Who is Eligible For the World Trade Center Health Program?
You may be eligible for the WTCHP if you were present in the NYC exposure zone between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002. For responders, the NYC Disaster Area exposure zone for the WTCHP encompasses all of Manhattan South of Canal Street and where the debris was handled, such as the barges, trucks, and at Fresh Kills. For non-responders (including downtown workers, residents and students and others who were present on 9/11), the NYC Disaster Area exposure zone is the area of Manhattan that is south of Houston Street; and any block in Brooklyn that is wholly or partially contained within a 1.5-mile radius of the former World Trade Center site (much of Brooklyn Heights).
Please note that the time period for VCF eligibility is two months shorter than the WTCHP – September 11th through May 30, 2002.
Groups eligible for the WTCHP are categorized as follows:
- Responders: Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, construction workers, and volunteers involved in rescue, recovery, debris removal, or cleanup work.
- Survivors: Residents, downtown workers, students, and others who lived, worked, or attended school or daycare in the exposure zone.
Establishing your presence in the exposure zone is the first step toward receiving medical care for 9/11-related conditions such as chronic respiratory illness, cancer, or mental health disorders.
What Documents Are Needed For WTCHP Proof of Presence?
To prove your presence in the NYC exposure zone during the eligible time period, you must submit documentation that shows you were physically present. Acceptable documents may include:
- Education Records: If you attended school in the exposure zone, school transcripts or enrollment records can demonstrate your presence in the area.
- Utility Bills: Bills for electric, gas, water, or phone service showing your name and address within the exposure zone.
- Rent or Mortgage Statements: Lease agreements or mortgage receipts showing residency in Lower Manhattan or nearby Brooklyn.
- Pay Stubs: Pay stubs from employers located within the exposure zone.
- Employment Records: Official personnel rosters or employer letters confirming your job location and work duties.
- Government Records: Tax documents, DMV records, or voting registrations indicating your address during the eligible period.
In some cases, if you don’t have official documents, you may be able to submit carefully drafted, detailed affidavits from credible witnesses who can attest to your presence. For example, a former boss, teacher, colleague, or landlord may submit a notarized letter confirming where and when you were in the exposure zone.
How a 9/11 Lawyer Can Help With Proof of Presence For the WTCHP
Many eligible individuals in the 9/11 community struggle to gather the documentation needed to prove presence, especially when records are decades old. A 9/11 attorney can assist by:
- Helping You Identify Acceptable Documentation: Lawyers experienced in WTCHP and VCF claims know exactly which documents are most effective and how to present them.
- Interviewing Witnesses and Drafting and Obtaining Affidavits on Your Behalf: If needed, an experienced attorney can track down witnesses and collect signed, notarized affidavits to help prove your presence.
- Filing and Submitting Your WTCHP Application: Our legal team ensures that your documents are organized, submitted correctly, and meet all WTCHP requirements to avoid delays.
- Filing a Claim With the VCF: Experienced 9/11 attorneys can help you file a claim for financial compensation and help you get the maximum award for your specific circumstances.
By working with a knowledgeable legal team, you’ll reduce the stress and uncertainty of the process while increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
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