The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the WTC Health Program work together to ensure responders and survivors obtain the monetary awards to which they are entitled for their 9/11-related cancers and other diseases. However, there are many misconceptions regarding the WTC Health Program — and people often confuse them with the VCF. If you suffer from a health condition linked to the 9/11 dust cloud, here are five things you need to know about the WTC Health Program:

1. The Program is Separate From the VCF

The VCF and the WTC Health Program work closely together to ensure responders and survivors obtain the compensation they deserve for their 9/11-related illnesses. But it’s important to understand that these are two separate entities that serve different purposes and each has its own set of eligibility criteria. While the VCF provides monetary awards to eligible responders and survivors, the WTC Health Program monitors, treats, and certifies their conditions.

2. The Eligibility Criteria is Different for the VCF and WTC Health Program

The VCF and WTC Health Program have different eligibility criteria. In order to be eligible for the Program, you must belong to one of four groups — FDNY responders; general responders; survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in the area; and Pentagon/Shanksville responders. However, there are different timeframes and activity requirements based on the specific group. The presence criteria is also distinct for both entities.

3. The WTC Health Program’s NYC Disaster Area is Different from the VCF’s NYC Exposure Zone

The WTC Health Program and the VCF have different geographical areas that satisfy each entity’s presence requirements. The WTC Health Program’s NYC Disaster Area encompasses the geographical region south of Houston Street in Manhattan and any block in Brooklyn that is either wholly or partially within a 1.5-mile radius from Ground Zero. The VCF defines the NYC Exposure Zone as any area south of Canal Street in Manhattan, including the bus depots and debris removal routes.

4. The Program Certifies a Wide Range of 9/11-Related Health Conditions

To obtain compensation from the VCF, a health condition must first be certified by The WTC Health Program. The Program certifies a wide range of 9/11-related health conditions, including all forms of cancer, aerodigestive digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, and musculoskeletal disorders. If an illness is on the list of WTC-related health conditions, and 9/11 exposure is likely to have been a factor in causing, aggravating, or contributing to the condition, and the eligibility criteria are satisfied, the illness can be WTC-certified. A condition must first be certified by the WTC Health Program to file a claim for a VCF award.

5. You Can Still Receive WTC Health Program Monitoring if You Move Out of New York

If you have moved from New York, you can still receive health monitoring and treatment from the WTC Health Program through the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN). The care is available at no cost to responders and survivors. Notably, the same set of WTC Health Program eligibility criteria applies to those living out of state to qualify for these health services.

Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney

If you are a 9/11 responder or survivor who suffers from a 9/11-related illness, you may be eligible to receive health monitoring from the WTC Health Program — and an award from the VCF. However, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable VCF attorney by your side who can guide you through the claim filing process and help ensure you obtain the monetary award to which you are entitled. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., have been providing skillful representation to claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF claims for over a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.