Registration is the first step in the claim filing process and it simply preserves your right to file a claim in the future. You do not waive any legal rights when you register, and registering does not obligate you to file a claim. Registration serves only to alert the VCF that you may be a potential claimant; and it meets the legal requirement of timeliness set forth in the law. Registration Deadlines vary based on claim type and individual circumstances.
Although registration does not obligate you to file a claim in the future, if you do file a claim, you must have registered with the VCF by your applicable Registration Deadline in order to be eligible for compensation. For this reason, we encourage everyone to register now even if you are not sick or have not yet been diagnosed with a 9/11-related condition or certified by the WTC Health Program. This way, you do not have to worry about registering should you become sick in the future.
This step-by-step guide explains how to register with the VCF. You can register using the online system or you can register over the phone by calling the VCF Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.