Message from Special Master Allison Turkel
Each May 30th we commemorate the official end of rescue, recovery and relief efforts at Ground Zero. May 30th marks the last day that debris was removed from the site. In the minutes, hours and days that passed after the attacks, countless acts of service were performed by brave individuals. First responders, volunteers, and workers from all over the country responded without hesitation. In efforts to stand strong and replace horror with normalcy, thousands of people returned to the area to live, work, visit and go to school.
As we prepare to mark 25 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001, I want to acknowledge all those who continue to suffer the lasting impacts. 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. What’s more, in 2025, the VCF continued to receive nearly 900 new claims each month.
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) continues to serve those impacted with a focus on remaining faithful to our statute, fair to our claimants, and defensible to the taxpayers. It is incredibly heartening that the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be adding a seventh moment of silence this year honoring all who have died of 9/11-related health conditions. We will never forget those we lost, and we will honor their memory while supporting those who continue to suffer. The courage and resilience of the 9/11 community inspire our mission to ensure those who are eligible receive the compensation to which they are entitled.
If you or someone you know might be eligible, please register for the VCF and learn more about the assistance available at www.vcf.gov or by calling our Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.
Allison Turkel