90-day doubletalk...

The "Protocol" seems very clear.  We "presented" our claims to the local gccf office on Dec 20.  90 days is Mar 20.  A gccf 800# rep then told us that 90 days begins when they receive and enter the claim in Ohio.  For us, received Jan 4, 90 days being April 4. 

"Gulf Coast Claims Facility Protocol
for Interim and Final Claims
February 8, 2011

V. REVIEW PROCEDURES

A. Determination of Claims

1. After an Interim Claim or a Final Claim is presented, the GCCF shall determine within 90 days whether to make a payment to the Claimant and if so the amount of such payment."

We spoke with another 800# gccf rep yesterday who told us that the 90 days begins, not when a claim is presented, as the protocol states, but when a claim is "substantiated", as put forth in the "FAQ" as follows...

"Frequently Asked Questions

SECTION 5 - INFORMATION ON FULL REVIEW FINAL PAYMENT CLAIMS

40. Do I have to submit documents to be paid a Full Review Final Payment?
Yes. To be considered for a Full Review Final Payment, you must submit documents that prove the losses or injuries you claim you suffered as a result of the Spill. A Full Review Final Payment Claim requires complete substantiation and documentation of all damages sustained in the past.

50. How long will it take for me to get a Full Review Final Payment?
The GCCF will fully evaluate and determine your Full Review Final Payment Claim within 90 days after receipt of your substantiated claim. You will be notified of the amount of the Final Payment Offer or of any missing documents that are necessary to be able to evaluate the claim within this 90-day period. Claimants who previously submitted a Final Claim will have their claim reviewed on a priority basis.

66. How long will it take for me to get an Interim Payment?
Within 90 days of receipt of a substantiated claim for an Interim Payment, the GCCF will evaluate and review the submitted documentation. The GCCF will mail you notice of your eligibility and calculated amount for payment of your Interim Payment Claim."

The scary part is this:  there is no information posted about what constitutes "substantiation", and there is no time frame posted on the "substantiation" process.  In fact, I was told that there is no information available to anyone at the gccf call center or the gccf "Research Department" on if or when our claims have been "subtantiated" at all.  At the current rate of claims payment, we could be waiting several years for our claims to be "substantiated" before our 90 days even begins. 

"63. What if my claim is missing any documents needed to prove my Interim Payment Claim?
If you fail to submit the required documents to prove your losses or injuries, you will not be paid for them in an Interim Payment. The GCCF will not send any deficiency notices to you to notify you of any documents missing from your file. Instead, your losses will be determined solely on the basis of the documents you have submitted."

Really?  What is this about?  We are certain that several have already received requests for further documentation regarding their Interim Claims.