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QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO RELATIVES OF DECEASED CLASS MEMBERS
- Can I still file a Survivor Annuitant Claim Form?
- What does it mean to be a "Survivor Annuitant?"
- I'm not the spouse or former spouse of the deceased Class Member. Can I still file a Claim Form?
- I already sent in a form. Why was I sent another package of forms to complete?
- I'm not sure how to respond to the request that I identify any other people who might be entitled to collect the money owed the Class Member.
- Who will be resolving my Survivor or Successor Claim?
- When will I be paid?
- Why must I provide the Class Member's death certificate?
- 9. I think that I'm the legitimate Successor of a Class Member who filed a timely claim. What do I do to collect his/her money?
1. Can I still file a Survivor Annuitant Claim Form?
No. The October 27, 2004 deadline for filing a claim form has now passed. Under the court-approved terms of the settlement, individuals who did not file a claim by that date may no longer do so. There are no exceptions to the October 27, 2004 deadline.
2. What does it mean to be a "Survivor Annuitant?"
It means that you were the spouse of a Class Member, who is now deceased, and that you were designated by OPM as the person to receive any retirement annuities due him or her. If you filed a complete claim form by October 27, 2004, the Settlement Adjudicator will determine any entitlement you may have recover any amounts the Class Member would be due under this settlement. Payments to eligible Survivors will be made in the final distribution, which is estimated to occur in Summer 2005.
3. I'm not the spouse or former spouse of the deceased Class Member. Can I still file a Claim Form?
No. You had to file a Potential Successor-in-Interest form by October 27, 2004. Under the court-approved terms of the settlement, individuals who did not file a form by that date may no longer do so. There are no exceptions to the October 27, 2004 deadline.
4. I already sent in a form. Why was I sent another package of forms to complete?
The Settlement Administrator determined that you satisfied the basic threshold requirements to establish that you were a Successor-in-Interest of the deceased Class Member. As a Potential Successor, you may be entitled to recover the amounts owed the deceased Class Member. To claim the deceased Class Member's award, you must complete, sign, and return the green Successor claim form that was mailed to you in the second package. Completion of the pink Potential Successor-in-Interest Status Form is not sufficient to claim any money owed the deceased Class Member.
The Settlement Adjudicator will determine whether you are in fact a Successor and whether there are any individuals who also have an entitlement to the deceased Class Member's award. The Settlement Adjudicator will then determine whether you are entitled to any of the money owed to the deceased Class Member. Payments to eligible Successors will be made in the final distribution, which is expected to occur in Summer 2005.
5. I'm not sure how to respond to the request that I identify any other people who might be entitled to collect the money owed the Class Member.
The request is aimed at identifying other relatives of the deceased Class Member who might have a claim for the deceased Class Member's award, such as former spouses, children, parents, or siblings of the Class Member.
6. Who will be resolving my Survivor or Successor Claim?
A neutral, court-approved Settlement Adjudicator, with the assistance of the Settlement Administrator, will make the final determinations as to whether you are a Successor and whether there are any others claiming successorship who may be entitled to some or all of the deceased Class Member's award. No appeal of the Settlement Adjudicator's decision is permitted.
7. When will I be paid?
If you are entitled to collect any of the payment owed the Class Member, you were sent a check on July 18, 2005. If you are entitled to receive a check and do not get one by July 31, 2005, call the Settlement Administrator after that date.
8. Why must I provide the Class Member's death certificate?
This is a standard requirement to protect legitimate survivors of deceased Class Members from being the victims of fraud.
9. I think that I'm the legitimate Successor of a Class Member who filed a timely claim.
Successors who wish to collect the money owed to a Class Member who filed a timely claim or challenge form prior to his or her death should contact the Settlement Administrator at (800) 750-3406.