The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federally administered program designed to provide financial compensation to individuals who suffered physical harm or lost their lives due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or the subsequent rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations.
First responders, recovery workers, local residents, students, office workers, and volunteers who were present at or near the attack sites during the defined exposure periods may be eligible — even if symptoms developed years later.
The VCF is permanently authorized. Claims must be filed within two years of receiving certification from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) for a 9/11-related condition.
- Registration preserves your right to file a future claim
- No medical documentation required to register
To qualify, you must prove both physical presence at a 9/11 site during the exposure period and a certified 9/11-related illness.
- a. World Trade Center and NYC Exposure Zone
- b. Pentagon
- c. Shanksville, Pennsylvania (Flight 93)
- i. Includes responders, cleanup crews, and debris removal workers
- ii. Also includes residents, students, office workers, and volunteers
- iii. Morgue workers and debris transporters may qualify
- iv. Specific exposure windows apply to each site
- a. Cancers (many types covered)
- b. Respiratory and pulmonary diseases
- c. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- d. Other aerodigestive and musculoskeletal disorders
- i. Condition must be certified by the WTCHP
- ii. Mental health conditions qualify only with a linked physical illness
- iii. Death must be caused by a certified 9/11 illness
- a. Lost earnings and benefits
- b. Past and future medical expenses
- c. Replacement services loss
- d. Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- e. For deceased claimants: support for dependents and funeral costs
The VCF is a federal program that provides financial compensation to individuals who were physically injured or died as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks or the debris removal efforts that followed. It supports first responders, cleanup workers, residents, and others who were present at the attack sites.
Eligible locations include the World Trade Center and surrounding NYC Exposure Zone, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site (Flight 93). Specific exposure periods apply to each site and are defined by the VCF.
The VCF covers a wide range of cancers, respiratory illnesses, digestive disorders, and other conditions certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Mental health conditions may qualify only when linked to a certified physical illness.
Awards include economic losses (lost earnings, medical expenses, future care) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering). Death claims provide support for lost financial dependency and funeral costs. All awards are tax-free.
Gather proof of presence at a 9/11 site, WTCHP medical certification, medical records, employment and income history, and any supporting affidavits. The VCF provides an Interactive Presence Tool to guide you on required evidence.
Case Review Form