Sen. Gillibrand: 'Clock Is Ticking' On Enrollment For 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There are just 11 days left to register for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
"The clock is ticking and time is running out," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said on Monday. "You have to receive the compensation that is due."
Anyone who worked on lived near the World Trade Center on or after Sept. 11, 2001 and was exposed to the toxic dust is eligible to sign up ahead of the Oct. 3 deadline.
'Sen. Gillibrand: 'Clock Is Ticking' On Enrollment For 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Special Master Sheila Birnbaum said anyone can sign up, whether they're sick now or not.
"If you're not sure that you fit into all the criteria, register," said Birnbaum. "There's $2.77 billion in the fund."
LINK: 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
As WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, registering preserves the right to file a claim if you become sick in the next three years.
There are now 36,000 people registered for the fund following a recent surge.
"There have been about over 5,000 in the last two weeks that have registered," said Birnbaum.
Other local lawmakers have in recent months urged workers, residents and families of victims to register for the fund.
Those enrolled in any of the World Trade Center medical programs must also register for the Victim Compensation Fund to be eligible.
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