For Survivors
See also General FAQs and FAQs for Individual Requesters/Recipients | Representatives | Administrators or Executors of Estates
See the Types of Eligible Requesters to determine if you qualify as a survivor of a deceased injured countermeasure recipient.
What types of compensation does the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) provide to survivors when the injured countermeasure recipient has died?
A survivor death benefit is available only to the survivor(s) of an individual who received a covered countermeasure and died as a result of injuries from the covered countermeasure.
The CICP is the payer of last resort and can only pay a death benefit after other third-party payers have disbursed death benefits.
Learn more about the Types of Benefits available.
How do I file for CICP benefits if I am a survivor (such as a family member or dependent) of a deceased injured countermeasure recipient?
If you are a survivor of a deceased countermeasure recipient, you must submit the following:
- A completed Request for Benefits Form filed within one (1) year of the receipt of the covered countermeasure.
- A death certificate for the deceased injured countermeasure recipient. If the death certificate is not available, then a survivor must submit a letter providing the reasons why it is not available.
- Documentation showing you are an eligible survivor, such as a birth or marriage certificate.
- If not previously submitted, the deceased injured countermeasure recipient’s complete medical records, including primary care visits, specialists, consultations, hospitalizations, as well as the immunization record in the case of vaccine injuries.
- Any other documentation to show that the deceased person had received a covered countermeasure and sustained a covered injury.
You must submit medical records dating back one year prior to the receipt of the covered countermeasure until the time of death, so that the CICP can assess the deceased injured countermeasure recipient’s total health picture.
You must also complete an Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information Form for each healthcare provider (e.g. doctor, specialist, hospital) the deceased injured countermeasure recipient saw during the time frame indicated above and request that they send the records to the CICP. You must also submit a duplicate copy of each Form to the CICP so that the Program knows which medical records to expect. If the healthcare provider(s) prefers that you request medical records using their own authorization form, the CICP will accept a copy of that form.
For security reasons, the CICP does not accept medical records sent by email.
The CICP will not begin a medical review until all records are received.
Learn more about How to File for CICP benefits.
How much time does it take to process a Request for Benefits?
The time it takes to process a Request for Benefits varies by case. When medical records are required to be submitted for a deceased injured countermeasure recipient, the case review can begin when the CICP receives all of the expected medical records. If the survivor is not required to submit medical records because the records have been previously submitted, the case review can begin when all new required documents are received. A delay in sending complete medical records or documents to the CICP will delay the processing of the case. Once all of the medical records and/or other documents are submitted, the case will be put in queue to be reviewed. Since a thorough, individualized review is required to determine eligibility, the time it takes for the CICP to process a Request for Benefits depends on the complexity of the case. The CICP will communicate with you periodically to provide updates on the status of the case or to request information that may be missing.
Is an attorney required to file for benefits with the CICP?
No. The CICP is not authorized to provide reimbursement for attorneys’ fees. You may elect to use an attorney; however, you would be responsible for any costs incurred from using one.
Learn more about How to File for CICP benefits.
Can I file in both the CICP and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) as the survivor of someone who I believe died as the result of a covered countermeasure and vaccine?
Yes. If a deceased injured countermeasure recipient received a vaccine or countermeasure covered under the CICP and also received vaccine covered under the VICP, but you are unsure which vaccine may have caused his/her injury, then you may file in either or both programs. Depending on the circumstances, you may not receive compensation from either or both programs.
The CICP covers several vaccines and countermeasures designated for use during pandemic, epidemic, and security threats. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) covers vaccines that are recommended for routine use.
Learn more about CICP Covered Countermeasures or the VICP .
What if I miss the filing deadline?
If the original Request for Benefits is postmarked more than one (1) year after the deceased injured countermeasure recipient received a covered countermeasure, the survivor(s) will be ineligible for CICP benefits. In some cases, an immunization record is required to establish the date of the countermeasure administration.
If you miss the filing deadline, you may request reconsideration of the case. Requests for reconsideration must be received in writing within 60 days of the CICP’s determination of ineligibility, and mailed to:
Health Resources and Services Administration
Associate Administrator, Healthcare Systems Bureau
5600 Fishers Lane
8N164B
Rockville, MD 20857
What if the CICP determines that I am not eligible for benefits?
If the CICP determines that the case does not qualify for benefits, you may request reconsideration of your case. Requests for reconsideration must be received in writing within 60 days of the CICP’s determination of ineligibility, and mailed to:
Health Resources and Services Administration
Associate Administrator, Healthcare Systems Bureau
5600 Fishers Lane
8N164B
Rockville, MD 20857
CICP Fact Sheet
Download the CICP fact sheet (PDF - 156 KB)
Contact Us
cicp@hrsa.gov
1-855-266-2427 (1-855-266-CICP)
For your security, please do not send any personal information (Social Security Number, medical, legal, or financial documents, etc.) by email to the Program.
Please call the above number and you will receive information on sending emails safely and securely.