The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund is a federal fund meant to compensate any person who died or experienced physical harm following the September 11, 2001, terrorist-based aircraft crashes. The program also compensates individuals with asbestos-related health issues resulting from their rescue efforts at Ground Zero.
The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) offers financial support to those injured or lost loved ones due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was created by Congress in December 2001, following the attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center buildings and damaged or destroyed other nearby structures and local businesses.
What Does the VCF Cover?
The VCF was designed to compensate for economic losses such as medical expenses related to an eligible injury, loss of income if an injury prevents you from working, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries or death. It does not include reimbursement for pain and suffering or punitive damages in civil suits against parties found liable for causing death or injury on 9/11.
Who Is Eligible for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
Who Is Eligible for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
- Victims who came into contact with the toxic air, dust, and smoke generated by the collapse of the World Trade Center
- Rescue and recovery workers who worked at Ground Zero between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002
- Residents, students, and employees of Lower Manhattan were forced to leave their homes because of the dust and debris caused by the Twin Towers’ collapse.
- People injured due to exposure to harmful substances released during cleanup efforts (like asbestos) are also eligible for compensation.
The fund covers physical injuries sustained on 9/11, including burns and respiratory illness caused by inhaling toxic air. The fund also covers emotional trauma suffered by people who witnessed or experienced the attacks firsthand.
What to Do to Get 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Hire an attorney
The first step is hiring an attorney specializing in 9/11 victim compensation fund cases. These attorneys will help you navigate the complicated process, including the application process and appeals, if necessary. They will also answer any questions you may have about the fund or your eligibility for compensation. Besides, they will calculate the 9/11 victim compensation fund average payout based on several factors.
File a claim with the VCF
The next step involves filing a claim with the VCF via their website or mail. You must submit documentation proving that you were physically present at Ground Zero during the attacks on September 11, 2001, or were diagnosed with an injury or illness related to 9/11 by October 3, 2011 (the deadline for filing). In addition, you must submit copies of receipts showing expenses related to your injury or illness, for example, medical bills.
Key Takeaway
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a compensation fund that provides money to people who were harmed physically or emotionally by 9/11. It was initiated by Congress in 2011 and funded by a tax on airline tickets sold in the United States. The VCF provides money for physical injuries caused by exposure to harmful chemicals released during the attacks and mental health conditions related to those injuries. For a flawless process, talk to a skilled attorney!