The signing of the VCF Permanent Authorization Act in 2019 appropriates such funds as may be necessary to pay all approved claims and extends the VCF’s claim filing deadline to October 1, 2090. However, you must register within two years of receiving your certification from the WTC Health Program.
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.
Follow the steps below to get started with the VCF.
Step 1: Create your VCF online account
Visit https://www.claims.vcf.gov/ and select “Create Account.” You will be guided through the steps to create your VCF account.
Need more guidance? View step-by-step instructions to create your online account.
Step 2: Register with the VCF
Registering is not the same as filing a claim (see Step 4 below). You must register before your individual Registration Deadline. You should register, even if you are not sick. Registration preserves your right to file a claim in the future, waives no legal rights, and does not obligate you to file a claim.
Visit https://www.claims.vcf.gov/Account/Login to access your online account and select “New Registration.”
Need more guidance? View step-by-step instructions for how to register.
Step 3: Get certified by the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for a physical health condition
To be eligible for an award from the VCF, you must have a 9/11-related physical injury or condition that is certified for treatment by the WTC Health Program or, in limited circumstances, that you have a physical injury or condition that was treated by your private physician and verified as 9/11-related through the VCF’s Private Physician process.
Visit the WTC Health Program website to view a list of eligible conditions and instructions on how to enroll and get certified for treatment.
You must register with the VCF within two years of receiving your certification from the WTC Health Program.
Learn more about the WTC Health Program.
Step 4: File your claim
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.
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. You will also need to submit certain documents based on your circumstances.
Visit https://www.claims.vcf.gov/Account/Login to access your online account. Once you are logged in, select “Existing Registrations and Claims.” Identify your claim number and select “Begin Eligibility.”
Learn more about how to file a claim.
Questions?
VCF Helpline Representatives are available to help you register, assist you with getting your claim number, help you get online access to your claim, answer questions about the process or your claim, or assist you in navigating the online claims system.
VCF Helpline - Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, except Federal Holidays.
- Toll-free number: 1-855-885-1555
- Hearing Impaired: 1-855-885-1558
- Outside the United States: 1-202-514-1100
The VCF acknowledges that the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the subsequent rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts, is ongoing for our claimants. Resources are available from the DOJ’s Office for Victims of Crime for those seeking information and help processing trauma.