When Will I Receive My Award?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: when will I receive my VCF award?

Generally, the fund prioritizes claims based on when the claim was received – with older claims reviewed before newer claims. But there are a few exceptions.

If you have a terminal illness or are at risk of severe financial hardship, the VCF will expedite review of your claim.

Last year, for example, we represented a retired firefighter whose 9/11-related lymphoma had metastasized. His cancer was terminal.

Within a few days, attorneys at Barasch & McGarry requested a hearing on the firefighter’s VCF claim, and secured an expedited VCF award on his behalf. He was paid $250,000 within three weeks. This, and the knowledge that his spouse would be able to bring an additional claim for approximately $400,000 after his death, provided him with the peace of mind to know that his family would be financially secure after his passing. He knew that his wife would be able to stay in their house and that their children would be able to go to college.

The Victim Compensation Fund will also expedite claims to prevent financial hardship, such as when a family receives a mortgage foreclosure or eviction notice.

The VCF has shown incredible compassion by creating this expedite process, and in fact have expedited hundreds of our clients’ claims.

The goal of the VCF is to issue determinations within one year of receiving a claim form or amendment, but current waiting times are about 15 months for initial claims. Amendments for new illnesses generally take 8 months.

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