Compensation fund announces $804 million in payments to 9/11 victims

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has approved approximately $804 million in payments to 3,128 people who have either suffered health problems or have lost relatives in connection to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The VCF determines eligibility for compensation on three factors.

First, applicants must prove that they were present at the site of the attacks. Second, claimants have to prove that their health problem, or the death of their relative, is directly linked to the September 11 attacks. And finally, those seeking compensation must provide the VFC with signed authorization to investigate information related to their claim.

In a January15 memo, VCF Special Master Sheila Birnbaum said that as claim submissions have increased, the VCF has added staff members to meet the needs of victims.

“We are continuing to expand our outreach team and our communications with claimants and their attorneys,” Birnbaum wrote. “VCF claims are not simple, but we want to make the process as straightforward as possible for every claimant.

“While we improve information available to claimants and the public, our primary goal remains the same: the swift and accurate processing of all claims,” she went on. “We continue to add high-quality staff, train existing staff and implement better processes whenever possible.”

If you have questions about VFC or its claims process, call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-885-1555.

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