Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that the shutdown of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was discussed at a September 28, 2015 meeting of the [Victims Compensation Fund](http://www.vcf.gov/pdf/LawFirmMeetingSept2015.pdf). The meeting discussed policies and procedures related to the final October 3, 2016 filing deadline. According to VCF documents, the program is required to shut down as of October 3, 2017. The final claim must be submitted by October 3, 2016; no documents or information will be accepted past this date except for appeals forms with completed Pre-Hearing Questionnaires or a change in payment information of change or payee if the claimant passes away.
The VCF document indicates that, while claim submissions can go on until October 2, 2016, the VCF has set a March 1, 2016 deadline for submissions that it can guarantee it can respond to prior to the shutdown. Any submissions made after the March 1, 2016 date potentially will not be responded to by the VCF prior to a decision being made on the eligibility and/or award. .The processing of all remaining undecided claims and amendments will begin on October 4, 2016. Hearings will be held from January through March 2017. Post-hearing determinations will be made during this time, as well. From April through October 2, 2017 Complete Administrative Shutdown will take place and Final Payments will be calculated and issued.
Parker Waichman comments that the VCF, along with the WTC Health Program, is crucial for many sick responders and survivors. This shut down meeting is another reminder that Congress needs to permanently extend the Zadroga Act," said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. After everything these heroes have sacrificed, they and their families must not be forgotten."
The VCF is one of two programs established through the Zadroga Act. The other program is the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring to responders and survivors. If Congress does not take action, these programs will expire starting this fall. Funding for the WTC Health Program is slated to end in October 2015 and the VCF is set to expire in October 2016. The WTC Health Program monitors over 70,000 people and treats 33,000. If the program is not renewed, cash reserves will be used to keep the program running into next year before it ends entirely.
The firm comments that it continues to fight alongside other 9/11 advocates to reauthorize the Zadroga Act. Keeping these benefits available can help save lives." said Mr. McCauley.
Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clientsother responders and survivors. This September, Mr. McCauley joined in a lobbying effort that included Jon Stewart, former host of The Daily Show"; Ben Chevat, executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the Zadroga Act; John Feal of the FealGood Foundation; Richard Alles, Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Deputy Chief and Board Member of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act; other FDNY members; survivors, some ailing; family members; and other advocates. The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman was recently involved in the Take Action" tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review their Congresspersons' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, and urges everyone to access the tool and get a message to Congress. The Tool may be accessed at: [Renew 911 Health Organization's website](http://www.renew911health.org/coalition-organizations/).
Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure all of the Zadroga Act compensation deserved is received. To determine compensation eligibility under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit [Parker Waichman's website](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
