Expedited Process Announced
Expedited Process Announced For Small Business Fire Claims of $10,000 or Less
Release Date: March 27, 2001
Release Number: HQ-01-CG15
SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Office of Cerro Grande Fire Claims (OCGFC) and the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce today announced new streamlined procedures to expedite small business loss claims. Businesses with gross losses from the fire of $10,000 or less may elect to file their claim under the expedited process or under the normal claims procedures.
"This is one more step in our continued commitment to provide prompt, efficient service to the people and businesses affected by the Cerro Grande fire," OCGFC Director Don Erbach said. "We encourage anyone who qualifies to take advantage of the expedited process."
Claimants who believe they are eligible for the streamlined process are advised to make an appointment with the OCGFC business claims specialist, who is specifically trained to assist small businesses fill out a simple application. It will take approximately one hour for the claimant and the specialist to review and sign the simplified application. An authorized official will review the claim within 24 hours and determine the amount of final compensation. The complete processing will take four or five days. Checks can be delivered to most claimants within three weeks.
"I am delighted with this simplified claims procedure. It enables small claimants the ability to be funded quickly and efficiently," said Susan Musgrave, executive director of the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce.
Claimants who elect to participate in the expedited process must agree to provide additional documentation in the event their claim is selected for the standard review that is normally required of claimants. Businesses must repay any overpayment that the review might reveal.
Business losses will be based on historical patterns or trends. The method and period of time will be determined on a case-by-case basis. It could be based on the last two or three years earnings or the same month(s) in previous years. The method used will be the most reasonable for the type of business and other factors that affect the business.
New claimants are encouraged to use the simplified process when submitting their claim. Claimants who are not notified, but believe they are eligible, should contact the their claims reviewer.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Dec-2003 13:43:30