VCF Pays $1.52 Billion to Ailing 9/11 Area Survivors and Responders

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund has issued $1.52 billion in compensation to area workers and residents, responders, and other survivors who suffered illness or injury due to the attacks. The VCF and WTC Health Program are funded through the 2015 Reauthorized Zadroga Act.

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the area residents and workers, first responders, and other survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has issued payments totaling $1.52 billion to injured responders and survivors since it opened in 2011. According to a June 15, 2016 report issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the VCF posted updated regulations for the program, which are available for public comment. The Fund says it is now ready to enter its next phase.

According to the release, the $1.52 billion involves payments for which a compensation determination was made on or before December 17, 2015; these are known as Group A claims. Final payment on 8,930 Group A claims has been authorized since the VCF was reauthorized on December 18, 2015. Less than 200 claims remain that need to be authorized for full payment, the release states. The VCF indicated that it is also working to resolve issues with payment for remaining claims.

Parker Waichman applauds the efforts of the VCF, and continues to fight for the rights of 9/11 area residents and workers, responders and other survivors. “It is encouraging to see 9/11 survivors get the help they need and deserve,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. “It is past time for the area workers and residents, the first responders, and other survivors receive benefits.”

The Zadroga Act was first passed in 2010. The ct created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides healthcare, and reopened the VCF for an additional five years. As the deadline for Zadroga approached in 2015, advocates, including Parker Waichman, fought hard for permanent reauthorization. The Zadroga Act was reauthorized on December 18, 2015; the law funds the WTC Health Program for another 75 years and extends the VCF for another five years.

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients—other responders and survivors. Parker Waichman has fought for permanent extension of the Act, taking part in numerous lobbying efforts and being part of delegations. In fact, Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the “Take Acton” tool that enabled citizens to review Congress members' activities concerning the Act.

The firm fights alongside Ground Zero area residents and workers, first responders, other survivors, and advocates and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these individuals and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).