New York State Aid

Q: What is the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund?

The New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund was established by Governor Pataki on September 14, 2001 to assist the families of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and of the terrorist-related plane crash in rural Pennsylvania. World Trade Center Fund distributions began on November 20, 2001, and will continue until the entire fund is distributed. World Trade Center Fund eligibility information and applications can be obtained by calling toll-free (866) 244-3839. Those living outside of the U.S. or Canada should call (518) 457-3308. Applications can also be obtained on the internet at www.helping.org/wtc/ny/nystate.htm.

Who is eligible to receive money from the World Trade Center Fund?

The surviving spouse or domestic partner of each victim is entitled to receive $10,000. Any surviving child of the victim who is 21 years of age or younger is entitled to receive $5,000. Surviving children over the age of 21 will be eligible for $5,000 each if they can establish the victim was the source of at least 50 percent of his/her financial support. If there is no surviving spouse, partner or child eligible for an award, the parents or parent of a victim will receive $10,000. If none of the other situations exist, any individual who can establish that the victim provided at least 50% of his or her financial support will receive $10,000.

Where do I send my completed application, including any necessary supporting documentation?

New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund Processing Center
P.O. Box 5048
Albany, NY 12205-0048

What benefits does the New York State Crime Victims Board provide?

The Crime Victims Board (CVB) provides emergency awards for personally injured victims and families of missing or deceased victims. It will also pay for counseling for those who witnessed the WTC disaster, for family members of victims, and for recovery workers at the scene. It typically pays loss of earnings or support up to $30,000, some medical expenses and rehabilitative and occupational training. The CVB may pay up to $500 for personal property. The CVB can be reached at (800) 579-9541.

What awards are available to be given out by the NYS Crime Victims Board on an emergency basis ?

Awards can be given on an emergency basis for loss of earnings or support (based on the number of weeks the earnings/support has been lost due to the crime), and for reasonable burial and funeral expenses. Locally sponsored CVB programs (see below) or CVB itself can give emergency awards.

Loss of earnings or support is based on the actual loss of the victim's net salary up to a total lifetime cap per event of $30,000. Any person who pays for the funeral is eligible for compensation, and it is not necessary that there be a family relationship.

All collateral source payments (such as workers' compensation, social security) will be deducted from the final award. Life insurance is not a collateral source for purposes of the state aid.

An application for emergency funds automatically triggers an application for non-emergency benefits.

What is the procedure for obtaining these emergency benefits?

CVB workers are assisting claimants in determining eligibility, filling out applications, and obtaining emergency benefits on a walk-in basis at 55 Hanson Place, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (718) 923-4325.

Locally sponsored CVB programs and locations are also issuing Emergency Awards on behalf of the CVB. Call (800) 247-8035 to be connected with the location nearest to you.

If eligible, you may receive the emergency check immediately at 55 Hanson Place or within 24 hours at any other location where you apply.

NY State Crime Victims Board Claim Application and Affidavit (Personal Injury or Death Claim) can be downloaded from www.cvb.state.ny.us and sent to:

NY State Crime Victims Board
845 Central Ave, Ste. 107
Albany, NY 12206-1588

The application must be notarized. Notary services are available at many pharmacies, store front offices, banks, and the Family Assistance Center. Photo identification will generally be required in order to have a document notarized.

How do I demonstrate loss of support and eligibility?

The spouse and children of a person who died at the WTC disaster are eligible for loss of support compensation. Spouse or children in the same household of the victim need only show the victim's income at the time of death. Separated/divorced spouses or children receiving child support may have to show the amount of any court-ordered support. Parents and grandparents may be eligible if they are able to prove any actual support they received from the victim.

Any person other than a spouse or dependent child of the victim would have to show that his or her principal support was received from the victim.

Documentation for loss of support includes proof of employment (such as pay stub of victim, past tax returns) and for those who do not have the same last name and same address as the deceased or injured person, also:

• Marriage license or certificate;
• Birth certificates of children; and
• Proof of child support.

Who is eligible for loss of earnings and how can it be documented?

Loss of earnings will be paid directly to victims injured in the WTC disaster, if the injury has left him or her unable to work. Also, if you are receiving other benefits for loss of earnings or still receiving a salary due to sick leave benefits, you may not be eligible for this award.

Required documentation for loss of earnings include proof of employment (such as pay stub, past tax returns) and proof and estimated period of physical disability (physician's letter).

What should I bring to claim funeral expenses from the CVB and is there a limit to the amount I can claim?

You should bring a completed CVB claim application, which can be downloaded from www.fema.gov, a copy of the notarized death affidavit, your photo identification, statement of funeral goods and services, and a final bill. There is no maximum amount, but expenses should be reasonable.

I have expenses or needs that do not seem to be covered by my insurance or any other funding or program. Am I eligible for any other assistance?

NY State Individual and Family Grant Program

The New York Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program was established by the NY State Department of Labor to assist individuals and families with certain "necessary expenses" or other "serious needs" caused by the WTC disaster that are not adequately covered by private insurance or other disaster relief programs. If you have been affected by the WTC disaster, you may be eligible for funding to help you obtain services or items such as housing, clothing, furnishings, transportation, medical services, funeral expenses, transportation or housing repairs, or flood insurance.

To be eligible for IFG funding for particular expenses or needs, applicants must first seek funding from the following other sources in the order they are listed, and such sources must either be unavailable or inadequate for the particular needs for which applicants are seeking funding before seeking funding from the IFG:

• Volunteer emergency assistance agencies (such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army);
• Insurance;
• Disaster Housing Assistance (FEMA); and
• Small Business Administration (SBA).

For additional information and to apply for IFG funding, call the NY State Department of Labor at (800) 447-3939 or (800) 666-1220 (TTY) (24 hours a day).

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and child health plus members whose normal medical needs have been interrupted by the disaster should contact the Federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Administration on Aging hotline at (800) 331-7767 or (866) 446-3507 (TTY).

Issues affecting the elderly or senior citizens

Contact the New York State Office for the Aging at (800) 342-9871, as well as various legal services organizations such as the City Bar Fund Community Outreach Law Program--Elderlaw Project, at (212) 382-6708, Legal Services for New York (LSNY) at (212) 431-7200, the Legal Aid Society at (718) 722-3100 and Bronx Legal Services-Office of the Elderly at 718-220-0030. Get basic information on these and other helpful organizations at www.lawhelp.org.

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