The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) recently released a “Just the Facts” document clarifying some of the common misconceptions about the VCF. This helpful resource provides information on how the VCF operates, who is eligible, how registration deadlines apply, how claims move through the system, and how compensation is determined.
A few of the “Myths vs Facts” about the VCF are excerpted below.
Myth: I registered such a long time ago that I need to register again.
Fact: As long as you registered at one time with the VCF, you have preserved your right to file a claim in the future. You do not need to register again, even if you wait to submit your claim. If you are unsure if you are registered, or when, or if you do not have the claim number that was assigned to you at registration, please contact the Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.
Myth: I’m not sick so there is no reason to register with the VCF.
Fact: By registering with the VCF – whether you are sick or not – you preserve your right to file a claim should you become sick. There is no harm in registering and it does not commit you to filing a claim in the future. Registering is a simple process that does not take much time. If you need help, our Helpline representatives can assist you. You can register online at www.vcf.gov, or you can register by phone by calling the Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.
Myth: Any doctor can give me the diagnosis information and paperwork I need to support my VCF claim.
Fact: The VCF relies on certification by the WTC Health Program to confirm that you have an eligible physical injury or condition that is a result of the 9/11 attacks or debris removal efforts. The VCF and the WTC Health Program work closely together and exchange information regarding conditions for which you have been certified for treatment. You do not need to provide medical records to demonstrate that you have an eligible condition unless requested by the VCF.
The VCF cannot process your claim until it receives notification from the WTC Health Program that you have been certified for at least one physical condition. In very limited cases, your condition may be verified through the VCF Private Physician process.
Myth: I can’t get an appointment with the WTC Health Program for several months and I am going to miss my registration deadline with the VCF.
Fact: You do not need a certification from the WTC Health Program in order to register with the VCF. So long as you have registered with the VCF by the applicable deadline, you will have preserved your right to submit a complete claim. The WTC Health Program prioritizes appointments for patients who need medical treatment over those seeking certification for purposes of their VCF claim. This can cause a delay for those seeking certifications to support a VCF claim, but will not impact your claim’s timeliness as that is based on the date you register with the VCF. Please respect the WTC Health Program’s prioritization of those with immediate medical needs and do not seek urgent appointments solely for purposes of your VCF claim.
Once you have registered with the VCF, you should not complete and submit your claim form until you have been certified by the WTC Health Program. The VCF cannot process your claim until it receives notification from the WTC Health Program that you have been certified for at least one physical condition. If you submit your claim form without a certification, your claim will be placed in an Inactive status and may be denied.
Myth: Each unique certified condition means I am eligible for more noneconomic loss.
Fact: The amount of non-economic loss awarded to any claimant is not tied to the number of conditions certified by the WTC Health Program. Instead, the award amount varies by type, severity, and the impact of condition(s) on your life. In other words, receiving additional certifications from the WTC Health Program will not necessarily mean a higher non-economic loss award. By statute, non-economic loss awards are capped at $90,000 for a non-cancer condition and $250,000 for a cancer condition. This means that, except in rare circumstances where a claimant is certified with multiple cancers or with a cancer and a severe non-cancer condition, the Special Master does not have discretion to make a non-economic loss award above $250,000. For detailed information on how non-economic loss is calculated, see Section 2 of the Policies and Procedures document on the VCF website.
The WTC Health Program is seeing an increase in the number of people asking for appointments to get additional certifications because they have been told this will get them more compensation from the VCF. In most cases, this is not true – and, in fact, it is placing a real burden on WTC Health Program providers.
Myth: You just have to ask and the VCF will expedite your claim.
Fact: While the VCF has a system to expedite the processing of a claim, it is only used in cases of terminal illness, or where significant, imminent financial hardship, such as foreclosure or homelessness, exists and is documented. Expedited claim status must be officially requested by the claimant or their attorney and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Myth: The best way to get a fast payment is to only apply for non-economic loss – even if you know you will later claim economic loss – because you can always amend the claim later.
Fact: By filing a claim for non-economic loss only when you know there is a likelihood that you will amend that claim later to seek economic loss, you could significantly delay your payment. If you know you will be filing a claim for economic loss, the best action to take is to submit your claim only when you have all the information needed to support the claim. For example, if you have a pending disability application, you should wait to receive the determination before filing your claim. Once your claim is picked up for review, it is significantly faster to process if the VCF can pick up the claim only one time to evaluate all of your claimed losses. If you file for noneconomic loss only and receive an award and then amend your claim for economic loss, your amendment will be prioritized for review based on the date it is submitted, which effectively sends your claim back to the end of the line for consideration. This can delay your payment.
To read the VCF’s full Fact Sheet, see here.
The deadline for filing a Victim Compensation Fund claim is December 18, 2020. You can learn more about the VCF, what is covered and requirements for making a claim on Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo’s website.
If you need assistance with submitting your claim, reach out to SPBMCC at (800) 962-9954 and via our contact page.
Share On: