Filing a WTC Claim on Behalf of a Deceased Victim

Shortly after the devastating September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), the legislature created the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). That Fund, closed in 2004, provided about $7 billion in compensation to people injured during the attacks and to spouses, parents and children who lost loved ones during or immediately after the attacks.

In 2011, through the passage of the James Zadroga Act, the VCF was reopened to those subsequently injured or made ill by working at or having proximity to the New York City, Washington, D.C. or Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash sites. If you experienced the loss of a loved one through an injury, health condition or disease as a result of the 9/11 attacks, you are eligible to file a claim under the VCF.

Following are some points to consider:

• For eligibility under the Zadroga Act, you must provide Affidavits or proof that the deceased was present at exposed areas including the WTC site, the Pentagon site, Shanksville site, or routes used for New York debris removal including Fresh Kills. If your loved one was injured outside one of these areas, a claim can still be made that he or she suffered demonstrable harm as a result of his or her presence in the area you specify.
• If your loved one was injured or suffered harm from the 9/11 attack or from the debris but died of causes unrelated to the incident, complete and file the set of forms relative to personal injury.

If your family suffered loss through injury or death from the 9/11 attacks, the WTC Victim Compensation Fund may provide needed help. If you have questions, contact the government helpline at 1-855-885-1555 or call us for answers.