The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has several deadlines that eligible responders and survivors should know about. In addition to the registration and claim filing deadlines, other deadlines are involved in the VCF claim process. Notably, the VCF imposes timeframes by which it must receive requested information — and when an appeal must be made. It’s best to work with a knowledgeable 9/11 VCF attorney to ensure you comply with all applicable deadlines to avoid delay or denial of your claim and ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Here are four crucial VCF deadlines to keep in mind:

1. Registration Deadline

To file a claim with the VCF, you must first register to do so. The registration deadline differs for everyone, depending on their facts and circumstances. The earliest deadline was July 29, 2021, for those who were certified with an eligible condition by the WTC Health Program before July 29, 2019. However, if you were certified after this date, you have two years from the date of the latest certification to register to file a claim.

2. Claim Filing Deadline

Unlike the VCF registration deadline, which is based on the date of WTC Health Program certification, the claim filing deadline is the same for all responders and survivors. Anyone who has registered with the VCF in a timely manner and is eligible to receive compensation may file a claim up until October 1, 2090. However, it’s important to note that the VCF encourages claimants to file as soon as possible to obtain the monetary awards they are entitled to.

3. Missing Information Letter Deadline

In some cases, the VCF will not deny a claim outright if all relevant information is not included. If any information is missing from your claim, the VCF will send you a “missing information letter.” This letter will specify the information needed for review before the VCF can continue processing your claim, whether in the eligibility or compensation review stage. If your claim is under substantive review and the VCF does not receive a response to the missing information letter within 30 days from the date of the correspondence, it will decide based on the information in your file at the time.

4. Deadline to Appeal

If you believe the VCF made an error in your claim regarding your eligibility or monetary award, you may be entitled to file an appeal. This can only be done if the eligibility denial or award letter includes an Appeal Request Form. It’s vital to read this document thoroughly to understand why your claim was denied and why you didn’t receive the full compensation to which you were entitled, as well as steps to remedy the issue. The Appeal Request Form must be filed within 30 days from the date of your decision letter. The actual appeal package must be submitted within 60 days from the date of the decision letter to avoid your request for an appeal being denied.

Contact an Experienced 9/11 VCF Attorney

Keeping track of the VCF’s various deadlines can be complicated. If you are considering filing a claim with the VCF, it’s essential to have a skillful VCF attorney by your side who can help you navigate the process to ensure you obtain the monetary award to which you’re entitled. 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 more than a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.