9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

Upcoming “Last Chance” Deadline - July 29, 2021

By Troy Rosasco

As the nation approaches the tragic 20th anniversary of September 11th, practitioners need to know of a crucial 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) deadline, coming up on July 29, 2021, which will impact the families of deceased 9/11 victims.

On July 29, 2019, the President signed into law the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.” The Act extends the Victim Compensation Fund’s claim “Filing Deadline” from Dec. 18, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2090, and appropriates enough funds as may be necessary to pay all approved claims.

After the Act was passed, the VCF’s Special Master gave many families who lost a loved one to cancer or other 9/11-caused condition a second and “last chance” to register a claim with the VCF: July 29, 2021.

Two main groups of claims are impacted by the strict July 29, 2021 Registration deadline: 1. Claims related to deaths prior to July 29, 2019. If an individual was present in Lower Manhattan any time between 9/11 and May 30, 2002 and died due to cancer or any other potential 9/11-related physical health disease or condition before July 29, 2019, a surviving member (or their attorney) is required to register with the VCF by July 29, 2021. 2. Individuals who are in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) who had a 9/11 cancer or other physical condition that was “certified” by the WTCHP before July 29, 2019 are required to register a claim with the VCF by July 29, 2021. Please remem(Continued on page 28) TroyRosasco

Founding Partner 9/11 Law Firm of Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Troy Rosasco is a Founding Partner of the 9/11 Law Firm of Hansen & Rosasco, LLP in Islandia. He has been representing 9/11 victims and families since 2001. He can be reached at 631-812-5666.