You took care of NYC on 9/11…now take care of yourself.
Were you there on 9/11 or in the days and months that followed? Did you live or work in the WTC disaster area? Are you concerned about your current or future health that may be related to 9/11 exposure? You deserve quality care, treatment, and information regarding your health. DC 37 is here to support you as you manage your healthcare needs.
Have you been experiencing problems such as:
- asthma,
- acid reflux (or heartburn),
- anxiety,
- chronic laryngitis,
- sleep apnea,
- reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), or
- PTSD
- depression or trouble sleeping
These conditions, among others, may qualify you for medical monitoring and treatment through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program.
Established by the James Zadroga Act of 2010, the WTC Health Program provides healthcare for 9/11 workers and volunteers, as well as residents, students, workers, and passersby who may be sick from 9/11. The program operates seven clinics in the New York metropolitan area and also manages a Nationwide Provider Network, which connects individuals with program-affiliated doctors throughout the country.
Groups eligible for treatment and monitoring include: FDNY responders, general responders, NYC survivors, and Pentagon/Shanksville responders. You will need to provide certain information for the application to certify your presence in the area on 9/11 or the following months. Possible examples of documentation are:
- timesheets from your employer showing days worked at WTC site
- the location of your home, school, or workplace in the disaster area (lease, contract, utility bill, report card, etc.)
- a letter commending you for your volunteer service at ground zero
- personal photos showing your presence at ground zero
- training records
- ID tags from the given time period
- attestations from former coworkers, neighbors, or friends confirming that you were in the disaster area during the specific time period
If you’re deemed eligible for the program, you can then receive a comprehensive medical evaluation at one of the clinical centers.
These exams generally last for four hours. NYC employees may qualify for four hours of paid time for their visit clinic visit. After this visit, WTC Health Program doctors will determine if you require ongoing treatment. If you are a responder, they will also determine if you need to return once a year for monitoring appointments.
Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund Claims
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federal program that provides financial compensation to those who were physically injured or made ill as a result of the 9/11 attacks and for relatives of those who died due to the attacks. As of October 4, 2013, only individuals who were diagnosed with 9/11-related conditions after October 4, 2011 can apply to make a claim. Individuals have two years from the date of diagnosis to register with the VCF. The fund will be open through October 3, 2016. Claimants who have registered for the fund can fill out an online eligibility form that will be used to determine their eligibility for compensation through the VCF. If found eligible, claimants will be invited to complete the compensation form, which will be used to determine the amount of compensation they are owed. Claimants are encouraged to use the online system, although paper forms are available. For more information, go to www.vcf.gov/ or call 1-855-885-1555.
ALERT: If you were diagnosed with Prostate Cancer after September 11, 2005, the deadline to file a claim with the VCF is OCTOBER 21, 2015.
NYS Workers’ Compensation Law and NYCERS–WTC Accidental Disability Law: Filing Reopened Through September 2018
Effective Sept. 11, 2016: Registrations for DC 37 members who took part in the rescue and recovery efforts are once again open through September 2018. Members who were 9/11 Responders, and who have not yet done so, should file a Notice of Participation with NYCERS to preserve their right to file for disability under the WTC Disability Law should they become disabled as a result of a “qualifying World Trade Center condition.” For eligibility requirements and registration inquiries, contact NYCERS at (347) 643-3000. To fill out the Notice of Participation form, click here. Note: Please disregard the dates on this form. Eligible Members have until September 11, 2018 to file.
DC 37 members should also complete the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board form to register with the Board and preserve their rights to file for WTC related illness. For the WTC 12 form, click here.
Members who filed NYS Workers Comp claims for WTC related disablement between September 11, 2012 and September 11, 2015 and were disallowed should contact the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board for reconsideration by the Board.
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If you are enrolled in the WTC Health Program:
Letter to DC 37 Retirees about the WTC Health Program (PDF)
WTC Health Program Nationwide Provider Network (PDF)
World Trade Center Health Program radio ads/PSAs:
- 30-second radio ad
- 60-second radio ad
- Anuncio de servicio público: 30 segundos
- Anuncio de servicio público: 60 segundos
World Trade Center Health Program Brochure (PDF)
DC 37 Can Help
Questions? Need more info?
For information about World Trade Center Health Program please contact the DC 37 Safety and Health Department at (212) 815-1685.
Here are the types of questions you should be prepared to answer when filling out your application:
- What were the specific dates when you were present in the WTC disaster area?
- What are the number of hours when you were potentially exposed to 9/11-related toxins (as a worker, volunteer, or resident of the area)?
- If you are a survivor, are you experiencing a health condition that you believe is directly related to 9/11 exposure?
