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What Documents and Information Are Needed to Get Certified With the WTCHP?
Five hundred thousand people were exposed to the toxic dust cloud released in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and many now suffer from a 9/11-related health condition. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was created to provide medical monitoring and treatment to individuals in the 9/11 community. The first step to receiving care through the WTCHP is getting your condition certified. This certification confirms that your medical condition is linked to 9/11 exposure. Certified WTC Health Program members are eligible for no-cost treatment and health monitoring through the WTCHP, and may file a claim for financial compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).
While the WTCHP and the VCF are separate programs with different rules and application processes, they are connected in the sense that you must first receive certification from the WTCHP before filing a claim with the VCF. Here's what you need to know to get the certification process started.
WTCHP Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for enrollment in the WTCHP, you must fall into one of the following categories:
- Responders: Includes firefighters, police officers, EMTs, construction workers, volunteers, and other workers involved in rescue, recovery, cleanup, or support operations.
- Survivors (non-responders): Anyone who lived, worked, attended school or daycare, or was otherwise present in the NYC exposure zone or one of the other crash sites during the relevant time frame, between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
In addition, you must also have a health condition on the WTCHP's list of certified 9/11-related illnesses and meet the required latency periods for your specific diagnosis.
What Do You Need for WTCHP Certification?
To apply for WTCHP certification, you'll need to gather and submit several documents and information. These documents serve to establish your identity, prove your presence in the exposure zone, and confirm your medical condition.
Personal Identification
Identification is required to prove your identity. A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport), a Social Security number, or other personal identifying information must be submitted with your application to the WTCHP.
Proof of Exposure
You must prove that you were present in the NYC exposure zone or at one of the other 9/11 crash sites (such as at the Pentagon or in Shanksville, PA) between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002. Acceptable documents to prove your presence include:
- Utility bills, rent, or mortgage statements showing your address during that time
- School transcripts or enrollment letters if you were a student in the area
- Pay stubs, employment letters, or official work rosters
- Government documents like tax records or DMV files
- Witness affidavits if formal documentation isn’t available
Medical Documentation
You’ll need medical records pertaining to your 9/11-related health condition that show the diagnosis of a WTCHP-covered health condition, the date of your diagnosis, and the name and contact info of the diagnosing physician or facility.
Common certified conditions include:
- Cancer (over 70 types are covered)
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- GERD
- Interstitial lung disease
- PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders
Supporting Documentation
Each group defined by the WTCHP (responders and “survivors”) has different eligibility requirements that must be shown in their supporting documentation. Supporting documentation must show one’s involvement in an appropriate activity, at a covered location, during specific time periods, and show that the individual meets the minimum hours requirements for their group. These documents are known as proof of presence.
For responders, supporting documentation should include the dates and locations of work and duties performed, and may include the following:
- Letter from your employer or union
- Police memo records showing you worked at a 9/11-related site
- Timesheet or overtime report
- Awards or letters that commend your 9/11 activities
- Letter from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) for your 9/11-related work
For individuals who lived, worked, went to school, or were otherwise present in the aftermath of 9/11 (the “survivor group”), supporting documentation should show where you lived, worked, or attended school, daycare, or adult day care in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002, or you were present in the area in the dust or dust cloud on September 11, 2001. Acceptable documentation includes the following:
- A lease or utility bill with your name
- A pay stub
- A signed letter from your resident manager, neighbor, employer, day care center, school, or volunteer organization
- A student identification card
- A school transcript
- A grant award letter or documentation from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, showing that your residence received a grant or was eligible for a grant
- A grant award letter from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation WTC Small Firms Attraction and Retention Act program, showing that your place of employment received a grant
Application Forms
An official WTCHP application must be filled out, signed, and submitted. This form can be found on the WTCHP website or obtained through your 9/11 attorney.
The WTCHP Application Process
The process of applying to the WTCHP involves several steps:
- Gather Documentation: Compile proof of identity, presence, and medical condition.
- Complete the Application: Fill out and sign the enrollment forms for the WTCHP.
- Submit the Application: Include all required supporting documentation and send your application by mail, fax, or the online portal.
- Wait for Verification: The WTCHP will review your application and may request additional information.
- Schedule an Exam: Once your application is accepted, you’ll be asked to schedule an exam at a Clinical Center of Excellence or a Nationwide Provider Network facility for medical evaluation.
- Receive Certification: When your health condition is confirmed as being related to 9/11, the WTCHP will officially certify your illness.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 VCF Attorney
Navigating the WTCHP application process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a serious health condition. An experienced 9/11 attorney can help you:
- Gather and submit the necessary documents
- Prove your presence in the exposure zone
- Complete your application timely and correctly
- Amend your application or appeal a denial if needed
Once you’re certified, a 9/11 lawyer can help you file your claim with the VCF to receive financial compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. An experienced VCF attorney will ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your individual circumstances.
If you were present in the aftermath of the attacks, don’t delay. WTCHP certification is the first step to receiving the care and financial compensation you need. Call Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today to speak with a 9/11 attorney who understands both the WTCHP and VCF processes and will walk you through every step of the journey.
