The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides financial awards to first responders, recovery workers, residents, and anyone present at or near the World Trade Center who later developed a related illness. The fund is available through 2090 — but waiting could cost you.
See if you qualify for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
The VCF was established by the federal government to provide financial compensation to individuals who were physically injured as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks or the rescue, recovery, and debris removal efforts that followed. The fund covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for eligible claimants.
You don't need to have been a first responder to qualify. Anyone who lived, worked, went to school, or was otherwise present at or near the World Trade Center site — or the Pentagon or Shanksville crash sites — between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, may be eligible if they've since developed a covered health condition.
The VCF extends well beyond first responders. You could be entitled to compensation if you fall into any of these categories.
Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, construction workers, and volunteers who participated in rescue, recovery, or debris removal at any of the three crash sites.
Anyone who lived, worked, or attended school in Lower Manhattan or the designated NYC exposure zone during or after 9/11 through May 2002.
Individuals who were present in the area on 9/11 or in the months that followed — including commuters, tourists, and delivery workers who spent time in the exposure zone.
If you participated in WTC rescue, recovery, or clean-up operations, the deadline to register your participation with the NY State Workers' Compensation Board is September 11, 2026. Don't miss your window. Filing your VCF claim now also preserves your rights for future compensation if new conditions develop.
Reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs related to your 9/11 condition, including surgeries, treatments, prescriptions, and ongoing care not covered by insurance.
Compensation for income lost due to your illness — including both past wages you've already missed and projected future earning capacity that's been diminished.
Non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall reduction in quality of life caused by your 9/11-related health condition.
Whether you were a first responder, a recovery worker, a downtown resident, or someone who simply passed through the area — if you've developed a health condition linked to 9/11, you deserve compensation. Find out what you're owed.
File Your Claim Now →