Victims Compensation Fund Claim Filing Deadlines: What to Know

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has two deadlines: the Claim Filing Deadline and the Registration Deadline. Both deadlines have different requirements and conditions. If you wish to file a claim related to your 9/11-related physical health condition, it is important you know the difference between these two deadlines so you can receive the aid you need.

The Claim Filing Deadline Runs Until October 1, 2090

The last date that you can file a claim is October 1, 2090. The VCF is encouraging that you file your claim after the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has verified that you have a 9/11-related physical health condition, which will aid in determining the extent of your claimed losses.

Registering with the VCF Does Not Require You to File a Claim

By timely registering with the VCF you reserve your right to file a claim in the future. By registering, you are informing the VCF that you may be a potential claimant. Additionally, while the Claim Filing Deadline is the same deadline for every claimant, the Registration Deadline varies from individual to individual.

Individuals Certified Before July 29, 2019 Must Register with the VCF by July 29, 2021

If you were certified by the WTC Health Program for a 9/11-related physical health condition before July 29, 2019, you are required to register your claim with the VCF by July 29, 2021. This deadline allows potential claimants with no previous knowledge of the VCF, or that they could be eligible for its benefits, to apply and file a claim in sufficient time. 

Individuals Certified After July 29, 2021 must register with the VCF within two years from the date of their WTC Health Program Certification

If you have not yet been certified by the WTC Health Program for a 9/11-related physical health condition or any health condition, you are not required to register by July 29, 2021, though you are qualified to if needed. The only deadline you are required to adhere to is to register within exactly two years that the WTC Health Program determined that your physical health condition is related to the impacts of 9/11. 

A Notice for Those Registering for an Individual Who May Have Died from a 9/11-Related Illness

If you are registering to file a claim on behalf of an individual who you believe died of a 9/11-related physical health condition before July 29, 2019, you are required to register with the VCF by July 29, 2021. If you are registering to file a claim on behalf of an individual who you believe died of a 9/11-related physical health condition after July 29, 2019, you are required to register with the VCF within two years of the date of their passing.   

Register and File a Claim as Early as Possible

The VCF encourages potential claimants to register as early as possible, though you may register so long that it is before the deadline that applies to your unique circumstance. You may register even if you are not ill or certified by the WTC Health Program. This helps the VCF process claims effectively. You should, however, only file your claim after the WTC Health Program has certified you for a 9/11-related physical health condition between now and 2090.

Register online and file your claim at www.claims.vcf.gov or over the phone by calling the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.