U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Breadcrumb

News

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master on the 21st Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

September 9, 2022
Dear Friends, The anniversary of the September 11th attacks is always a time for reflection.  For me personally, this is the first anniversary since being appointed earlier this year as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund’s (“VCF”) interim Special Master.  Despite my relatively short time in this role, I have been touched by the stories in each claim I have reviewed, and deeply impressed by the perseverance, resilience, and humility of the community our team serves.  Today, we continue to pay tribute to the lives lost and the community that came together during the recovery efforts in response to one of our country’s hardest challenges.
Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Rupa Bhattacharyya Farewell

April 29, 2022

Dear Friends,

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Incoming Special Master - August Flentje named Special Master for an interim period

April 29, 2022

It is an honor to step into the role of Special Master on an interim basis while the process to identify Rupa Bhattacharyya’s permanent successor is identified.  I have been a career civil service attorney with the Department of Justice since 1998, and have managed several Civil Division components for temporary periods, including the branch that has responsibility over the operations of the VCF.  In that capacity, I’ve worked with Rupa to help address issues that arise in the management of the VCF and am familiar with its functions and operation.  I look forward to working with the VCF aga

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Kimberly (Kim) C. Brown Joins the VCF as the Director of Operations

February 24, 2022

Kimberly (Kim) C. Brown has joined the VCF as the Director of Operations. In this new position, Kim will focus on overseeing the VCF’s day-to-day operations in areas such as the Helpline and the processing of hard copy mail, identifying opportunities for innovation as the VCF continues to move into its long-term status stemming from the passage of the VCF Permanent Authorization Act.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master - Tenth Annual Status Report

February 9, 2022

The VCF successfully navigated another highly productive year in 2021, in a year that saw not one but two significant anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Zadroga Act, which created in the VCF, in January, and then the solemn reminder months later that twenty years have passed since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Messages from the Special Master

A Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya

September 7, 2017

Dear Friends,

Each year, as the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks approaches, the country is reminded of the unprecedented losses suffered. At the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”), we acknowledge the important milestones reached in providing support to victims and families, but we are especially aware of the lives that continue to be impacted. The anniversary is a time for us to reaffirm our commitment to the important work that still lies ahead, and to maintain strong and steady progress as we seek to award compensation.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya

July 21, 2017

Dear Friends,

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya

April 28, 2017

Dear Friends

Today, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) publishes its first Quarterly Report of 2017 and I want to take the opportunity to give you an update on our progress.

As of March 31, the VCF has rendered over 15,500 compensation determinations, including initial awards on new claims, and revised awards on claims with amendments or appeals. These determinations total over $2.48 billion awarded to VCF claimants.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya

March 13, 2017
Fifth Annual Status Report and Jordana ("Jordy") Feldman appointed Deputy Special Master.
Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum - VCF Reauthorization

December 30, 2015

Dear Friends,

On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law a bill reauthorizing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. This includes reauthorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) for another 5 years, which will benefit individuals impacted by the events of 9/11 and its aftermath.

Messages from the Special Master

Mensaje de la Auxiliar Judicial Sheila Birnbaum – Reautorización VCF

December 30, 2015

Estimados Amigos,

El 18 de diciembre del 2015, el Presidente Obama firmó la reautorización la Ley James Zadroga 11-S de Salud y Compensación. Esto incluye la reautorización del Fondo de Compensación de las Victimas del 11 de Septiembre (VCF por sus siglas en inglés) por 5 años más, el cual beneficiará a los individuos afectados por los eventos y secuelas del 9/11. 

Messages from the Special Master

Komunikat pani Syndyk Sheili Birnbaum dotyczący reaktywacji Funduszu VCF

December 30, 2015

Szanowni Państwo,  

18 grudnia 2015 r., Prezydent Obama podpisał przepisy reaktywujące Ustawę im. Jamesa Zadrogi o opiece zdrowotnej i odszkodowaniach dla ofiar 9/11 (James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act) uchwaloną w 2010 r. Dotyczy to również reaktywacji Funduszu Odszkodowań dla Ofiar 11 września (September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, VCF) na następne 5 lat, którego celem jest pomoc osobom dotkniętym wydarzeniami z 11 września i ich następstwami.  

Messages from the Special Master

来自特别监察官希拉∙伯恩鲍姆(Sheila Birnbaum)的消息——VCF 再次获批准

December 30, 2015

亲爱的朋友们: 

2015 年 12 月 18 日,奥巴马总统签署了一项法案,再次批准《2010 年詹姆士·扎德罗伽 9/11 健 康与赔偿法案》。这包括再次批准未来五年的 9/11 受害人赔偿基金(VCF),而受 9/11 事件及 其余波影响的人员将因此而受益。 

新法指示 VCF“尽快”向“A 组索赔”(即 2015 年 12 月 17 日或之前做出损失判定的索赔)的 索赔人支付“全额赔偿”。为满足此要求,我已调动额外工作人员去支持支付流程,从而在不影 响对我们的项目有至关重要的质量控制措施的前提下迅速支付相关款项。 

新法同时也要求对 VCF 有关评估 B 组索赔和计算相关损失的政策和流程做出重要改动。B 组索赔 即不属于新法所界定的 A组索赔的索赔。新法规定针对合格 B 组索赔人的资金。我正与我的团队 一起工作,以确定新法对索赔人以及我们的日常运作的影响。 

