There is an author who once said, “Time does not pass, it continues.” It’s a simple statement, but also profound. And if there is one thing that I am aware of every day in my role as Special Master, it is that the impacts of the terrorist attacks 25 years ago today, like time, have not passed. They continue. As we reflect upon the immeasurable tragedy endured on September 11th, 2001, and in the months that followed, we honor the memory of those we lost, the heroism of those who responded in a time of unprecedented crisis, and the resilience of those who have been impacted by 9/11-related health effects.
More than two decades later, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is still here and has served tens of thousands of victims and their families. We continue to receive over 800 new claims each month – a clear indication of the ongoing importance of our mission. Tragically, the number of people who have died of 9/11-related health conditions has far surpassed the number of people who died on the day of the attacks. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the 9/11 community, the VCF has secure funding through 2090 to pay all eligible claims. As of August 31, 2026, the VCF has received over 112,000 claims, awarding over $18.56 billion to over 77,000 claimants since reopening in 2011. I want to thank all the VCF staff current and past who have persevered and committed themselves conscientiously to this mission. Our entire team is deeply dedicated to serving our claimants with compassion and excellence and will do so for decades to come.
Expanding outreach efforts remains a vital priority for the VCF. The CDC estimates that as many as 400,000 individuals may have been exposed to 9/11-related toxins in the New York Exposure Zone alone. We ask everyone to think about any friends, family or community members who might have been present at the New York City Exposure Zone, the Pentagon site, or the Shanksville, PA Flight 93 crash site. The message is simple, register for the VCF even if you are not sick. Registration preserves your right to file a claim if you do get sick with a 9/11-related illness. All the tools needed to help us spread the word can be found at www.vcf.gov/outreach. We want to build this vast network of ambassadors, and I am asking everyone to do their part.
Twenty-five years later, our commitment remains as strong as ever. We will never forget those we lost, and we will honor their memory while supporting those who continue to suffer. If individuals have questions about the claims process, please call our toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 or visit www.vcf.gov. If it is not .gov it is not the VCF.
Allison Turkel