9/11 Compensation Claims for Children in Daycare

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provide health benefits and compensation for children who were in daycare within the NYC exposure zone between 9/11 and May 30, 2002, and have since gotten sick with cancer, breathing, or digestive disorders.

Children in daycare near Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, were among the most vulnerable survivors of the attacks. Many were exposed to the toxic dust cloud and lingering debris that filled Lower Manhattan in the days and for almost a year afterward. Now, more than two decades later, these children, who are now adults, are often facing 9/11-related health conditions linked to that exposure.

The Impact of 9/11 on Children in Daycare

When the terrorist attacks shook Lower Manhattan, thousands of children were present in the NYC exposure zone, including many who attended daycare centers. While responders were primarily focused on rescue, recovery, and debris removal, children in daycare facilities south of Canal Street were directly exposed to the toxic dust cloud and the lingering toxins that settled in the surrounding area.

The impact of 9/11 on children is striking. Unlike adults, children’s lungs, immune systems, and overall bodies were still developing. This made them especially vulnerable to the toxic air pollutants, heavy metals, and carcinogens released after the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC). For many children who were in daycare at the time, exposure led to both immediate respiratory problems and long-term health risks, including 9/11-related physical health conditions that are now recognized by federal programs.

Today, many young adults who were in daycare during the attacks are experiencing health complications tied to their exposure as children in the aftermath of the attacks.

Health Conditions Common for Children in Daycare During and Following 9/11

Children exposed to the toxic environment following 9/11 experienced a wide range of health conditions, many of which continue to develop decades later. These include:

Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, chronic cough, and upper airway reactivity are common health conditions among exposed children.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) have been linked to inhalation of toxic dust.
Cancers: As children have grown into adulthood, diagnoses of cancers, including thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancers, have increased.
Mental Health Conditions: The trauma of the event itself, coupled with subsequent health struggles, has also led to anxiety, depression, and PTSD in some cases.

These conditions are among those recognized by the WTCHP, and physical health conditions are eligible for compensation through the VCF. Once a physical health condition is certified by the WTCHP as being related to 9/11 exposure, individuals may file a claim for financial compensation.

How Many Daycares Were in the NYC Exposure Zone?

There were several daycare centers and early childhood programs operating in the NYC exposure zone, defined as the area south of Canal Street in Manhattan. Many of these facilities were located only blocks away from the World Trade Center, such as the Defense Department's Child Development Center and the Children's Discovery Daycare.

When the WTC collapsed, daycare providers faced the difficult decision of evacuating children through dust-filled streets and later reopening their doors, believing it was safe despite ongoing contamination. For young adults who were in daycare at the time, proving that they attended one of these centers during the September 11, 2001, through May 30, 2002 period is a critical step in establishing eligibility for health care and compensation benefits.

Which Children in Daycare Qualify for Compensation?

Children who attended daycare centers within the 9/11 exposure zone may qualify for compensation if:

They can demonstrate proof of presence (such as enrollment or attendance records, or testimony from staff and witnesses).
They have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related health condition certified by the WTCHP.
They register with the WTCHP and file a claim with the VCF within the applicable deadlines.

Both surviving children (now adults) and personal representatives of deceased individuals who were in daycare during 9/11 may be eligible to file claims. The VCF awards compensation for both economic losses (such as lost wages and benefits due to illness in adulthood) and non-economic losses (such as pain and suffering).

Support Available for Children in Daycare During 9/11

For children in daycare during 9/11 who have since developed a 9/11-related illness, there are specific medical and legal resources available through two key federal programs created under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. These programs are designed to provide medical screenings and health care as well as financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

The WTCHP provides free medical monitoring and treatment for individuals exposed to 9/11 toxins, including those who were children at the time. Members receive coverage for certified 9/11-related conditions, including cancer care, respiratory treatment, and mental health services. For daycare attendees, this means access to specialized doctors who are familiar with the unique health issues caused by 9/11 exposure.

Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

The VCF provides financial compensation to individuals who were present at the time of the attacks, including children attending daycare during the attacks and in the weeks and months following the attacks. Compensation may include reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses, awards for pain and suffering, and economic loss awards for those whose illness prevents them from maintaining full employment in adulthood. In wrongful death cases, families may also seek compensation on behalf of loved ones lost to 9/11-related illnesses.

How Our VCF Lawyer Can Guide Surviving Children in Daycare Through the Process

Filing a VCF claim can be complicated, especially when you need to prove presence as a child in daycare more than 20 years ago. Experienced 9/11 attorneys help by:

Gathering Records: Locating daycare enrollment records, witness statements, or other documentation that proves presence in the exposure zone.
Coordinating With the WTCHP: Assisting with enrollment with the WTCHP and certification of 9/11-related conditions.
Filing Claims Accurately: Ensuring all required forms, evidence, and medical records are submitted to the VCF by the applicable deadline.
Maximizing Awards: Calculating the full scope of economic and non-economic losses.
Handling Amendments and Appeals: Advocating for claimants if a claim is denied or undervalued, or if there are changes in circumstances that require an amendment to the claim.

Attorneys provide essential support so that claimants can access the health care and compensation they are entitled to.

Reach Out to a Trusted 9/11 Attorney For Guidance

If you or your child attended daycare in Lower Manhattan during or after the September 11, 2001, attacks, you may be eligible for free health care through the WTCHP and financial compensation from the VCF. Establishing proof of presence and certifying a 9/11-related medical condition can be challenging, but with the help of a skilled attorney, you can receive the healthcare you need and the maximum compensation for your unique situation.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of 9/11 attorneys has decades of experience guiding 9/11 survivors and their families through this process. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your eligibility and the steps to take toward securing benefits for you or your loved one.

“I would like to say thank you for the superior customer service that I received from the minute I sat down for my consultation regarding my 911 Victim Compensation Fund case I initially met with the Mr. Hansen who is awesome. I was also lucky to met Mr. Rosasco. They treated me like family and placed me in the good hands of Ms. Sidrah Syed,Esq. Ms. Syed is extremely dedicated , knowledgeable and kept me updated through each step of the process. I am extremely please on how my case handled and very lucky to have her working on my behalf. God Bless you and your law firm for all that you have done for 911 Survivors.” -Jeff F.