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Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum

September 9, 2015

This September 11th, the Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) focuses its attention on the work that remains ahead of us. Our commitment to this work is the most important way the Fund can honor the sacrifice of those who were lost on September 11, 2001, and those who continue to struggle.

To complete our work and process claims efficiently and quickly, we must partner with our claimants and their families, advocates, and attorneys. I encourage each of our partners to submit all claims and supporting documents as soon as possible. While our final filing deadline of October 3, 2016, may seem very far away, it is rapidly approaching. The sooner a claim is submitted, the sooner it can be processed and paid. Please do not wait until the last minute to file your claim or submit missing information.

As I tell every claimant, no amount of money can alleviate the losses suffered on September 11, 2001. But the 9/11 community is one of great resilience, and the men and women who are working so hard to process claims under the VCF are proud and privileged to work with all of you.

As always, if you have questions about the VCF claims process, I encourage you to call our toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555. 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.