Dear COBA Members/Retirees;

I cannot stress enough the importance of the upcoming registration deadline for the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, commonly known as the “VCF”, and to clarify who the deadline applies to and where you can find more information. While the VCF is a separate program from the WTC Health Program, some WTC Program members may also be eligible for the VCF.

As you remember, the “Never Forget the Heroes, James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act” was signed into law in July 2019 by President Trump. That legislation fully funds the VCF and authorizes it to accept claims until year 2090 so that eligible 9/11 responders and survivors who suffered physical illnesses from their exposure to toxins can apply for the financial compensation they deserve.

There have been a lot of press reports lately on the VCF July 29, 2021, Registration Deadline. I want to make sure you have the most accurate information. Below is a quick synopsis of what the July 29, 2021 registration deadline means.

Registration with the VCF is separate from enrollment in the WTC Health Program. VCF registration preserves your right to file a VCF claim in the future.

Additional detailed information can be found at: https://www.vcf.gov/deadlines.

The July 29, 2021, registration deadline applies only to those WTC Health Program members who meet the following criteria:

1. You were certified by the WTC Health Program for a 9/11-related physical health condition on or before July 29, 2019, and you have not yet registered with the VCF.
2. You are registering to file a claim for an individual who you believe died of a 9/11-related physical health condition on or before July 29, 2019, and the individual or his/her representative has not already registered with the VCF.
   

The July 29, 2021, deadline provides an opportunity for claimants who missed their prior deadlines to register. If you are certified with a WTC-related health condition in the future, you must register within two years of your certification date.

This deadline does not affect any of the medical care you are receiving now or will be receiving from the WTC Health Program.

There are numerous Clinical Centers of Excellence in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) with locations across NY and NJ.

There is also a Nationwide Provider Network to serve members outside of the NY Metropolitan Area.  

I am always here to assist with any questions you may have.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming 911 Registration Seminar at the COBA Office on July 15th.

Always in Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President