The Victim Compensation Fund is a special program implemented to provide financial compensation to victims of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. The expanded rules of the Fund, now allow rescue workers and volunteers who did not receive medical treatment within the first 24 hours, to file applications. The Special Master of the Fund, Kenneth Feinberg, has the discretion to approve applications on a case-by-case basis.
Persons Seeking Compensation must Submit anApplication to the Fund No Later than December 22, 2003.
However, the fund will continue to accept additional information and documentation from you after that date - providing you met the filing deadline. Some injuries may become disabling, after the filing deadline possibly preventing you from working, in which case the fund will increase your award to reflect your changed situation.
Expanded Eligibility Requirements Are:
you must be a rescue, recovery or cleanup worker or a volunteer who was present at the World Trade Center site, Ground Zero, between September 11 and September 15, 2001, and
you must have medical documentation that you sustained an injury resulting from your presence at Ground Zero.
Eligible Workers May File Compensation Claims For:
Physical Injuries
Claimants, other than rescue workers, with physical injuries must have received medical treatment within 72 hours of 9-11-01. For rescue workers, the Special Master has the discretion on a case-by-case basis to extend the 72-hour rule.
Pulmonary and/or Sinus Injuries
These injuries are generally not diagnosable within 72 hours, so later medical diagnosis relating these injuries to exposure at Ground Zero is acceptable.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The VCF will not compensate for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) alone. However, if you have a documented physical injury, a diagnosis of PTSD can be included in your claim the Fund.
Lost Wages
The fund will provide compensation if you became disabled and lost time from work or have lost earnings potential and have not been compensated from another source, like Workers Compensation.
Other Important Information:
Social Security Disability (SS/D)
Claimants should attempt to file a VCF application before filing for Social Security Disability (SS/D). Filing for Social Security Disability first, will result in the SS/D award being deducted from the Victim Compensation Fund award. However, conversely, if you receive an award from the VCF, first, it will have no impact on your later eligibility for SS/D.
Waive Right to Sue
All Fund applicants and their successors will waive their right to sue any party (except the terrorists and any conspirator or co-conspirator) for the claims of injuries they sustained due to the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001.
Consulting an Attorney
When filing a claim you may want to consult an attorney so as to maximize your award amount. The maximum VCF award for pain and suffering is $250,000.00.
Application Forms for the Victim Compensation Fund Can Be Found At:
http://www.usdoj.gov/victimcompensation/forms.html
For Applications by Mail or More Information:
Call 1-888-714-3385 (toll free) or 1-202-305-1352
Visit the Victim Compensation Fund Website At:
http://www.usdoj.gov/victimcompensation/