Time is Running Out: 9/11 Cancer Victims Need to Register Now for Compensation

Time is Running Out: 9/11 Cancer Victims Need to Register Now for Compensation

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were a horrific tragedy that claimed thousands of lives and left an indelible mark on the American psyche. However, the repercussions of that day extend far beyond the immediate loss of life. In the years following the attacks, a growing number of individuals who were present at Ground Zero and the surrounding areas have developed serious health conditions, including various types of cancer. If you are one of these individuals, it is crucial to understand that time is running out to register for compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). With over 120,000 individuals having become ill or died due to 9/11 related toxic exposure, it’s important to act now.

Understanding the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federal program established to provide financial compensation to individuals who suffered physical harm or death as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks or the subsequent debris removal efforts. The VCF recognizes that exposure to the toxic dust and fumes released during and after the attacks has led to a wide range of illnesses, including over 70 different types of cancer.

The VCF was initially created shortly after 9/11 but was reopened in 2010 through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to address the emerging health issues faced by those exposed to the toxic environment. The Zadroga Act has been reauthorized and amended over the years, extending the VCF’s claim filing deadline to October 1, 2090, and ensuring that the fund is fully funded to pay all eligible claims.

Who is Eligible for Compensation?

You may be eligible for compensation from the VCF if you meet the following criteria:

  • You were present at one of the crash sites (World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, or Shanksville, Pennsylvania) during specific timeframes:
    • World Trade Center or the surrounding New York City (NYC) Exposure Zone: September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
    • The Pentagon site: September 11, 2001, and November 19, 2001.
    • The Shanksville, Pennsylvania site: September 11, 2001, and October 3, 2001.
  • You have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related physical illness, such as cancer or a respiratory condition.
  • You can provide documentation to prove your presence at the site.

The World Trade Center Exposure Zone is defined as the area in Lower Manhattan extending south from Houston Street and covering a 1.5-mile radius around Ground Zero. This zone also includes parts of western Brooklyn. Individuals who lived, worked, or attended school within this zone during the specified timeframe are eligible for compensation.

What Cancers are Covered?

The VCF recognizes a wide range of cancers as being potentially related to 9/11 exposure. Some of the most common cancers among 9/11 victims include:

  • Lung Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Skin Cancer (Melanoma and Non-Melanoma)
  • Colorectal Cancers
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Bladder Cancer

The VCF also provides compensation for rare cancers, defined as “any type of cancer that occurs in less than 15 cases per 100,000 persons per year in the United States.”

It’s important to note that even if your specific type of cancer is not listed above, you may still be eligible for compensation. You should consult with a 9/11 attorney to determine your eligibility.

Why is Registration Important, and What is the Deadline?

Registering with the VCF is a crucial step in preserving your right to file a claim for compensation in the future. Registration is not the same as filing a claim. It simply alerts the VCF that you may be a potential claimant and meets the legal requirement of timeliness set forth in the law.

While the VCF claim filing deadline is October 1, 2090, there are important registration deadlines that you need to be aware of. The registration deadline is based on individual circumstances and is not the same for everyone.

Generally, you must register with the VCF within two years of the date that you knew or should have known that you suffered a physical harm as a result of the 9/11 attacks or debris removal, and that you were eligible to file a claim with the VCF.

For example, if you were diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer on September 19, 2025, you would typically have until September 19, 2027, to register with the VCF.

It is important to register even if you are currently healthy. Registering preserves your right to file a claim if you develop a 9/11-related illness in the future.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount of compensation you can receive from the VCF depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your illness, your economic losses (lost earnings, medical expenses), and your non-economic losses (pain and suffering).

The VCF awards both economic and non-economic damages for 9/11 cancer claims. Non-economic loss awards for pain and suffering are capped at $250,000 for a cancer condition. However, VCF compensation may be increased in limited circumstances, such as if you have multiple cancer conditions or a diagnosis of a presumptively severe non-cancer condition, in addition to cancer. Some victims of the 9/11 events may have developed multiple cancers or may have severe co-existing conditions on top of cancer. People suffering from several serious health conditions may receive a VCF settlement of up to $340,000.

The VCF has awarded over $12.9 billion to survivors and the family members of victims of 9/11. In 2023 alone, more than $1.8 billion was awarded in compensation. Victims who were diagnosed with cancer linked to 9/11 may be eligible to receive a payout of $90,000 to $250,000 through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

In addition to the VCF, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides free medical monitoring and treatment for eligible responders and survivors with 9/11-related health conditions. The WTCHP serves responders at the WTC, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania sites, as well as survivors who were present in the dust or dust cloud, and/or lived, worked, or went to school in the WTC Health Program’s New York City Disaster Area.

The WTCHP provides care through Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCEs) in the New York metropolitan area and a Nationwide Provider Network (NPN).

Enrolling in the WTCHP is a crucial step in establishing your eligibility for VCF compensation. To file a claim with the VCF, you typically need to have your condition certified by the WTCHP as being 9/11-related.

How to Apply for the VCF and WTCHP

You can apply for the VCF and WTCHP without a lawyer, and you do not need a lawyer to register. However, navigating the complexities of these programs can be challenging. An experienced 9/11 attorney can guide you through the process, help you gather the necessary documentation, and advocate for your rights.

To apply for the WTCHP, you can complete and submit an application online or download a form and send it by mail or fax.

To register with the VCF, you can use the online system or call the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 to register by phone.

Don’t Delay – Take Action Now

If you believe you are eligible for compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, it is essential to take action now. Time is running out to register and preserve your right to file a claim. Contact a qualified 9/11 attorney to discuss your case and understand your options.

The 9/11 attacks were a tragedy that continues to affect the lives of many. If you are a 9/11 cancer victim, you deserve to receive the compensation and medical care you need to cope with the devastating consequences of your illness. Don’t wait – register with the VCF today.