How to File a Claim

Everything you need to register and file your claim, including instructions, helpful information, and links to step-by-step guides, can be found below.

References below to “you” and “your” should be read as “the victim” in those cases where a Personal Representative or guardian is filing a claim on a victim’s behalf.                                                                                                                                

There are 3 basic steps to register and file a claim with the VCF: 

1. Register with the VCF by your applicable registration deadline. The Registration Deadline is not the same for everyone.  It varies according to individual circumstances.
2. Get certified by the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for a physical health condition.
3. File your claim along with all required supporting documentation by October 1, 2090.

Please note, you are not required to have an attorney file your VCF claim. You are free to consult with attorneys and you should make your own decision as to whether you wish to retain an attorney.

[collapse collapsed title=Step 1: Create an online account and register.]

Use these step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process to create your online account and register.

• Registration is not the same as filing a claim.  Registration preserves the right to file your claim in the future, waives no legal rights, and does not obligate you to file a claim.

• You will need to provide basic information including name, address, phone number, social security number (or other ID), and date of birth. 
• Registration Deadlines vary based on individual circumstances, but everyone who registers by July 29, 2021, meets the registration deadline.  Because the deadline to register is based on the WTC Health Program certification of your condition, there are many individuals who will not be required to register until after July 29, 2021.   
• You may register at any time, so long as you do so before your individual Registration Deadline.  The VCF encourages early registration for all potential claimants, even if you are not sick or certified by the WTC Health Program. 
• If you are not able to access a computer to register online, you can register over the phone by calling the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.
• When you have registered with the VCF, you will be provided with a claim number.  Please make a note of this number.  If you do not remember or cannot locate your VCF claim number, call the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 for assistance.[/collapse]

[collapse collapsed title=Step 2:  Get certified by the WTC Health Program for an eligible physical health condition.]

• The WTC Health Program website has a list of eligible conditions and instructions on how to enroll and get certified for treatment.  Although you may register with the VCF before your condition is certified by the WTC Health Program, you should wait until after you have been certified to file your claim.
• If you are not ready to go to the WTC Health Program after registering with the VCF, you can wait until you are ready.  The WTC Health Program is open until 2090.  
• NOTE:  The WTC Health Program is a separate program from the VCF, and enrollment in the WTC Health Program does not automatically register you with the VCF.  If you are being treated by, or monitored through, the WTC Health Program, you are not automatically eligible for compensation from the VCF.  Registering for the VCF is a separate action (see Step 1). Please review this factsheet for useful information about the differences between the two programs.[/collapse]

[collapse collapsed title=Step 3:  File your claim and supporting documents by October 1, 2090.]

The deadline to file a claim is the same for everyone – October 1, 2090.  To file your claim, you will need to answer questions on the claim form that tell the VCF why you are eligible and the types of compensation you are seeking, and submit certain documents.   

The online claim form includes detailed instructions to help you navigate and complete the claim filing process.  You should only file your claim after the WTC Health Program has certified your physical health condition.

• If you have already set up an account in the online claims system and are ready to file your claim, login to your online account.
• If you have registered with the VCF and received your claim number, but do not have access to your online claim, follow this step-by-step guide to access the online Claims Management System.  Once you are in the online claims system, you will be able to file your claim by following the instructions provided.

• Once you have been certified by the WTC Health Program for an eligible physical health condition, complete and submit the claim form and required supporting documents, including:  
  • Signed Exhibit A – Authorization for Release of Medical Records. This allows the VCF to go directly to the WTC Health Program for information about your certified condition(s).
  • Signature Page. This allows the VCF to get information from other entities in support of your claim, such as your employer, your union, or Worker’s Compensation.  Your signature on the Signature Page also acknowledges that you understand that, by filing a claim with the VCF, you are waiving the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your 9/11-related injuries.
  • Proof of Presence. This includes documentation that shows that you were present at a 9/11 crash site, in the NYC Exposure Zone, or along the routes of debris removal at any time beginning on September 11, 2001, to May 30, 2002.
• The Personal Injury or Deceased Claim checklists provide a list of other documents that are required for your specific type of claim.  It is important to carefully review the applicable checklist to be sure you submit all of the necessary documents.[/collapse]  

Claims Management System guides and resources are available to help you navigate the online system. 

Filing your claim using the online claims system is the easiest way to check the status of your claim, view VCF correspondence, update contact and/or attorney information, upload documents, or file an amendment to a previously submitted claim.  If you are unable to file your claim online, a hard copy claim form is available.