- How do I submit a claim?
If you request a claim through this website on the Request a Claim Package page or if you provide your contact information to a
Call Center agent by calling 1-888-508-4429, you will receive a Claim Package from the Claims Administrator. You will need to complete the Claim Package and submit it to the
Claims Administrator before the deadline of March 25, 2013 to begin the claims process.
Once you receive the package, there will be additional information on the next steps to complete.
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- What kind of documentation will I be required to provide?
Details of the documentation needed will be in the Claim Package.
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- If I filed a Civil Rights complaint with USDA and provided documents, do I have to provide them again?
Yes. All information for this process will have to be provided by you directly to the Claims Administrator based on the instructions in the Claim Package, which must be followed very carefully.
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- Is there a deadline to submit a claim?
Yes. The deadline will be 180 days after the USDA publicly announces the start of the Claims Period. Your Claim Package will specify the deadline for filing a claim.
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- Does it cost anything to submit a claim?
No, there are no fees or charges for you to receive a Claim Package or to submit your claim.
The Claim Package will include documentation regarding eligibility, the steps for you to take to file a claim, and the Administrator’s contact information for processing inquiries.
The Claims Administrator cannot offer you legal advice.
You may consult with counsel or other legal service providers in your community.
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- Where should I send my claim package, documents or correspondence?
Please include the case name (“Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers”), your name, your Tracking Number and return address on all correspondence. The mailing address is:
Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Administrator
PO Box 4540
Portland, OR 97208-4540
Please be sure to keep a copy of any document that you mail to us.
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- May I provide documents by fax or email?
No, all documents, claim forms and other correspondence should be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
Please be sure to keep a copy of any document that you mail to us.
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- How do I submit a claim?
The claims period will run from September 24, 2012 until March 25, 2013. You must submit a complete Claim Package, including all required documents, within that period.
The Claims Administrator will determine whether you submitted a timely and complete Claim Package.
The Claims Administrator’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
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- What kind of documentation will I be required to provide?
Details are provided in the Claim Package.
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- Is there a deadline to submit a claim?
Yes, your claim must be postmarked on or before March 25, 2013.
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- Does it cost anything to submit a claim?
No, there are no fees or charges for you to receive a Claim Package or to submit your claim. The Claim Package will include documentation regarding eligibility,
the steps for you to take to file a claim, and the Claims Administrator's contact information for processing inquiries.
The USDA or the Claims Administrator cannot offer you legal advice. If you have questions, you may consult with a lawyer or another legal service provider.
However, if you consult your own lawyer, you will be responsible for any fees incurred.
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- How can I get assistance filing a claim?
Lawyers or legal aid organizations may be of assistance to you in filing a claim. Neither USDA nor the Claims Administrator is permitted to complete the Claim Package for you or provide you with legal advice.
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- Can I change my Tier Election?
No, once a claim is submitted you may not change your Tier Election.
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- Can I submit additional information/documents that I believe will affect the outcome of my claim?
You may submit additional information prior to the Claims Deadline. However, if your claim has moved onto the Claims Adjudicator, we cannot guarantee that it will be taken into consideration.
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- Will I have a chance to correct any errors or omissions on my claim?
If there are errors or omissions on your timely Claim Form, the Claims Administrator will notify you in writing that your Claim Package is incomplete and you will have 30 days to provide the missing information.
Failure to provide the information within that time frame will result in the denial of your claim.
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- I received a letter stating that the Claims Adjudicator had additional questions or needs additional documents from me. What does this mean?
This is not an acceptance or denial of your claim and only means that the Claims Adjudicator would like additional information in order to fully understand and review your claim.
Please provide the requested information as soon as possible.
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