Who is eligible to file a VCF claim?

Eligibility extends to anyone present in the NYC Exposure Zone (Lower Manhattan south of Canal St) between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. This includes first responders, recovery workers, local residents, office workers, and students who have developed a 9/11-related physical illness.

What specific diseases are covered by the VCF?

The VCF covers over 70 types of cancer (including skin, prostate, breast, and lung cancer) and various respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and interstitial lung disease. All conditions must be certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

Can relatives of a deceased victim file a claim?

Yes. If a loved one died from a 9/11-related illness, the Personal Representative of their estate (typically a spouse, child, or sibling) can file a wrongful death claim. The KUTUZOV FOUNDATION assists families in navigating the legal requirements to secure these survivor benefits.

How much compensation can I receive from the VCF?

Awards vary based on the severity of the illness and financial impact. Non-economic loss (pain and suffering) for cancer is generally capped at $250,000, while non-cancer conditions are capped at $90,000. Economic loss claims can significantly increase the total award.

How long does it take to receive VCF compensation?

The timeline typically ranges from 12 to 18 months after a claim is submitted. This includes time for the VCF to review proof of presence, medical certification, and loss documentation. We work to ensure your file is complete upon submission to prevent delays.

Do I have to live in New York to qualify?

No. You only had to be present in the NYC Exposure Zone during the eligible period in 2001-2002. Many survivors and responders have since moved out of state, but they remain fully eligible for compensation.

U.S. Tax Attorney

KUTUZOV FOUNDATION

Viacheslav Kutuzov, Esq.

NEW YORK 9/11
VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND REPRESENTATION

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ELIGIBILITY

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Pre-qualification form

First name

Last name

Phone

Were you in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002

Have you been diagnosed with a qualifying physical illness? Common covered conditions include: Cancers, Aerodigestive Disorders, or Interstitial Lung Disease.

Yes

What is the illness you have been diagnosed with?

To help us assess your eligibility, please include: your specific location/address in Lower Manhattan between 9/11/01 and 5/30/02, your reason for being there (work, residence, school, or visiting), and any physical symptoms or medical diagnoses.

"By submitting this form, I consent to the collection and use of my information for the sole purpose of evaluating my VCF eligibility. I understand that this inquiry does not establish an attorney-client relationship and that all information shared is protected by strict legal confidentiality.

Confirm with your initials

Question 1: Were you in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002

The "NYC Exposure Zone" is the specific geographic area defined by the Zadroga Act to determine who is eligible for financial compensation.

Where is the Zone?

The VCF defines the exposure area as all of Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street. * The Boundary: From the Hudson River, the line runs along Canal Street to East Broadway, then north to Clinton Street, and east to the East River.

Extended Areas: Eligibility also includes the Fresh Kills Landfill, the NYC Medical Examiner’s office, and specific routes used for debris removal (barges and truck routes).

Who was in the Zone?

You do not need to have been a "First Responder" to qualify. DEDICATED NEW YORK 9/11 VCF REPRESENTATION is available for:

Workers & Employees: Anyone who worked in a building south of Canal Street.
Residents: People who lived in apartments or dorms in Lower Manhattan.
Students & Teachers: Those who attended or worked at schools (like Stuyvesant HS or BMCC) or daycares in the area.
Responders & Volunteers: Fire, police, sanitation, and construction workers involved in rescue and recovery.
VISITORS: may qualify as well.

The Exposure Period

To qualify, you must have been present in this zone at any time between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. You do not need to have been there on the day of the attacks; being present during the clean-up and debris removal months is enough to establish eligibility.

No Minimum Time Requirement

There is no minimum amount of time you must have spent in the zone to qualify. Whether you were there for four months or four hours, if you were present between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and developed a covered illness, you have the right to file a claim.

Legal Note: The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) uses a slightly larger zone (south of Houston Street). Even if you were just outside the VCF line, we can help you determine if you qualify for free medical monitoring.

Question 2: Have you been diagnosed with a qualifying physical illness?

Qualifying 9/11-Related Physical Illnesses

If you were present in the NYC Exposure Zone and have been diagnosed with any of the following, you may be entitled to a tax-free financial award. The VCF covers over 70 types of cancer and various respiratory and digestive disorders.

