The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund not only issues monetary recovery to responders who were at Ground Zero or in the surrounding area — it also provides awards to those who qualify as survivors. If you are a survivor who lived, worked, or went to school in the NYC Exposure Zone, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the VCF if you suffered an eligible 9/11-related health condition. However, it’s important to understand that certain criteria must be met to receive the monetary award to which you’re entitled.

Here are five things 9/11 survivors should know about filing a VCF claim:

1. The VCF Covers a Broad Range of 9/11-Related Health Conditions

As a result of inhaling the chemicals and carcinogens from the toxic dust cloud in the NYC Exposure Zone, thousands of survivors developed severe health conditions. Notably, the VCF understands the impact of these illnesses and compensates for a broad range of 9/11-related illnesses. The VCF covers every form of cancer, a variety of respiratory conditions, and many aerodigestive disorders as long as the condition has been certified by the WTC Health Program.

2. You Must Meet Certain Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to receive compensation from the VCF, there are certain requirements. The following criteria must be met under the Zadroga Act in order to file a VCF claim:

• Presence — To establish your VCF eligibility to file a claim, you must be able to prove that you were present in the area designated by the VCF as the NYC Exposure Zone. This is the geographical area in lower Manhattan south of Canal Street.
• Time frame — In addition to proving your presence in the NYC Exposure Zone, you must show that you were there in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks. The Zadroga Act defines this time frame as the period between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
• Health condition — To be eligible for VCF compensation, you must show that you have a physical condition that was caused by the 9/11 terrorist attacks or exposure to the chemicals in the toxic dust cloud that covered the area south of Canal Street in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001.

Additionally, it’s important not to miss the registration deadline. This deadline is different for everyone, based on when your last condition was certified by the World Trade Center Health Program. A survivor has two years from the date of the latest certification to register with the VCF to file a claim. The claim filing deadline of October 1, 2090, is the same for everyone.

3. You May Be Compensated for Both Your Economic and Non-Economic Losses

A 9/11-related illness can affect a survivor physically, emotionally, and financially. Accordingly, the VCF compensates for both economic and non-economic losses linked to a survivor’s 9/11-related health condition. An economic loss award compensates for your lost earnings, loss of pensions, loss of retirement contribution programs, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Non-economic loss is meant to cover the physical pain and emotional suffering you suffered in connection with your illness.

4. If You are Certified for a New Condition, You Can File an Amendment After You’ve Received Your Award

In the event you are certified for a new condition after the VCF has issued your award, you may be able to file an amendment to your initial claim to receive additional compensation. You may also be entitled to amend your claim if your condition worsens and results in additional losses not included in your initial award or if you have new information not considered when you filed your claim.

5. A VCF Attorney Can Make the Process Easier

Filing a VCF claim can be complex. However, an experienced VCF attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. A VCF attorney can ensure you adhere to the necessary deadlines and get your claim registered. They can also file any amendments or appeals on your behalf — and help to maximize your monetary award.

Contact an Experienced 9/11 VCF Attorney

If you are an eligible 9/11 survivor, you may be entitled to file a claim with the VCF. An experienced VCF attorney can guide you through the VCF’s procedures and assist you with obtaining your rightful compensation. 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.