Economic Loss Awards Explained

The financial costs of illness are often enormous – even beyond the health care bills.

These expenses are a particular burden for 9/11 responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with cancer or respiratory illnesses.

Economic loss awards may be given in several different scenarios:

• Once you’re certified with a 9/11-related illness by the World Trade Center Health Program, the program will pick up the out of pocket medical expenses and deductibles associated with your illness that your private health insurance won’t pay.
• If you cannot work for a time after chemotherapy or radiation, we will seek to have the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) compensate you for the wages and benefits you would have earned.
• If you are found disabled or you are forced to retire early due to your 9/11 cancer or respiratory illness, the VCF will award past, present, and future lost income and benefits.
• An economic loss award will also provide for “replacement services,” regular tasks that you cannot perform for yourself, such as housekeeping, childcare, and transportation.
• If you pass away from a 9/11-related illness, economic loss awards are available for funeral and burial expenses.