World Trade Center claims for 9/11-related illness are handled through two federal programs: the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which pays compensation without a lawsuit, and the CDC's WTC Health Program, which certifies conditions and provides care. As of September 30, 2026, the VCF reported $18.76 billion awarded, and claims can be filed until October 1, 2090.

Edited by: Mason ArnaoUpdated: Purpose: educational information, not legal advice

Updates on World Trade Center 9/11 Claims

Key facts (as of November 2026)

  • Sept. 30, 2026: The VCF reported 202,909 registrations, 113,481 claims submitted and $18.76 billion awarded, including $1.72 billion in 2026.
  • Oct. 1, 2090: Last day anyone can file a VCF claim.
  • June 30, 2026: The WTC Health Program had 145,275 enrolled members, including 56,692 survivors.
  • January 2023: Uterine cancer was added to the WTC Health Program's covered conditions.
  • Nov. 2, 2026: Separate lawsuits against alleged sponsors of the attacks (MDL 1570, S.D.N.Y.) listed 396 pending actions.

What World Trade Center claims cover

The VCF compensates people who were at the World Trade Center site or the surrounding New York City exposure zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 (shorter windows apply at the Pentagon and Shanksville sites) and later developed a certified 9/11-related condition, as well as families of those who died. The WTC Health Program covers acute traumatic injuries, airway and digestive disorders, cancers (subject to minimum latency rules), mental health conditions and, for responders only, musculoskeletal disorders. VCF awards include economic loss plus non-economic loss, which is capped at $250,000 for any one type of cancer and $90,000 for non-cancer conditions.

Where the VCF and health program stand

The VCF's September 2026 monthly report counts 78,035 initial compensation decisions (71,696 personal injury and 6,339 deceased). The fund publishes totals, not an average award. On the health side, the CDC's June 30, 2026 program summary reports that about 67% of enrolled members are certified for at least one WTC-related condition.

Who may qualify

You may qualify if you were a responder, recovery or cleanup worker, resident, office worker, student or passerby in an eligible location during the eligibility window and have a condition certified as 9/11-related. The VCF requires proof of presence and explains acceptable documentation on its website. A personal representative may file for someone who died of a 9/11-related condition.

Deadlines and next steps

Registering and filing are separate steps. For personal injury claims, register within two years of the date a government entity, usually the WTC Health Program, notifies you that your condition is 9/11-related; personal injury or deceased claims registered by July 29, 2021 meet that deadline. Review the award rules on our WTC 9/11 settlement amounts page or work through the WTC 9/11 settlement calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is a VCF claim the same as a lawsuit?

No. The VCF is a federal compensation program: claimants register, submit a claim with proof of presence and medical documentation, and the fund issues eligibility and compensation decisions instead of a court. Lawsuits against alleged sponsors of the attacks are a different track, coordinated in MDL 1570 before Judge George B. Daniels in the Southern District of New York.

What is the VCF registration deadline?

For personal injury claims, registration is due within two years of the date a government entity, usually the WTC Health Program, notifies you that a condition is 9/11-related. With multiple certifications, it runs from the most recent. For deceased claims, it generally runs from the later of the date of death or the VCF's verification of the fatal condition. October 1, 2090 is the final filing date.

How much can a VCF award be?

Awards combine economic loss, such as lost earnings, with non-economic loss. Non-economic loss is capped at $250,000 for any one type of cancer and $90,000 for non-cancer conditions; deceased claims carry a presumed $250,000 plus $100,000 for the spouse and each dependent. The VCF publishes cumulative totals, $18.76 billion as of September 30, 2026, but no average award.

Do I need to enroll in the WTC Health Program?

Not to register with the VCF, which does not require you to be sick or certified. In practice, the program usually issues the certification that starts your VCF registration clock, and it provides monitoring and treatment for WTC-related conditions. The CDC says members should not be billed for WTC-related services, including deductibles and copays.

Sources

Related on TortAdvisor: WTC lawsuit guide · WTC 9/11 settlement amounts · WTC 9/11 settlement calculator · VCF registration · WTC lawsuit update

9/11 VCF questions answered, with sources

Register within 2 years of your latest WTC Health Program certification

The VCF registration deadline is the one people miss. You can register before you are certified, and registering does not waive any rights. Claims must be filed by October 1, 2090. VCF deadlines

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