Determining Eligibility for the World Trade Center Health Program
The WTCHP is open to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria related to the September 11 attacks. Eligible groups include:
- First responders who served at the World Trade Center (WTC) site, the Pentagon, or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site
- Rescue, recovery, and cleanup workers
- Volunteers
- Individuals who lived, worked, or went to school in the NYC 9/11 Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, to July 31, 2002
- Employees of federal, state, or local government entities who were deployed to any 9/11 crash site
To be eligible, these applicants must prove their presence in the exposure zone through documentation such as employment records, school records, utility bills, or witness affidavits, must have a certified 9/11-related health condition or have lost a family member to a certified 9/11-related health condition, and must meet all relevant deadlines.
What Are the Deadlines For the WTCHP?
While the WTCHP itself does not have a formal deadline for initial registration, there are time-sensitive requirements that must be met to qualify for compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). First, individuals must register with the WTCHP and get certification that their 9/11-related illness is linked to 9/11 exposure. While there is no specific deadline for certification with the WTCHP, this process can take several months, so it’s crucial to enroll with the WTCHP and get the certification process started as early as possible. VCF claims cannot proceed until certification by the WTCHP has been completed.
To file a claim with the VCF, individuals must meet both the VCF registration deadline and the VCF claim filing deadline. Registration preserves your right to file a claim later, but does not obligate you to file a claim. The registration deadline is not the same for everyone – it is determined by claim type, and varies based on individual circumstances. For most people, registration must be completed within two years of when the WTC Health Program certifies your cancer or other 9/11 illness as related to your exposure to the 9/11 toxins. It’s important to note that individuals who are being treated and monitored by the WTCHP are not automatically registered with the VCF.
The “Never Forget the Heroes, James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act” (also known as the “VCF Permanent Authorization Act”) extended the VCF’s claim filing deadline until October 1, 2090. Registration with the VCF is the basic initial step (that must be done within two years of the WTCHP certification) while the filing of a claim the process where all of the documents, proof of presence, and many other VCF Fund requirements are met and the completed claim is prepared and submitted (by the year 2090) to the Fund for decision.
What to Do if You Miss a Deadline?
Missing a deadline does not always permanently disqualify you from benefits or compensation. Depending on the specifics of your case, there may be options. A qualified 9/11 attorney can evaluate your case and assist you, but it’s important to act quickly if you think you’ve missed a deadline.
A 9/11 Attorney Can Help Guide You Through the Process
The WTCHP and VCF processes can be complex, daunting, and time-consuming. From gathering documentation to prove eligibility to meeting deadlines and securing the maximum compensation for your individual circumstances, navigating the bureaucracy can feel overwhelming. This is where an experienced 9/11 attorney can make a difference.
At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of dedicated attorneys helps clients with:
- Determining eligibility
- Collecting proof of presence documentation
- Submitting timely applications and appeals
- Certifying conditions with the WTCHP
- Filing, amending, or appealing VCF claims
We’ve been working with the 9/11 community for over two decades, and we know the process inside and out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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