New York State Announces 9/11 Notice Act Guidance to Connect Responders and Survivors with Free Health Care and Compensation

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced 9/11 Notice Act guidance to encourage responders and survivors who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins in Lower Manhattan and Northern Brooklyn after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, to access the federal resources available to them.

The more than half a million people who were there – both responders and survivors (people who lived, worked, or went to school in the exposure zone) – are at risk of developing any of 69 different types of cancer and respiratory illnesses.

9/11 community members who are diagnosed with a covered health condition are eligible to enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides free health care through medical providers nationwide.

Regardless of current health, 9/11 responders and survivors have the right to register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

The guidance for businesses includes information to share with current and former employees about the health program and the compensation fund, as required under the 9/11 Notice Act, such as draft letters, social media posts, and officewide announcements.

Barasch & McGarry worked closely with State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblyman Nader Sayegh to prepare the 9/11 Notice Act and lobby for the bill in the New York State Legislature, where it was passed unanimously and signed into law by Governor Hochul in 2023.  

Managing Partner Michael Barasch noted that 23 years after 9/11, fewer than 10% of survivors are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, compared with more than 80% of responders.

“Too many downtown office workers, former students and teachers, and residents of Lower Manhattan are still unaware of their eligibility,” Barasch said.

“Families who have lost someone to cancer are unaware of their right to substantial compensation awards. Most first responders are registered thanks to the insistence of their unions and the city and state agencies that employed them. But most non-responders who returned to work after the EPA assured us that the ‘air was safe’ are unaware of the protections available to them.”

For the health program, the exposure zone consists of all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the compensation fund, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

Barasch & McGarry represents more than 40,000 members of the 9/11 community, can help you register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program.

Please contact us by visiting 911victims.com or calling 212-385-8000.

If you prefer to register or enroll directly with the 9/11 VCF or the WTC Health Program, visit vcf.gov or cdc.gov/wtc.