9/11 Notice Act

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Under the 9/11 Notice Act, employers have specific requirements to inform both past and present employees who faced exposures from the 9/11 zone about their eligibility to receive enhanced benefits, including free healthcare as well as compensation. This is done through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

At Pitta & Baione LLP, our legal team is well-versed in this area of the law. We have dedicated our practice to providing victims with the support they need as they navigate the complexities of life after their experience. If you were in the Lower Manhattan area from September 11, 2001, through July 31, 2002, contact us for a free case evaluation.

What Is the 9/11 Notice Act?

The 9/11 Notice Act was signed into law by Governor Hochul in 2023 and took effect in 2024. It requires that businesses located within the disaster zone of the tragic attack provide information and warnings to employees about their rights. Those who were in this area during the aftermath of 9/11 may be eligible for free medical treatment and medication through the World Trade Center Health Program and financial compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

These programs provide those who experienced devastation and trauma during that period with access to medical care as well as compensation for their losses, including due to World Trade Center-related illnesses. This coverage includes no-cost medical monitoring as well as treatment for conditions related to that event.

When Did the 9/11 Notice Act Go into Effect?

The 9/11 Notice Act went into effect in September 2024. From that date forward, any business operating within the defined disaster area with 50 or more employees must take action to notify those employees of these services.

How Does the 9/11 Notice Act Help 9/11 Survivors and Workers?

This requirement helps those in the disaster zone learn about critical support programs available to them. With more than 300,000 people who were exposed to the Ground Zero zone after 9/11, the risk to the health and well-being of those individuals is very high.

These programs were established to help ensure those who were impacted could receive critical healthcare monitoring that could reveal health risks related to their exposure. Compensation for illnesses such as cancer and other losses developing from that exposure can be a critical lifeline for survivors. With access to these programs, you may be able to get the care you need to pursue ongoing support for your care, and that could protect your life.

Who Must Be Notified Under the 9/11 Notice Act?

The 9/11 Notice Act does not grant new benefits but rather requires employers to notify their employees of the existing federal benefits programs. This includes people who:

Took part in rescue operations
Helped with recovery or cleanup efforts
Lived, worked, or attended school in the affected disaster zones
Were present in or around the World Trade Center area on 9/11

If you were in any of these groups, your employer may be legally obligated to inform you of your potential exposure. This notification can help you understand your eligibility for federal health programs, such as the World Trade Center Health Program or the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which are available to those facing related health issues and will remain federally funded through 2090.

How to File a Claim with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

To file a claim for benefits, if you meet the previously noted eligibility requirements, you will also need to have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related health condition that is certified under the World Trade Center Health program.

Our attorneys work very closely with those who fall into these parameters to help them recover for the losses they have experienced. Registration is a complex process, but it is a critical step in ensuring you receive compensation owed to you after this event. We will make sure your application and registration are completed on time, and we’ll work to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available to you under the law.

Average Compensation for 9/11 Victims

Determining an average award in 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) cases is challenging, as each claim hinges on the nature of the illness, economic losses, and supporting documentation. But the data provides useful benchmarks, such as how the VCF has awarded over $16.7 billion in compensation across more than 103,522 claims as of September 30, 2025.

Why Actual Awards Vary Widely

These averages mask the broad range of outcomes. Some key reasons for variation include:

1 The VCF caps non‑economic (pain and suffering) awards: up to $250,000 for a single solid cancer, up to $340,000 for multiple cancers, and up to $90,000 for most non‑cancer conditions.
2 Economic damages like lost wages, medical costs, and household services are calculated individually and based on submitted evidence.
3 Collateral offsets (such as life insurance, disability benefits, or prior awards) reduce the final award.
4 The severity, number of conditions, and functional impact of illness all influence the maximum possible award.

How to Receive Free Healthcare Under the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

If you are struggling with your health due to these exposures, you deserve access to the healthcare necessary to preserve your well-being. You may be owed monitoring, treatment, and medication for any of over 70 cancers, aerodigestive disorders, lung diseases, and numerous other conditions related to exposure. This program also covers post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological conditions brought on.

If you are accepted into the program, you can receive free healthcare services for your condition at Clinical Centers of Excellence located throughout the New York City metro area.

How Can a Lawyer Help with a 9/11 Benefits Claim?

Our legal team is ready to help you. Qualifying and filing a compensation claim is not simple in these situations. We will help you with:

Gathering proof of presence that you were exposed
Meeting all certification requirements under the program
Managing all critical deadlines associated with the process
Reducing your emotional burdens by ensuring we handle the details for you
Supporting you in any appeals needed

With the help of an attorney, you gain clear guidance on what your legal options are. We provide you with compassionate support throughout this process as well.

The 9/11 Solidarity Network

The 9/11 Notice Act represents progress in ensuring victims and their families are informed, but awareness alone is not enough when the records that are required to file claims have been lost over decades. That is why we established the 9/11 Solidarity Network, empowering thousands of New York union members to support each other by providing sworn witness presence statements – a form of secondary evidence the WTCHP and VCF consider when primary records are unavailable.

Talk to a Lawyer for Help with Your 9/11 Benefits Claim

If you believe you qualify, contact us. With the help of our legal team at Pitta & Baione LLP, you will know what your rights are, and you will have access to the support you need to pursue fair compensation.

Eligible
for Compensation?

