VCF FAQs

Will I need any documentation just to register for the VCF?

No documents are needed to register with the VCF.  Registration is quick and easy, and can be done either online or over the phone by calling the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.  Registration preserves your right to file a claim, but does not obligate you to do so, and it does not waive any rights to file a lawsuit in the future.  You should register now, even if you are not sick with a 9/11-related illness.

Step-By-Step Guide to Registering (with pictures!)

What do I need to provide to the VCF if I now go by a married name that is different than my name at the time of 9/11 – for example, the name on my high school or college transcript that is being submitted in support of my claim? What if my name changed since the time I registered or filed my claim? 

See instructions below.

• If your name has changed since you registered or filed your claim with the VCF, you should complete a Claim Information Resolution Form noting the change and submit one of the documents listed below to show proof of the name change. You can upload these documents to your claim.

• If your name as shown in your claim form and online claim is correct, but it is different from the name on the documents you are submitting to support your claim, you should upload a letter explaining the name change and provide one of the documents listed below to show proof of the change.

The document(s) you submit to show your name change should show: (1) the name associated with your VCF claim and/or the name on the documents you are submitting to support your claim; and (2) your new name.  You should provide one of the following documents based on your circumstances: court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree/order, or other legal documents that support the name change.  The VCF does not require originals – you may upload the document(s) to your online claim.

If parents want to file a claim for their child, what will they need to submit to prove they are the parents?

The answer depends on whether the child is a minor (under 18 years of age) at the time the claim is filed:

• If the child is under the age of 18 at the time the claim is filed, the parents serve as the “claimants” on the claim and the minor child is the victim. To protect the rights of the child, the VCF needs proof that the parent or guardian is in fact the victim’s parent or legal guardian. The VCF requires an original or certified copy of the minor child’s birth certificate. In addition, there are specific requirements when parents share legal custody of the child, or when one parent has custody, or when a guardian is involved. The details can be found here.

Once the minor child turns 18, unless he or she is deemed incapacitated, he or she must file their own claim, or assume ownership of the previously-filed claim.  If a claim has already been filed on their behalf, the VCF will send a letter to the now-adult child explaining the steps they will need to take in order for the VCF to continue processing the claim.

• If the child is over the age of 18 and wants his or her parent to help file the claim, you do not need to submit a birth certificate or other documents listed above. Because the child is an adult, the claim form must be completed by the adult child as a “self” claim in the victim’s name, with all applicable exhibits and supporting documents signed by the victim. The adult child can then authorize the VCF to share information about the claim with a parent by adding the parent as an “Alternative Contact” on the claim form, which allows the VCF to communicate with the parent about the claim. The adult child may also grant the parent online access to the claim in the VCF claims system. NOTE: The parent should not be listed on the claim form as an “Authorized Representative” as this designation is only applicable to parents or guardians of minor children, Personal Representatives of deceased individuals, and guardians of incapacitated adults.

If a claim has already been filed by your parent and you are older than 18, you should contact the VCF to discuss the proper next steps.  The VCF can help you add your parent as an Alternative Contact and can ensure the appropriate people have online access to the claim.

Do people have to be U.S. citizens to apply and if they aren’t, what forms of identification are accepted?

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for compensation.  Non-U.S. citizens can provide their national identification number or passport number in the applicable fields on the claim form.

Is there a list of documents that are unequivocally accepted as proof of presence and if so, which of them apply to former students and young people from the area?

The VCF requires documents that support the answers in your claim form to the questions about where you were between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, and why you were there.  Your specific circumstances determine the number and type of documents you need to provide.  The VCF recognizes that some documents are hard to find so many years later, and has tried to find ways to lessen the burden in gathering these documents.  When determining which documents to submit, consider the end result the VCF is trying to achieve – – independent, third-party documentation that verifies you were in the NYC Exposure Zone during the required timeframe.  Section 1.6.a. of the VCF “Policies and Procedures” document has detailed information about how to prove presence at the site.

NOTE: the VCF “NYC Exposure Zone” is defined as the area in Manhattan south of the line that runs along Canal Street from the Hudson River to the intersection of Canal Street and East Broadway, north on East Broadway to Clinton Street, and east on Clinton Street to the East River; and any area related to or along the routes of debris removal, such as barges and Fresh Kills landfill.  Also note the VCF “NYC Exposure Zone” is different from the WTC Health Program “NYC Disaster Area” that is used to assess eligibility for that program.

The following documents are considered as “preferred” documents to prove presence:

• School records: If you were present in the NYC Exposure Zone as a student, you should submit school or day care records that confirm enrollment or attendance during the period September 11, 2001 through May 30, 2002, including official school transcripts or report card, or day care records with an accompanying cover letter from an employee of the school or day care facility certifying the accuracy of the information contained in the transcript, report card, or other record. NOTE: If you submit school or day care records with a certifying letter, you do not need to submit any additional proof of presence unless requested by the VCF.

• Residency: If you lived in the NYC Exposure Zone on 9/11 or in the aftermath, you should submit documents such as rent or mortgage receipts, utility bills, tax documents, FEMA documents, or other similar documents that clearly show the address and the name(s) of the individuals to whom the documents were addressed. If the document is in someone else’s name, such as your parents, you will also need to submit a letter explaining your relationship to the individual(s). NOTE:The VCF requires proof not only that you had a residence in the area, but also that you were physically present at that address during the relevant timeframe. This means that in addition to the lease, utility bill, or other document, you will also need to submit a Witness Presence Statement from someone who can attest to you living there at that time. See below for additional information about the Witness Presence Statement.

What’s the appeal process if your proof of presence isn’t accepted?

If your claim is denied because of lack of proof of presence (or for any other reason), your denial letter will include an appeal form. You should appeal the decision and be sure to do so within 30 days of the date of the denial letter.  A denial simply means the VCF cannot confirm your eligibility based on the documents you submitted, and the appeal hearing is an opportunity for you to provide testimony as additional proof.  Simply put, it’s a chance to tell your story to the VCF.

If you appeal, the VCF will contact you to schedule your hearing and will explain the process and what you should do to prepare for the hearing.  Hearings are held over Zoom and are conducted by trained Hearing Officers .  The hearings are non-adversarial and are really more like a conversation.  The objective of the hearing is to give you a chance to present additional information through testimony that you believe is necessary to support your claim.

Additional Information about Witness Presence Statements

If you are unable to get one of the preferred documents listed above as proof of presence, you can ask two people who were with you at the time to submit sworn statements on your behalf attesting to your presence.  You should only do this if you made every effort to get the preferred documents and they truly aren’t available.

The VCF has a Witness Presence Statement to help ensure your witness is providing a thorough and complete response in support of your request. You can find a PDF-fillable version of the form and instructions at: https://www.vcf.gov/forms/witness-presence-statement.

Keep in mind that the person you ask to be a witness must have personal knowledge of your presence in the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street at some point between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.  Witnesses must show that they directly observed you at the location and provide the VCF with detailed information as described in the form.

Please make sure to read all instructions on the form carefully, and make sure your witnesses follow the instructions.

Contact the VCF

The VCF website is: https://www.vcf.gov/

The best way to contact the VCF is through their Helpline at (855) 885-1555.  Help is available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm, except Federal holidays.