In the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, volunteers lined up to support recovery efforts at World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania sites. Hundreds of thousands of survivors, volunteers and first responders were exposed to toxic contaminants, risks of traumatic injury and stressful conditions in the months following the attacks. In the aftermath, numerous survivor and responder benefit programs for medical monitoring and treatment of health conditions directly related to the 9/11 attacks have been established.
Update
On September 11, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an interim final rule expanding eligibility for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. This rule extends health benefits to new beneficiaries who responded to the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Under this expanded eligibility, individuals who served during the response efforts—including federal employees, contractors, and members of the uniformed services—are now eligible for medical monitoring and treatment through the WTC Health Program. This new rule addresses previous coverage gaps for responders at the Pentagon and Shanksville, ensuring they receive care for health conditions related to their service.
For more details on eligibility and enrollment, please refer to the interim final rule (42 CFR Part 88) or reach out to the WTC Health Program at WTC@cdc.gov or call 1-888-982-4748.
Overview of Benefit and Compensation Programs
CBP encourages current and former employees who were survivors, first responders, recovery and clean-up workers and volunteers to explore the various programs that may provide health and compensation benefits for those who meet the requirements. You may qualify for benefits from one or more of these programs.
World Trade Center Health Program
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program replaced the Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program and WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program in 2011. The WTC Health Program, authorized through 2090, is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It offers no-cost medical monitoring and treatment to eligible survivors and responders who were there during and after the attacks. Visit the WTCHP website or call their toll-free number at (888) 982-4748 to learn more.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) closed in 2004 but was re-opened and expanded in 2011. VCF, authorized through 2090, is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. It provides financial compensation to eligible individuals (or their beneficiaries) harmed as a result of the attacks or recovery efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of the aircraft crashes. Visit the VCF website or call their toll-free number at (855) 885-1555 to learn more.
CBP Employment Verification Process for 9/11 Programs
CBP assists current, retired and former employees (or their beneficiary) in obtaining CBP employment verification documents required to apply for 9/11 benefits.
Current CBP Employees
As a current CBP employee, you can:
- Contact your respective human resources office to obtain verification documents.
- Access your Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) to obtain the appropriate SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
- File a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) portal.
Former or Retired CBP Employees
As a former or retired CBP employee, you can:
- File a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) portal. CBP will provide your eOPF information to FOIA.
- Request your personnel documents from the National Personnel Records Center if an eOPF is unavailable.
FOIA Request Support
If you are having issues with filing a FOIA request, please contact the FOIA Help Desk (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time) toll free at (844) 238-7744 or via Email Support. Please note, the Help Desk cannot answer questions regarding the status of a FOIA request.