1. Certified 9/11 Cancers

Almost all forms of cancer are covered if they meet the "latency period" (the time between exposure and diagnosis). Common examples include:

Skin Cancers: Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma.
Digestive Cancers: Colon, Rectum, Esophagus, Stomach, and Liver.
Respiratory Cancers: Lung and Bronchus.
Blood Cancers: Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma.
Organ-Specific: Prostate, Breast, Thyroid, Bladder, and Kidney Cancer.
Rare Cancers: Any cancer occurring in fewer than 15 per 100,000 people.

2. Aerodigestive Disorders

These are the most common non-cancer conditions affecting the airways and upper digestive tract:

Asthma: New onset or WTC-exacerbated.
COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema.
Sleep Apnea: If it is "medically associated" with another 9/11 condition.
GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (chronic acid reflux).
Chronic Sinusitis: Including Rhinosinusitis and Laryngitis.

3. Other Eligible Physical Conditions

Interstitial Lung Disease: Such as Sarcoidosis or Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Acute Traumatic Injuries: Burns, fractures, or head trauma sustained during the attacks or debris removal.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: (Specifically for Responders) such as lower back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome, if diagnosed shortly after the event.

Important Note on Mental Health: While PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression are recognized for free medical treatment through the WTC Health Program, the VCF does not currently pay financial compensation for mental health conditions alone. You must have a physical diagnosis to receive a monetary award.

Why DEDICATED NEW YORK 9/11 VCF REPRESENTATION is Vital

Navigating the list of "covered conditions" is complex. Some conditions have strict deadlines (e.g., GERD often must have shown symptoms within one year of exposure). We work directly with your doctors and the WTC Health Program to ensure your specific diagnosis is correctly "certified" so your claim is not denied.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET COMPENSATION?

The timeline for receiving a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) award varies depending on the complexity of your medical certification and the current backlog at the Department of Justice. Generally, the process moves through three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Medical Certification (3–6 Months): Before filing a financial claim, your illness must be officially "certified" by the WTC Health Program. This requires a medical exam and a review of your history to prove your condition is 9/11-related.

Phase 2: VCF Review & Eligibility (6–12 Months): Once your medical certification is complete, we submit your formal compensation claim. The VCF reviews your "Proof of Presence" and legal eligibility.

Phase 3: Award Determination & Payment (Varies): After eligibility is confirmed, the VCF calculates your "Loss." This includes non-economic loss (pain and suffering) and economic loss (lost wages). Once the final award letter is issued, payment typically arrives within 2 to 4 months.

The Kutuzov Advantage: While the average total timeline is 12 to 18 months, having DEDICATED NEW YORK 9/11 VCF REPRESENTATION ensures that your "Proof of Presence" documents are perfect the first time, preventing "Incomplete" notices that can delay a claim for an additional year.

Exceptions for Expedited VCF Processing

The VCF strictly limits "Priority Review" to cases involving extreme terminal illness or severe financial crisis. To qualify, we must submit a formal Expedited Review Request along with supporting legal and financial documentation.

1. Terminal Illness. If a claimant has a life expectancy of less than six months due to their 9/11-related condition, the VCF will accelerate the claim.

Required Proof: A signed letter from the treating physician or hospice care documentation.

2. Impending Eviction or Foreclosure. Financial hardship is the most common reason for an expedite request. If a client is at risk of losing their primary residence, the VCF may move the claim forward.

Required Proof: A formal, dated Eviction Notice or a Notice of Foreclosure Sale. A "past due" utility bill is usually insufficient; the threat to housing must be imminent.

3. Critical Financial Hardship. Beyond housing, other severe financial crises may qualify, such as:

Utility Shut-off: Imminent loss of heat, water, or electricity.

Inability to Pay for Medical Care: If the claimant cannot afford life-sustaining treatment or medication for their 9/11-related condition.

Bankruptcy: Active Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 proceedings where the VCF award is a critical component of the reorganization.

4. Other Extraordinary Circumstances. The Special Master has the discretion to expedite cases involving other "compelling" issues, such as the need to pay for a child’s essential education or an immediate family emergency.