9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Formula

What is the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund formula?

The 9/11 victim compensation fund formula is generally as follows: Non-Economic Losses + Economic Losses – Collateral Offsets = Award Amount.

While every individual’s claim is different depending on their individual circumstances, this is a standard calculation used for everyone who has an eligible condition to file a claim.

The 9/11 victim compensation fund formula looks straightforward, but in reality, filing for a claim is a very complex process.

The actual series of calculations are several pages in length. Approvals aren’t automatic.

However, an experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorney can guide you through this intricate process to increase your chances you'll qualify for a VCF award and most importantly, obtain the maximum amount of compensation.

To learn more about how VCF awards are calculated, visit: How much am I eligible to be awarded from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?

What are non-economic losses?

In legal terms, non-economic losses are what is called “pain and suffering.” The two types of non-economic loss awards recognized by the VCF are non-economic loss for death and non-economic loss for injury.

Generally speaking, to qualify for a VCF award, an individual must have a cancer diagnosis (over 75 different forms of cancer are now recognized), a respiratory illness or other related medical conditions.

If an individual has unfortunately died as a result of his/her illness, an award can be granted to the estate.

What are economic losses?

Losses an individual suffers due to a direct result of a physical injury are categorized as economic losses. This type of loss includes both earnings lost before filing for a VCF claim and any future earning losses expected.

Factors taken into consideration when examined by the VCF include age, income, disability percentage, date of the onset of the disability, and if the claimant had employer-provided benefits.

If an individual is permanently disabled as a result of their 9/11 related illness, a claim can be made for loss of earnings through what would have been their normal retirement age.

What are collateral offsets?

The third piece of the VCF compensation formula is collateral offsets, also referred to as collateral source payments. These are the benefits an individual receives from different sources.

These payments or funds are subtracted from the claimant’s losses and include , disability insurance payments, and death benefits, and, in the case of death, life insurance proceeds.

Claimants do not have to deduct charitable gifts or services, donations received from charities that were privately funded, or federal tax benefits provided by the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act because these are not considered to be collateral source payments.

However, they do have to list payments from government sources (i.e. Social Security Disability, and Workers’ Compensation) and subtract them as collateral offsets.

Generally, receiving a VCF payout does not affect these types of benefits you are already receiving.

Contact us today to learn how the VCF formula could impact your claim

Registering with the VCF and subsequently filing a claim to demonstrate non-economic losses, economic losses, and collateral offsets aren’t enough to qualify for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Your 9/11 VCF claim will be reviewed for eligibility before going further.

Any mistakes or omissions in the documentation process can cause significant delays in the claim process or a denial of your claim.

The attorneys at Cannata, Hendele & Cannata are experienced and compassionate 9/11 lawyers, dedicated to helping those affected by September 11th understand the VCF claim process and get the financial compensation they deserve.

Since the original fund was established, our law firm has successfully obtained over $300 million for the people in the 9/11 community.

Call us today at 888-982-8428 to learn more about the VCF compensation formula or to obtain general information about the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.