VCF Deadline Approaches
For some, the deadline to register for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is quickly approaching. According to The PBA Beat, members who were diagnosed with prostate cancer on or before October 21, 2013 must register with the Fund by October 21, 2015 to protect their eligibility to file a claim. The VCF provides compensation to responders and survivors who suffered injuries and economic losses due to 9/11. For more information, claimants may view www.vcf.gov or call (855)885-1555.
The Zadroga Act, signed into law in early 2011, reopened the VCF and created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. These programs provide aid to 9/11 responders and survivors who developed health problems after being exposed to hazardous substances during and in the aftermath of the attacks. The WTC Health Program is monitoring over 70,000 people and providing medical treatment to 33,000. These programs are due to expire unless Congress chooses to renew the Act. The WTC Health Program will lose funding in October, and rely on cash reserves into next year before it ends entirely. The VCF is slated to expire next October.
A number of 9/11 advocates are pushing to permanently renew the Zadroga Act, including a bipartisan group of lawmakers and the former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, according to the national law firm of Parker Waichman LLP. On September 16, the firm was among many who lobbied Congress to permanently extend the Zadroga Act. Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman, a former New York City Police (NYPD) officer, and a 9/11 responder and lobbyist was also in attendance. Mr. McCauley says he was there because, “These individuals answered the call for help at a time when their country needed them most. They and their families deserve these benefits and, because of this, the firm continues to urge Congress to reauthorize the Act.” Mr. McCauley lobbied in the nation’s capital for the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, often along with the firm’s clients—other 9/11 responders and survivors.
