SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND UPDATE;
CLAIMS CAN BE FILED UNTIL DECEMBER 22 OF THIS YEAR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has received to date more than 2,191 claims and paid out $ 565,120,869, Compensation Fund Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg announced today. The Fund was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Bush on September 24, 2001.

The average amount of compensation paid to date to the families of those who died on September 11 is $1,518,167. Individual compensation amounts have ranged from $250,000 to $6.1 million. Those physically injured as a result of the attacks have received Fund compensation ranging from $500.00 to $6.8 million.

"By all accounts, the Fund has proven to be a success in achieving the aims of Congress and the Administration - to provide financial relief to those who suffered such terrible losses on that tragic day," said Feinberg.

The deadline for filing a claim is December 22, 2003. Only claims filed by the deadline will be processed. The Special Master anticipates that all eligible claims will be processed and paid by June 15, 2004.

"It is, therefore, vitally important that all eligible claimants submit an application as soon as possible," Feinberg added. "We will process all completed applications immediately and authorize payment from the United States Treasury."

The Special Master anticipates that nearly 1,700 additional families who lost loved ones will file before December 22 with the Fund.

"My staff will make every effort between now and December 22 to encourage all eligible claimants to file with the Fund. Working with victims' rights groups, lawyers, family members and friends, we are determined to reach all family members and provide them assistance during this very difficult time."

Feinberg, a Washington, D.C. attorney specializing in mediation, arbitration and negotiation, was named on November 26, 2001 by Attorney General John Ashcroft to oversee the Fund. He is a former administrative assistant to Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, served as Special Counsel to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York City and was appointed a Special Settlement Master in the Agent Orange litigation.

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