 2019.  
• The personal representative of a survivor or responder who died as a result of their 9/11-related illness, cancer, or disease before July 29, 2019.

You can still register with the VCF if the WTC Health Program certified your 9/11-related health condition was certified after July 29, 2019 — in this case, you would have two years from the date of the latest certification. In addition, the personal representative of a victim’s estate would have two years to register from the date of the victim’s passing due to their 9/11-related health condition.

Who is Eligible to Register to File a VCF Claim?

If you are a responder who aided in the rescue, recovery, or cleanup efforts in the NYC Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, you may be entitled to compensation if you developed a 9/11-related illness. Survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in the NYC Exposure Zone within the same time frame may also be eligible to receive monetary recovery if they developed a 9/11 health condition. Those who fall within either of these categories may register to file a claim with the VCF.  

Additionally, even if you haven’t been certified by the WTC Health Program yet — or don’t think you’re sick — you can still register with the VCF. In many cases, it can take years or even decades for a 9/11-related illness to develop. Registration does not compel you to file a claim, but it preserves your right to do so in the future.  

Contact a New York City 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney

If you were a 9/11 responder or survivor, you may be entitled to a monetary award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund if you were diagnosed with a 9/11-related health condition. However, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations involved with registration and filing a claim. An experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorney can help you navigate the process and work to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation available.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF claims for over a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.