No one should have to bear the costs of battling a 9/11 cancer or illness alone. It only takes a few minutes to see if you may be eligible for free healthcare benefits and other compensation. Having a lawyer by your side can help you maximize the benefits you receive, and ensure your rights are protected.

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More Testimonials

My claim was a long and slow process however Pitta & Baione was thorough and was able to complete it. Thank you to Lian, Carman, Yichun & the rest of the team!
As a Pentagon responder, I spent decades excluded from the World Trade Center Health Program because of a technical loophole. When I met Matt Baione, he became not only my attorney but my partner in the long effort to fix that injustice. Together, we worked on a legislative and press advocacy campaign to close the gap in the law that prevented Pent...

As a Pentagon responder, I spent decades excluded from the World Trade Center Health Program because of a technical loophole. When I met Matt Baione, he became not only my attorney but my partner in the long effort to fix that injustice. Together, we worked on a legislative and press advocacy campaign to close the gap in the law that prevented Pentagon responders like me from getting the care we needed. Once the law was changed, Matt guided me through WTCHP enrollment and helped me finally get access to doctors who understood 9/11 exposures and the conditions that come with them. After years of being misdiagnosed and dismissed by physicians unfamiliar with 9/11 illnesses, I finally received real answers and effective treatment. Matt then represented me personally at my VCF hearing and secured my award. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment have been exceptional at every step. After decades of struggling, I finally received both the medical support and the recognition I should have always been entitled to — and that is directly because of Matt’s work. I recommend him and his firm with the highest confidence. The result is that I finally got the treatment I needed, and my symptoms are improving. Matt stepped into this matter just as I was going to give up. He was tenacious. He was knowledgeable. He was energetic. He was relentless. The outcome was better than I had hoped. You cannot go wrong with Matt Baione as your counsel.

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The people there are very attentive and knowledgeable, they were very patient and understanding. We worked with Su Ying and she was very professional and helpful. Thank you to Su for all her help! - Ying
(Translated by Google) Bai An Law Firm has earned its excellent reputation in the industry precisely because of dedicated, wise, and compassionate legal professionals like Attorney Su Ying. They are not only guardians of the law but also practitioners of social trust and justice. (Original) 白安律师事务所正是因为有像苏莹律师这样...

(Translated by Google) Bai An Law Firm has earned its excellent reputation in the industry precisely because of dedicated, wise, and compassionate legal professionals like Attorney Su Ying. They are not only guardians of the law but also practitioners of social trust and justice. (Original) 白安律师事务所正是因为有像苏莹律师这样敬业、睿智又充满人文关怀的法律人，才能在业内树立起良好的口碑。他们不仅是法律的守护者，更是社会信任与公义的实践者。

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(Translated by Google) I would like to thank every staff member of the legal team for their help and their diligent and responsible work. Thank you! (Original) 感谢律师团队的每一位工作人员对我的帮助，工作认真负责，谢谢！
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Pitta & Baione LLP has been helping my mom with her case. I can't say enough great things about them. They are professional and have always answered our questions timely and respectfully. They even have lawyers that speak Cantonese so my mom can understand what was happening throughout the whole process. I'd like to really thank Carman He, Yichun Luo, and Yan Lian Kuang- Maoga, Esq. This dynamic team made us very satisfied with choosing Pitta & Baione LLP.

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I am incredibly grateful for the assistance provided by Pitta & Baione LLP with my VCF case. The process is far from trivial, but they made it very clear and spared no effort in explaining each step to me. Everyone I interacted with—Latesha, Steffany, Patrick, Mr. Baione, and many others—were extremely professional, empathetic, and detail-o...

I am incredibly grateful for the assistance provided by Pitta & Baione LLP with my VCF case. The process is far from trivial, but they made it very clear and spared no effort in explaining each step to me. Everyone I interacted with—Latesha, Steffany, Patrick, Mr. Baione, and many others—were extremely professional, empathetic, and detail-oriented. Their preparation, thoroughness, and responsiveness were remarkable. I felt guided and well-informed throughout every step of this complex VCF process. Thanks to the team's professionalism and competency, we achieved the best possible outcome. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of their services, so don’t hesitate to give them a call!

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I had a wonderful experience. I was recommended to Steffany Polanco and she has been wonderful since the first phone call. I was with Barash and Mcgrary and they did absolutely nothing for me, I was on my own! Steffany was amazing. I can’t say enough about her.
Pitta & BAIONE is a phenomenal law firm. Each member assisted me throughout the process with kindness, patience and understanding. I sincerely appreciate all the firm has done for me and my family.
(Translated by Google) This law firm does a great job and deserves praise, recommendation and trust. (Original) 這個律師樓做得非常好，👍值得点赞，推荐和信赖。
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A special thank you to the team from Pitta & Baione and especially Patrick Hewes for all your hard work on my case to date. Patrick is a pleasure to work with and an exceptional professional; responsive, thorough, and empathetic. He has been a strong advocate for me from the beginning and has provided sound and cogent advice and guidance throug...

A special thank you to the team from Pitta & Baione and especially Patrick Hewes for all your hard work on my case to date. Patrick is a pleasure to work with and an exceptional professional; responsive, thorough, and empathetic. He has been a strong advocate for me from the beginning and has provided sound and cogent advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Patrick fought vigorously for me, while being patient, respectful, and polite to all individuals he encountered on my behalf. I strongly recommend Patrick and the entire team from Pitta & Baione and look forward to continuing to work with you.

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