The New York Daily News reported today that families of those who died in the September 11th terrorist attacks will receive a minimum of $250,000 if they apply for compensation with the special Federal victims' fund. The $250,000 minimum payment is meant to compensate for the pain and suffering loved ones endured. Additional economic loss payments will be determined through a special formula that takes into account the deceased's age, income, and family status.

Kenneth Feinberg, the fund's director, will allow fiancés, illegitimate children, and same-sex partners to submit benefit claims. Feinberg announced that the first payment installments would come in the form of $50,000 checks to families of victims who died and $25,000 to those seriously injured during the attacks. Fund rules stipulate that victims may seek compensation from the fund or sue in Federal court, but they cannot do both.