W000186
Wednesday, Novermber 07, 2001 1:46 PM
Comments on the Fund
The application process should be kept as simple as possible. In order to apply for compensation:
* the Victims name, D.O.B., Social Security Number, and last known address must be provided by the claimant
* A copy of the certified death certificate or the hospital injury report should be provided as proof of loss or injury
*If the victim was employed at the WTC, Pentagon, or as a crew member of the an airliner: a notarized letter from the victims employer should be provided. This letter should include the victims dates of employment, capacity of employment, and whether or not the victim was known to be working on the day of the attack. (A standardized form could be provided to claimants by the DOJ in lieu of a letter)
*If the victim was a passenger on one of the four aircraft: Airline name, Flight Number, and a notorized letter (or form as mentioned above) signed by an airline representative should be submitted
Compensation should be reduced by any medical insurance benefits (for injuries) and by any life insurance policies (in cases of death). The program should be implemented in a way that helps families pay expenses--funerals, doctor bills not covered by other insurance, lost wages (for a limited period of time), etc...It should not be designed as the sole source of support for each family--it should help get them back on their feet. Some of the fund should be set aside to help pay future college expenses (say 50% of expenses) in cases where children lost a parent and could also offer to send a surviving parent to college (in situations where one parent stayed at home and has no formal training or degree). In order to apply for future college funds, applicants would have to apply now---number of children applying for and their ages. The money could then be set aside now and given later.
I do not think the fund should cover any attorney fees nor should the amount of compensation be reduced by charitable gifts. Tracing charitable gift amounts would be too difficult and time consuming and attorneys would charge their clients exorbitant fees to cash in.
This process can be quite simple. Just keep the breaucracy out and think simple.If you make it complicated it will only serve to upset families even more.
Individual Comment
Cordova, TN