b'Conversations with LeadersOn the VCF Permanent Authorization Act reviews eligible claims to determine the appropriate amount For the most part, the law is unchanged with two veryof noneconomic losscommonly referred to as pain and large exceptions: the length of time until the filing deadlinesufferingbased on the nature or severity of the individuals and the removal of a funding cap. Prior to passage ofphysical injury or condition. Noneconomic loss awards are the law, the deadline for filing a claim was December ofcapped by statute at $90,000 for non-cancer conditions and 2020. Now, people can file a claim until October 1, 2090.$250,000 for a cancer condition. If a government entity or And while we previously operated with a set amount ofprivate insurer has formally determined that the claimant appropriated funding that the VCF could not exceed, thesuffers a full or partial occupational disability as a result of new law appropriates such funds as may be necessary toan eligible 9/11-related physical injury or condition, the VCF pay all eligible claims. generally also will calculate economic loss. This portion of the award can encompass a variety of components, On the VCF Claims Processincluding loss of income as well as loss of pension and other The VCF process has two distinct steps: registration andemployment benefits. The VCF also awards, in limited and filing a claim. Registration is simple and fast and preservesappropriate cases, reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical your right to file a claim in the future if you become sick.expenses, replacement services losses, and reimbursement You can register on the VCFs website, at www.vcf.gov, orfor burial costs in deceased claims. Once the claim review over the phone by calling the VCF Help Line at 1-855-885- process begins, the VCF contacts the claimant if additional 1555. You dont need to be sick, exhibiting symptoms, orinformation is needed. have a certification from the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program to register. We encourage people to register The VCF is required by law to subtract from the calculated with the VCF now, even if they are not sick, to avoidaward certain collateral offsets, which are benefits paid missing any deadlines. There is no harm in registering and itto the claimant by other entities because of the eligible does not obligate you to file a claim in the future or waive9/11-related condition. These offsets may include disability any legal rights.benefits, settlements from 9/11-related lawsuits, and in the case of deceased claims, life insurance paid to the victims Filing a claim is done once the WTC Health Program hasbeneficiaries. certified an eligible 9/11-related illness. This requires the completion of the VCF claim form, and the submission ofBy statute, claimants are limited to filing only one claim with a number of relevant documents. As a general rule, claimsthe VCF, but VCF policy allows claims to be amended at any are reviewed in first in, first out order based on the datetime before the program closes in 2090 if the claimant suffers the claim was submitted. The timeframe for processinga new injury or incurs a new and previously uncompensated depends on the type and complexity of the claim, whetherloss. Claimants are also allowed to appeal in the case of the documents needed to evaluate the claim have beenan eligibility denial, or if the individual believes the award submitted, and other factors.calculation did not properly account for the individual circumstances in the claim. Hearings are non-adversarial and The VCF reviews claims in two phases: eligibility and compensation. For eligibility, the VCF reviews the claim to determine whether the claimant is eligible to receive compensation under the law. This includes assessing whether the claim was timely registered; the claimant has sufficiently proven that he or she was present at one of the attack sites or in the New York City Exposure Zone (Manhattan, south of Canal Street); the claimant suffers from an eligible physical injury or condition as certified or verified by the WTC Health Program; and the claimant has properly complied with the Acts requirements that any 9/11-related lawsuit be properly settled or dismissed. On Compensation Determinations For compensation, all awards are individually calculated based on the specific circumstances of the claim. The VCF WINTER 2019 / 2020 IBM Center for The Business of Government 11'