The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program is a federal program that provides free medical monitoring and treatment to people who developed health conditions after exposure to toxins released during the September 11 attacks. The program does not provide compensation; that is the role of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). However, certification through the WTC Health Program is required to file a VCF claim.
Who Qualifies for the World Trade Center Health Program?
Generally, two groups of people are eligible for support through the WTC Health Program:
- First responders include firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, construction and cleanup workers, volunteers, and others who participated in rescue, recovery, debris removal, or related support operations.
- Survivors are people who were present in the New York City Exposure Zone in Lower Manhattan because they lived or worked there, attended school or daycare there, or were otherwise in the area during or after the attacks.
You may be eligible as a survivor if you were present in the New York City Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. Responders may also qualify based on work at the Pentagon or the Shanksville crash sites, at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, along barge and truck routes, or at other locations where debris was handled.
What Conditions Does the WTC Health Program Cover?
To receive services, the WTC Health Program must first certify that your condition is related to the 9/11 attacks. Certified conditions typically fall into these categories:
- Acute traumatic injuries, such as burns, eye injuries, head trauma, and bone fractures
- Airway and digestive disorders, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cancers, including but not limited to cancers of the blood, breast, ovary, prostate, skin, thyroid, kidney, and bladder
- Mental health conditions linked to the attacks, including substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Musculoskeletal disorders developed while responding to the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lower back pain
What Benefits and Services Are Available Through the Program?
Members of the WTC Health Program receive medical monitoring and treatment for certified conditions at no cost. Your treatment program may include:
- Regular physical exams
- Specialist visits
- Diagnostic testing
- Hospital services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health counseling
- Clinical tests to track changes in health
- Preventive cancer screenings
- Smoking cessation programs
How Do You Enroll in the WTC Health Program?
To enroll in the WTC Health Program, you must complete and submit an application via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. You will need to include supporting documentation that proves that you were present in the New York City Exposure Zone, the Pentagon, the Shanksville crash site, or another qualifying location during the eligible period.
Once you submit the application, the program will review it and either notify you of approval or request additional details. After you are approved, you can schedule your first health evaluation with a qualified provider.
Get Help with Your WTC Health Program Enrollment Today
If you need help with your WTC Health Program enrollment or VCF claim, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can guide you through the process. We work with 9/11 survivors nationwide to secure the support, services, and recovery they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case review and learn where you stand.