The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is still receiving an average of 750 case applications per month, a significant number that Special Master Allison Turkel described as a "clear indication" of the enduring health consequences for those affected by the 2001 terror attacks. These ongoing applications highlight the lasting impact of the tragedy, occurring nearly 25 years after the initial events.
As of August 31, the VCF has processed over 112,000 claims. These claims originate from individuals present at the attack sites in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as those who resided or worked in affected areas during the aftermath. The fund has accepted 77,000 claims from individuals diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness or from the families of those who have died from such conditions, disbursing a total of $18.56 billion in award determinations.
In 2025 alone, the VCF provided over $1.8 billion across 9,800 cases. Tragically, more than 6,000 people have died from illnesses linked to the September 11th attacks, a figure more than double the number of fatalities on the day of the attacks. Turkel anticipates this number will continue to rise.
Turkel emphasized that eligibility for the VCF extends beyond first responders. Anyone who was present in the "exposure zone" at the time of the attacks or in the months that followed is encouraged to register, even if they are not currently experiencing health issues. It is estimated that as many as 400,000 people who lived, worked, attended school, or visited the New York City Exposure Zone may have been exposed to harmful toxins.
The VCF is authorized to continue processing claims and issuing payments until 2090, underscoring the long-term health crisis stemming from the September 11th attacks.