In a push to reach the thousands of Americans still suffering health effects from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Special Master Allison Turkel announced Wednesday that the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is stepping up public outreach across the nation. The fund, authorized by Congress and fully funded by President Donald Trump in 2019, provides monetary compensation to those who were present at the three crash sites and later diagnosed with a 9/11‑related physical illness.
Who qualifies for the fund?
Eligibility extends beyond first‑responders. Anyone who was in the New York City Exposure Zone – the entire lower Manhattan area below Canal Street – between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, as well as individuals present at the Pentagon crash site (Sept 11 2001‑Nov 19 2001) or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site (Sept 11 2001‑Oct 3 2001), may apply. The VCF also covers journalists, camera operators, construction crews, clean‑up volunteers, utility workers, and even residents, students, and visitors who spent time in the exposure zones.
Registration does not require illness
Turkel emphasized that people do not need to be currently sick to register. “Registration preserves their right to file a claim in the event that they — and we hope not — do get sick with a 9/11‑related illness,” she said. This proactive step is intended to protect claimants’ rights and ensure they have the necessary documentation when a health issue does arise.
Funding and past payouts
Since its reauthorization in 2011, the VCF has awarded more than $18 billion to over 77,000 claimants. Last year alone, the fund disbursed $1.8 billion to nearly 10,000 individuals. The original 9/11 compensation program, which operated until 2004, paid out $7 billion to roughly 7,000 victims and families.
Outreach efforts and next steps
Turkel’s office is handling about 750 new requests each month – roughly 25 per day – and is partnering with strategic organizations to amplify the message nationwide. She urged the public to think of friends, family, and community members who may have been present in the designated zones and to share the VCF website (www.vcf.gov) for more information.
Why the deadline matters
The bill signed by President Trump extended the filing deadline to October 1, 2090, giving potential claimants ample time to gather evidence and submit applications. Turkel warned that, twenty‑five years after the attacks, many survivors face challenges locating the documents needed to prove their presence at an eligible location, a key requirement for compensation.
With an estimated 400,000 people potentially exposed to toxins in the New York City Exposure Zone, the VCF’s expanded outreach aims to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the support they deserve, honoring the sacrifice of those who served and the resilience of the broader community.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
