Deadline for September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Approaching

Thousands of employees—including first responders, custodians, and office workers—who were at ground zero during the September 11, 2001 attacks, including the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, have received compensation for any related illnesses. However, many eligible victims are still unaware compensation is available. 

The federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was set up for eligible victims and their family members to receive aid. However, the deadline to apply for the VCF is quickly approaching, ABC News reports.

The VCF awards families a maximum of US$250,000 if a family member contracts a form of cancer linked to the 9/11 sites, as well as $90,000 for all other claims. Families also receive an additional $250,000 if a family member dies from a 9/11-related illness, plus $100,000 for the person’s spouse and each dependent. Families will receive benefits up until October 1, 2090, but eligible applicants must register for the program by July 29, 2021.

Michael Barasch, an attorney who has represented first responders and 9/11 victims, said the registration deadline has been extended several times to allow individuals who were exposed to the toxic air at the sites to apply. Barasch, who is working to raise awareness for the fund, said about 80% of 100,000 first responders have applied for the funding. However, only 7% of nearly 400,000 civilians—including students, residents, and workers—have applied. Many of the civilian families may have thought the funds are only for first responders.

“This is also for the secretaries, the janitors, the students, and other staff who went back to their offices while the air was still dirty,” Barash said.

According to the VCF’s recent annual report, nearly $1.6 billion was awarded in 2020 to 8,273 individuals. In the last 10 years, the fund has paid nearly $7.8 billion to more than 34,000 individuals.