Six Common Misconceptions About the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

More than two decades after the September 11th attacks, many survivors, residents, workers, and volunteers are still unaware that they may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Many people who are eligible do not file a claim because they do not believe that the Fund covers them, too.

Here, we discuss six of the most common myths about the VCF, and set the record straight for those wondering about their eligibility for financial compensation through the VCF.

Myth #1 – The 9/11 VCF Is Only for First Responders

One of the most persistent myths is that the VCF only helps first responders, like firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. While it’s true that first responders make up a large portion of VCF award recipients, they are not the only group eligible for compensation.

Anyone who lived, worked, went to school, or volunteered in the 9/11 Exposure Zone may qualify for financial compensation through the VCF. This includes:

• Downtown office workers
• Residents of Lower Manhattan
• Construction and utility workers
• Students and teachers
• Clean-up crews
• Volunteers
• Children going to daycare
  
  

If you were south of Canal Street between September 11, 200, and May 30, 2002, you may be eligible for compensation, regardless of your occupation or role at the time.

Myth #2 – It’s Too Late to File My 9/11 VCF Claim

Another common myth we hear is that the deadline to file a claim was missed because more than two years (or longer) have passed since you got sick. Fortunately, this is not true for most people.

While the VCF does have deadlines, many claims are still being accepted until the claim filing deadline in 2090. Here's what you need to know:

If your 9/11-related condition (e.g., cancer, respiratory illness) is not yet certified by the WTCHP, the two-year clock to register with the VCF has not started.

The VCF will consider your claim as long as it is registered within two years of the WTCHP certification date, regardless of how long ago your illness began.

Even if you were diagnosed many years ago, it is not too late to:

• Enroll in the WTCHP to have your condition evaluated and certified
• File a claim with the VCF for compensation once your condition is certified
  
  

2. This rule also applies to families filing on behalf of deceased 9/11 victims—the two-year deadline is based on either the WTCHP certification or a finding from the NYC Medical Examiner’s office, not the date of death alone.

3. Even if your diagnosis or your loved one’s passing occurred many years ago, you may still have time. The program is authorized to accept claims until October 1, 2090, but timely registration is key.

Myth #3 – You Must Be Diagnosed With Cancer to Apply to the 9/11 VCF

Cancer is one of the most recognized and widely discussed health conditions linked to 9/11 exposure, but it is not the only eligible illness. The VCF covers many other types of physical conditions, including:

• Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD
• Upper airway disorders, like chronic sinusitis and laryngitis
• Gastrointestinal conditions, including GERD and Barrett’s esophagus
• Skin disorders
• Musculoskeletal disorders linked to repetitive recovery work
  
  

Mental health conditions, like PTSD and depression, are not compensable through the VCF, but they are covered by the WTC Health Program for no-cost diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any 9/11-certified physical health condition, you may qualify for financial compensation.

Myth #4 – The VCF Only Compensates People Who Were at One of the 9/11 Crash Sites on September 11th

Many people understandably think that only those who were present at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or the Shanksville crash site on September 11th can apply for compensation. In reality, the toxic dust cloud that was released in the attacks lingered in the air for months after the Twin Towers fell, and unfortunately, many individuals were told it was safe to return to downtown Manhattan. Exposure-related illness developed in many people who were present in the days, weeks, or even months after the attacks, as well as those who were not directly at the site but nearby or working with the materials from the sites.

The NYC Exposure Zone, for instance, includes large portions of Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street, including neighborhoods like Tribeca, Chinatown, and the Financial District. This area remained heavily contaminated with toxic dust and debris long after the towers fell.

Additionally, the VCF recognizes people who were involved in:

• Debris removal
• Cleanup work at locations like the Fresh Kills Landfill and those who worked at mortuaries
• Transportation and loading of materials from Ground Zero
  
  

You did not need to be present on 9/11 to be eligible. Regular presence in the area for work, residence, or school (or as a responder) during the exposure period – between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002 – is potentially enough to qualify for compensation.

Myth #5 – The WTC Health Program and the VCF Are the Same Program

It’s easy to confuse the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, but they are two separate programs with different purposes.

1. WTC Health Program: Provides free medical monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related conditions; managed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
2. Victim Compensation Fund (VCF): Provides financial compensation to those with certified physical health conditions; managed by the Department of Justice (DoJ). 

Myth #6 – The VCF Denied My Claim, So There Is Nothing More I Can Do

We hear it often, “My 9/11 VCF claim was denied, what can I do?” 

Even if your VCF claim was denied, that doesn’t have to be the final decision. Many claims are denied due to missing documentation, incorrect paperwork, or lack of certification from the WTC Health Program. These issues are often fixable in the appeal or amendment process.

Rest assured, you have rights. You have the right to correct and resubmit your claim, appeal the decision, and work with a 9/11 VCF attorney to gather more evidence. In many cases, claimants are awarded full compensation after appealing or resolving issues in their original submission. Don’t let an initial denial stop you from receiving the compensation you’re entitled to.

Know All the Facts With Guidance From a Trusted VCF Lawyer

When it comes to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, knowledge is power, and misinformation can cost you the support you need. The VCF is an essential resource for those suffering from 9/11-related health conditions and those who have lost a loved one due to 9/11, but navigating eligibility and documentation can be complex.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we work exclusively with 9/11 claims, working with individuals and families to:

• Clarify eligibility
• Help you register and file a complete claim
• Ensure your condition is properly certified
• Appeal denials
• Advocate for maximum compensation

Whether you were a first responder, a downtown Manhattan employee, a cleanup or recovery worker, or a teacher, student, or resident in the Exposure Zone, you may qualify for compensation. Contact the dedicated attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, today to learn more about your options.