Oil Spill Relief Fund FAQ
Below are answers to a number of frequently asked questions regarding
the special allocation for real estate agents from the BP Relief
Fund. For more information, please contact LR at 800-266-8538.
• Who is eligible to file a claim?
Answer: Louisiana licensed real estate brokers and agents are eligible to file a claim. The licensee must have had a current license during the time he/she is claiming a loss.
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• Can I file multiple claims?
Answer: Yes, but the maximum recovery per claimant is $50,000.
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• How can I keep track of my claim once it is filed?
Answer: Claimants can track the status of their claim by calling 1-800-968-4456 or by logging in online using the information provided by NCA.
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• I feel that I have a legitimate claim but I am located outside of the "affected area" defined on the claim form. What can I do?
Answer: You can submit a written request for a waiver of the affected area limitations on claims. The request should explain how your loss of income was caused by the oil spill, rather than some other cause. This request should be sent to Scott Johnson, General Counsel (scott@larealtors.org). Your request will be reviewed by a panel of licensees. If your request is approved, you can then submit your application.
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• I am a real estate appraiser. Am I eligible to file a claim?
Answer: No, only Louisiana licensed brokers and agents are eligible to file a claim with this fund. Appraisers can file a claim with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. Go to http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disasterinformation/deepwater.html for more information.
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• Who makes the decision as to whether a claim will be honored?
Answer: Claims are initially evaluated by NCA, a third-party claims administrator. NCA makes the initial determination on whether a valid claim has been established.
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• My claim was denied. Is there an appeals process?
Answer: All claims denied by NCA automatically go to a panel of licensees, who review the basis of denial of the claim. This review panel can reverse the decision of NCA if they determine a valid claim has been made. Claimants whose claims are denied by the review panel can appeal within 10 days of receiving notice of the denial.
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• If I accept a reimbursement from this fund, do I forfeit my ability to participate in a lawsuit against BP?
Answer: No. Claimants do not waive any legal rights against BP by participating in this claims process.
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• Is a claim award considered taxable income?
Answer: Yes. An IRS form 1099 will be issued to licensees who receive a payment from the relief fund.
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• My losses are a direct result of the Gulf drilling moratorium. Does this qualify for relief under the this fund?
Answer: No. Only losses attributable to the oil spill itself are covered by this fund.
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• Can I submit my form online for faster processing?
Answer: Yes. Click on the link to submit your application online. Online
Relief Fund Application
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• Is there a form available for me to type in my information to print and mail?
Answer: Yes. The PDF version of the
form can be downloaded here.
PDF
Relief Fund Application
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• If I filed a claim with BP or the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) prior to the establishment of the LR Emergency Relief Fund, will that claim be honored and handled by BP, or will I be required to file a new claim through the LR process?
Answer: According to reports from some licensees, neither BP nor GCCF are processing claims filed by licensees, including those filed before the LR Emergency Relief Fund was established.
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• Can I complete the claim form and hand-deliver it to a local Gulf Claims Facility for faster processing?
Answer: No. The claim form must be submitted to
NCA Group
Realtors Administrator
9725 Windermere Blvd.
Fishers, IN 46037| 317-915-8895 (Fax) | www.gulfreclaims.com
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• My office is located in a parish outside of the areas covered in the emergency fund, but I work and have contracts in other parishes included in the fund. Can I file a claim for loss of income or failed contracts from the covered parishes?
Answer: Yes. The fund covers losses sustained by licensees whose practice is within the covered area, even if the licensees’ office or home is outside of the covered area.
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• I am a builder who sells real estate, but I do not hold a real estate license. Am I eligible to file a claim with the LR emergency fund?
Answer: No. Only licensed real estate brokers and agents can file a claim.
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If you have questions regarding the status of a particular claim,
please contact NCA directly at 800-968-4456.
For other questions, please email oilspill@larealtors.org
or call Louisiana REALTORS at 800-266-8538.
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