You are probably already aware of your potential eligibility for compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund [VCF] if you were a 9/11 responder or survivor. However, if you are inexperienced with the VCF’s guidelines and processes, they may be difficult to understand.
Fortunately, we are here to help you understand more about VCF claims by answering frequently asked questions about submitting a VCF claim. Let’s delve into them.
1- Who is eligible for VCF claim?
According to the law governing the VCF, a victim must have suffered physical suffering or death due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, or the cleanup operations that followed those attacks to be eligible for compensation.
2- Can I still submit a claim if I didn’t register with the VCF?
It’s crucial to realize that submitting a claim and registering with the VCF are two different processes. But you must register with the VCF first to submit a claim. Although the earliest registration deadline was July 29, 2021, you can still apply within two years of the latest day the WTC Health Program certified you as having a 9/11 disease.
3- Do I qualify as a responder or survivor?
The VCF categorizes persons qualified for compensation into “responders” and “survivors.” Responders include individuals who helped with the rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations at Ground Zero and in the NYC Exposure Zone in the hours and days following 9/11. They include firefighters, police officers, EMS, sanitation workers, Con-Ed employees, medical professionals, correctional officers, mortuary employees, etc. Those who resided, worked, attended school in downtown Manhattan between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, are considered survivors.
4- Is VCF a lawsuit?
Absolutely not. You are not a petitioner. No defendants are present. The VCF is a federal program established to provide financial assistance to people who have sustained bodily harm due to hazardous exposure from the World Trade Center attacks.
5- Do I require legal counsel to submit a VCF claim?
Although the VCF does not require you to hire legal representation to submit a claim, there are many benefits to doing so. Importantly, a lawyer can help you navigate the complicated process of filing a claim by ensuring your paperwork is complete and accurate, preventing delays or claim denials. A lawyer can also assist you in maximizing your settlement, which is very important.
6- How much compensation from the VCF can I recover?
Each VCF award is unique and is based on how your health before 9/11 affected your ability to work and lead a normal life. The Zadroga Act awards non-economic loss payments, whereas awards for economic loss depend on several variables. Non-economic loss compensation for a responder or survivor of a non-cancer disease ranges from $10,000 to $90,000. Expenses for cancer are limited to $250,000.
7- How long will it take for me to receive my compensation?
Based on the submission date, the VCF processes claims in a “first-in, first-out” order. The claims’ evaluation process must include two stages: preliminary review and substantive review. Even though the VCF tries to pay compensation within a year, more complicated applications frequently take longer. Furthermore, further delays may occur if the necessary documentation is not included in your claim submission package.
