September 11, 2001, seems like yesterday and many moons ago at the same time. Having worked for the FBI and being close to Ground Zero on that day, I have vivid memories of that morning and the months following. The loud crash when the first plane hit and the flames pouring from the tower marked the beginning.
Almost 23 years later, we still mourn those who perished that day. What I did not anticipate was the number of people who later became sick and ultimately died from other illnesses because they were in the area. During my time with the Bureau and since leaving, I’ve read countless emails about people getting sick or dying.
Truthfully, it’s scary to think that this can happen to anyone, including myself, who spent time at Ground Zero. While no amount of money can ever replace a life, it is comforting to know that the government and private entities are working together to ensure that victims and their families do not have to suffer additional financial burdens related to these secondary illnesses and deaths.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Today, I’m happy to be working with Integras Intelligence. Among our clients is the law firm of Barasch & McGarry, widely known for assisting victims and their families in securing compensation and benefits. We discuss their work with Michael Barasch in a recent podcast. I have learned a lot about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) from working with the firm and listening to Michael, including the following:
- You do/did not have to be a first responder to qualify for the VCF.
- You didn’t have to be at Ground Zero (or another crash site) on 9/11 to qualify for benefits.
- By receiving benefits, you are not taking away from others such as first responders.
- The World Trade Center Health Program is different from the VCF, and you may be eligible for both.
- Tens of thousands of individuals likely qualify for benefits without realizing it.
- You don’t need an attorney to file for benefits.
The VCF provides compensation to individuals (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who were present at the World Trade Center or the surrounding New York City (“NYC”) Exposure Zone; the Pentagon crash site; and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site, at some point between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and who have since been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.
Another good resource for those affected is the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors. Many may hesitate to seek medical assistance because of the associated costs. This program can help.
We have all suffered a great loss and continue to lose as time goes by. Let’s work together as we did after the attack. Please share this information with anyone you know who may qualify for assistance.
