While the Cobell Settlement, approved on November 24, 2012 by the U.S. Congress, allocated $3.4 billion to the plaintiffs in the landmark Indian case, the disbursement of the money is still in process.
Full Answer
Who is responsible for payments to the Cobell settlement?
GCG, the claims administrator for the Cobell Settlement, is responsible for settlement payments and mailing those checks. Please direct questions about payments and to update your information to GCG at their toll-free number: 1-800-961-6109.
Is the Cobell v Salazar Settlement closed?
Cobell v. Salazar Class Action Website The US District Court for the District of Columbia (the “Court”) has issued an order closing the distribution phase of the Cobell Settlement. The complete order may be read here.
What happened to the Cobell settlement in the district of Columbia?
The US District Court for the District of Columbia (the “Court”) has issued an order closing the distribution phase of the Cobell Settlement. The complete order may be read here. Awards in progress for Class Members or heirs of estates that submitted documentation by the document submission deadline will continue to be distributed.
Why can’t I receive Cobell settlement checks to my Wau account?
Account information that OST provided to Garden City Group (GCG), the claims administrator for the Cobell Settlement, does not have current mailing addresses for WAU accounts. Therefore, GCG is not able to mail Cobell Settlement checks to WAU accounts.
Who is responsible for Cobell settlement?
GCG, the claims administrator for the Cobell Settlement, is responsible for settlement payments and mailing those checks. Please direct questions about payments and to update your information to GCG at their toll-free number: 1-800-961-6109. TBCC can answer questions about your Individual Indian Money (IIM) account and your trust assets.
What is the number to call for Cobell Settlement?
Provide information to the call center of Garden City Group (GCG), the claims administrator for the Cobell Settlement, at their toll-free number, 1-800-961-6109. I have tried to contact both the Garden City Group and then the Trust Beneficiary Call Center and have not been able to get through. I encounter a busy signal or a message ...
Why is it important to keep contact information up to date with OST and GCG?
Keeping your information up to date with GCG will assist them in making Trust Administration Class payments (also referred to as Stage 2 payments), if you are a member of that class.
Why is TBCC working?
TBCC is also working to increase infrastructure and personnel resources so that it can respond to the high volume of calls being received. Until these changes are accomplished, OST extends regrets for the delays and thanks each caller for showing patience.
Where to find IIM account holders?
Go online to www.doi.gov/ost/wau to search for names of IIM account holders whose accounts are on the WAU list.
When were IIM funds wired to the Department of the Interior?
Why were IIM funds wired to the Department of the Interior on December 21, 2012, not available until December 27, 2012?
Is a WAU account restricted?
WAU accounts are considered restricted accounts. These accounts generally become unrestricted when OST is able to verify ownership. OST must verify identify prior to release of funds for WAU accounts and cannot release any funds for individuals who are supervised accounts ( e.g., minors, mentally incompetent adults, adults in need of assistance) until an approved distribution plan has been received from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
What is Cobell v Salazar?
Cobell v. Salazar is a class action lawsuit brought by Native American representatives against the United States government. Plaintiffs claim that the U.S. government incorrectly accounted for Indian trust assets, (land which came out of the Dawes Act.) These lands were assigned to individual Native Americans, but managed by the Department of the Interior on their behalf.
How much did the Dawes Act settlement cost?
On December 8, 2009, a $3.4 billion settlement was announced. It included $1.4 billion to plaintiffs for historical accounting and damage claims, $2 billion for re-purchase of lands distributed under the Dawes Act, and $60 million for Indian higher education scholarships.
