Victim Compensation Fund Proof of Presence

To qualify for the VCF or the WTCHP, you must submit acceptable documentation showing you were in the exposure zone at the time of or after the attacks. The VCF categorizes proof of presence as contemporaneous documentation or sworn witness affidavits.

Here are some examples of what may be helpful:

• Employment Records: Pay stubs, official personnel rosters, job assignments showing work in the Crash Site Area
• Rent or Mortgage Receipts: Documents showing your residence in Lower Manhattan, especially south of Canal Street
• Utility Bills: Water, gas, electricity, or phone bills in your name with an address in the exposure zone
• School or Daycare Records: Enrollment records for children or staff in local schools
• Medical Records: Emergency room visits or medical appointments in Lower Manhattan around September 11, 2001
• Debris Removal Work Orders: Documentation for contractors or government personnel involved in the cleanup
• Witness Statements: Statements from co-workers, neighbors, supervisors, or others who can attest to your presence
  
  

NOTE: Even if you have some or all of the above-listed records, these records will also likely need to be supported by detailed, carefully drafted witness affidavits. 

Proof of Presence for First Responders

First responders, including firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, and search and rescue personnel, may already be listed on an official personnel roster, which is often viewed as reliable proof of presence. If you're not on a qualifying roster, you’ll need to submit other evidence, such as deployment logs, task orders, station records, roll call logs, or witness statements from supervisors or team members. Your union, agency, or employer may be able to assist with locating appropriate records. Still, in most cases, however, you will still need detailed, properly drafted witness affidavits. 

Proof of Presence for Those Present on 9/11

If you worked in an office, lived in a residential building, or attended school in the exposure zone, you can provide lease agreements, rental payment records, pay stubs, student identification cards with associated dates, school transcripts, or bank statements showing transactions in the area. Sworn affidavits must also often be submitted that corroborate these records. At least two sworn affidavits will also likely need to be drafted and provided by your landlord, resident manager, neighbor, employer, day care center, school representative, or volunteer organization. They must include specific details, such as the dates, times, and locations of your presence and how the witness knows this information to be true. If the affidavit is not fully complete or has errors, it is likely that the claim for health benefits or compensation will be denied.