Today we observe the 24th commemoration of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001. As we reflect upon the immeasurable tragedy endured that day, we honor 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) has served tens of thousands of victims and their families, and we continue to receive over 800 new claims each month – a clear indication of the ongoing importance of our mission. The number of people who have died of 9/11 related health conditions has far surpassed the number of people we honor today who died on the day of the attacks. In 2024 alone, the VCF notified claimants of over 11,500 award determinations, with more than $1.9 billion awarded. As of August 31st, 2025, the VCF has received over 102,000 claims, awarding over $16 billion to nearly 70,000 claimants since reopening in 2011. This level of service is made possible by the tireless dedication of the entire VCF team.
As we get farther from the events of September 11, 2001, it becomes increasingly challenging for claimants to find documents needed to prove their presence at one of the three crash sites, and, for many, to clearly remember the details that help the VCF establish that presence. In our mission to make navigating the claims process as straightforward and supportive as possible, we launched our Interactive Presence Guide. This guide walks claimants step-by-step through a process to identify what type of documentation they need to submit with their claim or who they can contact for documentation. Our team is committed to ensuring no claimant feels lost or overwhelmed when submitting a claim, and we continue to partner with new entities to help strengthen proof-of-presence resources. As Special Master, I am constantly looking for creative solutions and strategies such as these to ensure that processes and policies are equitable, streamlined and faithful to our statute and claimants.
Expanding outreach efforts remains a vital priority. We’ve made tremendous progress in forging relationships with strategic partners who are working to amplify our message to their audiences across the country. As I wrote in last year’s anniversary message, we are working to build an informal network of ambassadors who can spread the word about the VCF. We ask everyone to think about the people they may know who might have been present at one of the crash sites in the New York City Exposure Zone, the Pentagon, or in Shanksville, PA or worked to clear those sites during the eligible time periods. To share this information with friends, family, and community members, visit www.vcf.gov/outreach. We want to build this vast people network, and everyone can be a partner.
I am happy to report that we are making great strides toward becoming a fully trauma-informed organization. We continue to work closely with the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center in training our staff to better understand those for whom this process may be traumatic and deeply emotional. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every interaction with the VCF reflects empathy and understanding, and that our staff is fully supported as well.
The courage and unwavering resolve of the 9/11 community inspires us to continue our mission, ensuring that everyone who is eligible receives the compensation to which they are entitled. It is an honor to lead the VCF team in this work, and to serve this incredible community. If you have questions about the VCF claims process, I encourage you to call our toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 or visit www.vcf.gov. For the hearing impaired, please call 1-855-885-1558 (TDD). If you are calling from outside the United States, please call 1-202-514-1100.
Respectfully,
Allison Turkel
Special Master
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund