New York residents present at Ground Zero during the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, may be eligible for 9/11 cancer compensation to cover their medical expenses. In addition, first responders and volunteers helping to clean up the aftermath may also be eligible for 9/11 cancer compensation for serious long term health complications from the attack.

More specifically, people eligible for the 9/11 cancer compensation fund had been exposed to dangerous substances that were released from the Sept. 11 attacks. The 9/11 cancer compensation fund currently consists of $7.3 billion, which is designated for New York residents and responders that have suffered long term complications from exposure to the site.

The 9/11 cancer compensation fund was created to help pay for medical expenses primarily related to cancer treatment, with the terror attack health complications linked to over 70 different types of cancer.

The 9/11 cancer compensation fund is supposed to provide eligible recipients tax free financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits, and could also be used to cover other significant costs. Some of these other compensation can include a cash death benefit, funeral expenses, and other pain and suffering damages for surviving family members of deceased victims.

Overview of 9/11 Cancer Compensation Eligibility

On the day of the 9/11 attack, approximately 2,753 people were killed in and near the World Trade Center. Over a decade later New York residents continue to feel the effects of the attack, with many residents reportedly developing cancer and other serious illnesses from the dangerous substances that were released during the attack.

In addition, over one million people who volunteered during the eight-month clean up process were also exposed to these toxins. These substances included aluminum, asbestos, and burned jet fuel, with scientists linking these substances to cancer diagnoses.

Originally the 9/11 cancer compensation fund was closed in 2004, after helping people who developed cancer and other physical injuries after being present at Ground Zero. The fund was reactivated on Jan. 2, 2011, after thousands of victims were still being reportedly diagnosed with cancers linked to the terrorist attack.

In 2015, President Obama had signed a bill that would ensure the 9/11 cancer compensation fund would remain functional until 2020. Thousands of victims have already received benefits from the 9/11 cancer compensation fund, and other potential victims are encouraged to apply for financial assistance.

People eligible to participate in the 9/11 cancer compensation fund include, but are not limited to:

• First Responders
• Firefighters
• Police Officers
• EMTs
• Sanitation Workers
• Construction Workers
• City Workers
• Utility Workers
• Cleaners
• 9/11 Volunteers
• Out of State Responders
• Employees who worked below Canal Street
• Residents living below Canal Street
• Students going to a school below Canal Street

Potential claimants that may be eligible for the 9/11 cancer compensation fund are generally considered if they were present in Lower Manhattan below Canal Street between Sept. 11, 2001 and May 31, 2002, and were diagnosed with cancer four or more years after exposure.