• 9/11 Victim Programs
  • Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
  • WTC Health Program (WTCHP)
  • Wrongful Death VCF Claims

WTCHP ELIGIBILITY & COVERAGE

World Trade Center Health Program Eligibilty and Coverage

World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) coverage is available to first responders and survivors who have developed 9/11-related health conditions – including those who lived, worked, or attended school in lower Manhattan and the New York City (NYC) Exposure Zone during the attacks or any time until July 31, 2002. The WTCHP covers both physical and mental health conditions that developed as a result of 9/11 exposure.

What is the Exposure Zone?

The NYC Exposure Zone refers to the geographical area in which individuals were exposed to the toxic dust cloud, smoke, and other harmful chemicals resulting from the September 11, 2001 attacks. This area encompasses all of Manhattan South or Canal Street, the Medical Examiner’s Office, the locations where equipment was cleaned, the barges and debris routes, Fresh Kills,  and wherever debris was transported or handled.

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Most Common Conditions Covered by the WTCHP

The WTCHP covers a comprehensive list of both physical and mental health conditions that have been linked to exposure to 9/11 dust or the dust cloud that lingered for months afterward. Some of the most common covered conditions include respiratory and digestive disorders, over 70 different types of cancers such as skin, breast, prostate, blood, and many other cancers, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Providing Proof of Presence

To establish eligibility for WTCHP coverage, individuals must provide proof of their presence in the Exposure Zone during the specified time period. This can include documentation such as employment records, school records, residency contracts, utility bills, or sworn statements from witnesses who can confirm your presence in the area. Gathering and organizing this evidence is essential to support your claim and ensure that you receive the free lifetime medical monitoring and treatment you deserve.

Who Can File a Claim With the WTCHP? 

The WTCHP covers several categories of individuals affected by the September 11th attacks. These categories are comprised of active or retired responders of the City of New York Fire Department, NYPD, federal response workers, and investigators, WTC General Responders such as construction and clean-up workers, and the downtown survivors such as people who worked, lived, or went to school in lower Manhattan.

WTCHP Claims for New York City Responders

New York City responders who actively participated in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts following the September 11th attacks may be eligible for WTCHP coverage. These individuals must provide proof of their presence in the Exposure Zone sometime between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002. The following categories of responders are eligible to apply:
  • FDNY responders who were at Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, or the NYC Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.
  • Rescue, recovery, cleanup, and related support workers who were present in Lower Manhattan (south of canal street), the Staten Island Landfill, or at certain barge loading piers.
  • Active or retired member of the NYC Police Department or an active or retired member of the Port Authority Police of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who were present ​​in Lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street) including Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, or certain barge loading piers.
  • Employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of NYC or other morgue workers who performed similar post-September 11 functions, such as office staff, at a location of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of NYC or the morgue at Bellevue Hospital.
  • Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation Tunnel workers present in the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Tunnel.
  • Vehicle maintenance workers who were exposed to debris from the former WTC while retrieving, driving, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining vehicles contaminated by airborne toxins.

WTCHP Claims for Survivors

Those who lived, worked, went to school, or attended child or adult day care in the NYC Disaster Area, and those who were present in the dust or dust cloud between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002, are also eligible to file a claim with the WTCHP. The NYC Disaster Area is the area within NYC that is south of Houston Street in Manhattan, and any block in Brooklyn wholly or partially contained within a 1.5-mile radius of the former WTC complex. To qualify for the WTCHP, survivors must provide medical documentation of their 9/11 certified condition. The following survivors meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Those present in the dust or dust cloud on September 11, 2001 for any amount of time.
  • Those who worked, lived, attended school, child care, or adult day care in the NYC Disaster Area.
  • Those who worked as a cleanup worker or performed maintenance with extensive exposure to WTC dust, but activities do not meet general responder criteria.
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Possible Results for Your Claim Submission

When filing a claim with the WTCHP, there are several possible outcomes. If your claim is approved, you will be eligible for ongoing medical monitoring and treatment for your 9/11-related health condition. In some cases, your claim may be denied, but you have the right to appeal the decision and provide additional evidence to support your case. It is crucial to consult with an experienced 9/11 attorney who can guide you through the claims process and advocate for your rights. 

Importantly, WTCHP approval and a physical condition certified as 9/11-related is required to be eligible for compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

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Consult Hansen & Rosasco's Experienced WTCHP Attorneys

Navigating the WTCHP claims process can be complex and challenging, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a 9/11-related health condition. The experienced attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco understand the intricacies of the program and can provide expert guidance and support throughout the WTCHP claims process and help you understand your eligibility for compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund as well. Consult with the experienced WTCHP attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco today to ensure that you obtain the coverage and care you need.

The best lawyers ever. Very professional and courteous they care about you and make sure you are well taken care of Shout out to Sarah for always returning my calls with a smile on her face I would definitely use them again.” -Debbie R.

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