If you are unable to find any documents or witnesses to support your presence at a 9/11 crash site during the relevant timeframe, and you have tried every option available, you may still be found eligible for the VCF. The following applies if you are the victim or if you are the personal representative or legal guardian of a victim.
The next step for those who are unable to find documentation or witnesses is an eligibility hearing. Eligibility hearings are an opportunity for you to testify under oath about the victim’s presence. Eligibility hearings should only be requested after you have tried to obtain documentation or witnesses but have been unable to obtain either.
To request an eligibility hearing, submit a letter to the VCF that contains:
- A detailed explanation of the documents and witnesses you have attempted to locate and the reason they were not available, and
- A request for the VCF to deny your claim for purposes of holding an eligibility hearing.
Eligibility hearings can only be requested after your claim has been denied. After the VCF receives your letter, we will review the information and contact you regarding next steps.
The hearing process takes time. If you request a hearing, it will take the VCF longer to reach a decision regarding your eligibility. The fastest way to get a decision is to submit documents showing the victim’s presence. Review our How to Prove Presence page for additional information, including access to our Interactive Presence Guide.