在制定新的政策及流程的同时,我们也在重新评估提出索赔所需的文件(包括索赔表和附加材 料)、提出和审查索赔的系统以及在我们网站上公布的信息。我将此看作复审我们的索赔表、重 新设计我们的在线系统并调整相关流程的机会,从而满足新的要求,并提高我们的工作效率。

Messages from the Special Master

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.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum

July 20, 2015

I am proud to announce that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has made loss determinations of more than $1.3 billion. As of June 30, 2015, the VCF has approved 11,770 eligibility claims and made 5,636 loss decisions, totaling $1,310,149,991. First responders account for 91 percent of the total loss amount. Individuals with cancer diagnoses account for 18 percent of the awards. This information and additional updated program statistics are available.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum

April 8, 2015

I am proud to announce that the VCF has made loss determinations of more than $1 billion. As of March 31, 2015, the VCF has approved 10,549 eligibility claims and rendered 4,415 loss decisions, totaling $1,058,398,144. First responders account for 92 percent of the total loss amount. Individuals with cancer diagnoses account for 27 percent of the awards. This information and additional updated program statistics are available.

Messages from the Special Master

Special Notice Regarding Denied Claims

February 9, 2015

The VCF will deny eligibility claims when claimants do not respond to multiple requests for missing information. Many eligibility claims are submitted without required supporting documents. The VCF makes multiple attempts to work with the claimant and/or the attorney to obtain the necessary supporting documentation so that the VCF can determine eligibility. If the claimant does not respond to this outreach (after a minimum of two requests) the VCF will deny the eligibility claim.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum

January 15, 2015

Today, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) issued updated program statistics. As of Jan. 2, 2015, the VCF has found 9,677 claimants eligible for compensation and has made 3,128 compensation determinations (approximately 67 percent of the compensation claims that have been submitted with appropriate supporting documentation). The total value of those compensation determinations is $804,116,233.

Messages from the Special Master

A message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum - VCF Program Update

October 23, 2013

October 3, 2013 was an important registration deadline for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Anyone who was diagnosed with a 9/11-related condition on or before October 3, 2011 for which they intend to seek compensation from the VCF must have registered with the Fund by the October 3, 2013 deadline.

Messages from the Special Master

A message from Special Master, Sheila Birnbaum

August 5, 2013

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia G. Houser as the Fund’s Director of Operations.

Messages from the Special Master

A Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum - VCF Program Update

April 8, 2013

On December 18, 2012, I posted to this website a message with very important information on the claim review process and tips for helping the VCF to process your claim as efficiently as possible.

Messages from the Special Master

Un mensaje de la Auxiliar Judicial, Sheila Birnbaum – Actualización del Programa VC

April 8, 2013

El 18 de diciembre de 2012 publiqué en este sitio web un mensaje con información  importante sobre el proceso de análisis de reclamos y sugerencias que ayudarían al VCF a procesar los reclamos de la manera más eficaz posible. Haga clic aquí si desea leer el mensaje completo.  
 

Messages from the Special Master

Komunikat od Special Master, Sheila Birnbaum – Aktualizacja dotycząca programu VCF

April 8, 2013

W dniu 18 grudnia 2012 roku w tej witrynie internetowej opublikowałam bardzo ważne informacje dotyczące procesu rozpatrywania wniosków oraz wskazówki dotyczące umożliwienia VCF rozparzenia wniosków w jak najszybszym terminie. Aby przeczytać cały komunikat, proszę kliknąć tutaj.  
 

Messages from the Special Master

来自专案助理 Sheila Birnbaum的讯息 - VCF 计划更新

April 8, 2013

在2012年12月18日,我在本网站发布了一则消息,这则消息传递了有关索赔审查过程和协助VCF尽可 能高效率地处理您的索赔的秘诀的非常重要的信息。请点击这里,阅读完整的讯息。  
 
作为这则消息的一部分,我解释过, VCF 的审查过程就会开始,如果 VCF 都收到了您的《资格表》,经 签署的证明书,认证书,和附件的原件, 使我们能够从其他机构提取有关您的索赔资料。许多组织要求 我们提供签名的原件,因此,您必须通过邮递向VCF提交这些文件。如果您在线提交索赔,同时,上传 了这些文件的副本,在有效地审查您的索赔前,我们仍然需要收到这些经签署文件的原件。 
 
截至 2013 年 4 月 5 日,我们收到的有超过 2,770 份《资格表》》,是没有附上与之相关的证明 书,认证书 ,和 / 或附物的原件。这些索赔不可能得到充分的审阅,直到我们收到一整套完整文件。 如果您提交了 《资格表》,尚未邮寄这些证明文件,我建议您立刻去办理。如果您对需要什么文件有疑问, 或需要VCF提供收到您的索赔文件的确认,请联系我们的免费援助热线:1-855-8851555。听力障碍人士,请联系1-855-885-1558 (TDD)。如果您从美国境外来电,请拨打1-202-3530356。 ****************  
 

Messages from the Special Master

A Message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum

January 29, 2013

The VCF has started to issue award decisions to eligible claimants, including information on the amount of the initial pro-rated payment to be made by the VCF. Under the Zadroga Act, the total amount of money for the VCF must cover both claims and administrative costs. Of that total, the Act makes only 31% available during the VCF's first five years.