Do I Qualify for the VCF If I Worked at the NYSE But Never Went to Ground Zero?

The short answer is yes, you may qualify to file a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) even if you were never at Ground Zero. Many people think the VCF is only for first responders and rescue workers who worked directly at the World Trade Center (WTC) site, or individuals who were present at Ground Zero on 9/11. In reality, anyone present in the surrounding Exposure Zone in the applicable time frames is eligible to file a claim.

If you worked at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or elsewhere in Lower Manhattan during the covered time period and later developed a certified 9/11-related illness, you may be eligible for free health care and monitoring through the World Trade Center Health Program and financial compensation for economic and noneconomic losses through the VCF. Your eligibility depends on where you were, when you were there, how long you were there, and whether you have developed a covered condition, not whether you were at Ground Zero or part of debris removal or rescue efforts.

You Didn't Have to Be Present at Ground Zero to Qualify for Benefits

One of the biggest misunderstandings about 9/11 benefits is that only people who were present at Ground Zero qualify. Fortunately, the Health Program and Congress recognized that people were exposed to toxic dust and contaminants well beyond the World Trade Center site, and for months after the attacks, as toxic dust and debris lingered in the air and settled on surfaces throughout lower Manhattan. Thousands of office workers, financial professionals, maintenance staff, delivery drivers, security personnel, and other employees throughout Lower Manhattan, including NYSE workers, were exposed in the days, weeks, and months after September 11, 2001.

If you worked at the NYSE, you may qualify for benefits even if you never visited Ground Zero. The key question isn't whether you worked directly at the crash site, it's whether you were present in one of the covered exposure areas during the eligible time period and later developed a qualifying 9/11-related illness. The Health Program and VCF were created to cover both responders and survivors. This includes civilians who were simply at work when the attacks occurred or unknowingly returned to work before it was safe. The applicable time frames and exposure areas vary slightly depending on the program:

• For the WTC Health Program, individuals present in the Disaster Area between the dates of September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002 may be eligible for benefits. Those who worked, lived, went to school, child care, or adult day care must have been in the area for a minimum of four days, four hours each day between September 11, 2001 and January 10, 2002, or for a minimum of 30 days, four hours each day between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002.
• For the Victim Compensation Fund, individuals present in the Exposure Zone between the dates of September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002. There are no requirements for the minimum amount of time an individual needs to have been at a site for purposes of the VCF.

Where Is the NYSE Located Relative to the Exposure Zone?

The New York Stock Exchange is located at 11 Wall Street in Manhattan's Financial District. That location falls within the area recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program and the VCF as part of the New York City Disaster Area/Exposure Zone.

As dust, smoke, and airborne contaminants spread throughout Lower Manhattan, many nearby office buildings were evacuated. However, many were then reopened and occupied again while cleanup and recovery operations continued for months. Because of its location, many NYSE employees were present during times when the toxic dust was still present, whether they worked inside the exchange itself or in nearby office buildings. Even if you weren't caught in the immediate dust cloud, ongoing exposure during the months following September 11 may still increase your risk of developing 9/11-related conditions, and qualify you for compensation and health benefits.

What NYSE Workers Actually Need to Prove for VCF Eligibility

NYSE workers do not have to prove that your illness was directly caused by exposure, you just have to prove you were present at the applicable time frame. You need to establish three important things:

• You were present in a covered exposure area during an eligible period.
• You have a condition certified by the World Trade Center Health Program.
• You meet the VCF's registration and filing deadlines.

For NYSE employees, proof of presence usually comes from employment-related documentation such as:

• Employment records
• Pay stubs
• Human resources records
• Building access records
• Tax documents
• Security badges
• Union records

If your employer no longer exists or records are unavailable, there are often alternative ways to establish your presence, such as witness statements from employers or coworkers. Experienced VCF attorneys can help clients gather strong proof-of-presence evidence using multiple forms of documentation.

Which Cancers and Illnesses in NYSE Workers Qualify for VCF Compensation?

The VCF compensates eligible individuals who have certified 9/11-related health conditions. Covered conditions are the same for both responders and survivors. These include over 70 types of cancers and other illnesses recognized by the Health Program.

Covered conditions include:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Melanoma
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Head and neck cancers
• Esophageal cancer
• Aerodigestive disorders
• Chronic sinus conditions
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The list of covered conditions has expanded significantly over time as medical research has advanced, and it continues to evolve.

Even if you had preexisting medical conditions or other risk factors, that does not prevent you from qualifying. If your condition is covered and you meet the program's eligibility requirements, you may still be eligible for financial compensation and ongoing health care.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a VCF Attorney

If you worked at the New York Stock Exchange on September 11, 2001 or the months following and have been diagnosed with a covered cancer or other qualifying 9/11-related illness, you may qualify for compensation and benefits even if you never went to Ground Zero. The most important step is determining whether your work location, dates of exposure, and medical condition meet the Health Program and VCF requirements.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP we've helped thousands of responders and survivors navigate the Health Program and VCF claims process. We can evaluate your eligibility, help gather proof of presence, coordinate with the Health Program, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your individual circumstances. Contact our experienced VCF attorneys today for a free consultation and find out whether you may qualify for benefits.