SCRA Contribution Fund Remediation

General Questions

1. Why did I get a check?

   As a result of an independent regulatory review pertaining to loan account servicing activities occurring between March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2014 (the “Eligible Review Period”), you were sent the payment as a requirement of the review. The review was performed to determine eligibility for financial compensation during the Eligible Review Period pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) sections 3931, 3936, 3937, 3952 and 3953. The referenced loan/account was/is secured by the collateral listed in your letter, if noted.

   The payment amount received is final. There is no process to appeal the amount of the payment. By cashing or depositing the check, you are not waiving any legal rights as a condition for accepting payment. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

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2. What is SCRA?

   The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or “SCRA” is a federal law designed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers during periods of military service that provides a range of protections for servicemembers entering or called to military active duty based on certain eligibility requirements. SCRA provides protections related to evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, automobile repossessions, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosures as well as other certain protections. To learn more about the SCRA, www.military.com is an informative website.

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3. Why did I receive this check since I am not in the military?

   You received the check because active duty military status and/or SCRA eligibility could not be verified. As a result, the requirements of this regulatory review mandated that compensation be provided to all those whose military affiliation or eligibility to SCRA protections could not be determined. Because the compensation is required under this regulatory review, there are no conditional requirements needed from you in order for you to accept the check. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

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4. What is the name of the servicer for this account?

   Because the regulatory review period spans over many years, the information relating to a specific servicer is not readily available, since there could have been more than one servicer over the course of the review period and includes several servicers covering a range of account types within the scope of review.

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5. Is this legitimate?

   This is a legitimate program. There are no fees or charges to participate nor any conditions to accept the payment received. If you received a Claim Form with your payment, participation is encouraged if you believe you may be eligible under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, but participation is optional and completing the Claim Form is not a requirement to accept and cash the check.

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6. How was my payment determined?

   You received a check because, after a review of the account referenced in your letter, one or more of the following may apply:

   1. It was determined that interest and/or fees were overcharged during a period in which protections under the SCRA were in effect. The check represents the overcharged amount, as well as any additional amount you potentially paid in excess as a result of accrued interest on the higher balance.
   2. A complete evaluation of all applicable provisions of the SCRA could not be performed. As a result, the check represents a compensation payment under this regulatory review, which is provided to you without any required obligations on your part.
   3. Eligibility under the applicable SCRA provisions could not be determined. As a result, the check represents a compensation payment under this regulatory review, which is provided to you without any required obligations on your part.
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7. Why did I receive a postcard?

   The postcard was mailed out as a reminder that the expiration date on the check you received is approaching or that the Claim Form submitted is incomplete. If you have not already cashed the check, please note that the check is yours to keep and may be cashed immediately before the void date shown on the check. Please negotiate the check at your earliest convenience. If you received a reminder about an incomplete Claim Form, please follow the instructions provided in the earlier Notice of Incomplete Claim Form.

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Check Reissue Questions

Please contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for questions related to reissuance of the check received.

8. My check expired. Can it be reissued?

   Address Same as Mailing Address: It will take about 30 days to process your request. If you do not receive the check or have other questions, please call the number listed above for assistance. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

   Address Different than Mailing Address: If you have a different address from the mailing address used to mail the check, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, a routine validation will be performed to verify your updated address through public record sources. If necessary, you may be contacted to provide proof of your address, such as a copy of a driver’s license, bank statement or utility bill. Once your address has been validated, a new check will be mailed within 30 days. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

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9. I lost the check. Can it be reissued?

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   Check not cashed, expired and has been voided.

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   Address Same as Mailing Address: It will take about 30 days to process your request. If you do not receive the check or have other questions, please call the number listed above for assistance. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

   Address Different than Mailing Address: If you have a different address from the mailing address used to mail the check, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, a routine validation will be performed to verify your updated address through public record sources. If necessary, you may be contacted to provide proof of your address, such as a copy of a driver’s license, bank statement or utility bill. Once your address has been validated, a new check within 30 days. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

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   Check not cashed and is outstanding.

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   Because the check is outstanding, a new check cannot be issued until 40 days after the initial check expires. You may call the number listed above if you would you like the bank to void the outstanding check.

   Address Same as Mailing Address: It will take about 30 days to process your request. If you do not receive the check or have other questions, please call the number listed above for assistance.

   Address Different than Mailing Address: If you have a different address from the mailing address used to mail the check, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, a routine validation will be performed to verify your updated address through public record sources. If necessary, you may be contacted to provide proof of your address, such as a copy of a driver’s license, bank statement or utility bill. Once your address has been validated, a new check within 30 days.

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10. The check is damaged. Can it be reissued?

    If the check has been torn or damaged and cannot be cashed, mail the damaged check back to us with a note requesting a replacement check – Mail to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

    Once the damaged check is received along with your request for a replacement check, it will take about 30 days to mail you a new check.

    If you cannot return the check, you may call the number listed above if you would you like the bank to void the outstanding check; however, because the check is outstanding, a new check cannot be issued until 40 days after the initial check expires unless the bank is directed to void the outstanding check.

    Address Same as Mailing Address: It will take about 30 days to process your request. If you do not receive the check or have other questions, please call the number listed above for assistance. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

    Address Different than Mailing Address: If you have a different address from the mailing address used to mail the check, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, a routine validation will be performed to verify your updated address through public record sources. If necessary, you may be contacted to provide proof of your address, such as a copy of a driver’s license, bank statement or utility bill. Once your address has been validated, a new check within 30 days. Please note the check expires 30 days from the check date, after which it may escheat to your state as abandoned property. Escheatment is the process where abandoned property or funds revert to the state.

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11. My legal name has changed.

    If you need a check reissued because your legal name has changed, please go to your bank first as they may cash it if documentation regarding the status of your name change is presented.

    If the bank will not cash the check, complete and return a Payee Name Change Request Form. The form lists the documentation needed based on the reason your name has changed. For example, if your name changed as result of marriage, submit a copy of the marriage certificate or your signed Social Security card along with the form. You can obtain a copy of the form here, or if you need a form mailed to you, contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

    This form cannot be used to have another borrower’s/applicant’s check issued in your name.

    Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

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12. The borrower/applicant is deceased. What do I do?

    If the borrower/applicant is deceased, please go to your bank first as they may cash the payment if documentation regarding the status of the account holder and your status as the beneficiary/executor is presented.

    If the bank will not cash the check, you will need to fill out a payment reissue request form. There are two different forms available on this website. You can obtain a copy of the form under the "Important Documents" link, or if you need the forms mailed to you, contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You only need to return the form applicable to your situation. You do not need to return both forms.

    You may contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time if you need assistance in determining which form you need to complete.

    Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

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    Reissuing check to a sole surviving spouse who is a co-applicant on the loan/account.

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    If you are a sole surviving spouse who is a co-applicant on the loan/account, complete the Sole Surviving Spouse Payment Reissue Request Form and return it with a copy of the death certificate. You can obtain a copy of the form here, or if you need the form mailed to you, contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

    You must sign the Form in the presence of a notary public who must also sign the form. Most bank branches have a notary public who can assist you with notarizing the Form. The bank may charge you a fee for this notary service. Once the Form has been validated, the full payment amount will be reissued to you as the sole surviving spouse.

    Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

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    Reissuing check to a sole surviving spouse who is NOT a co-applicant on the loan/account.

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    If you are a sole surviving spouse who is NOT a co-applicant on the loan/account, fill out the Deceased Borrower Payment Reissue Request Form. You can obtain a copy of the form here, or if you need the form mailed to you, contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

    Include a copy of the death certificate along with documents to support your request. These documents could include a will, orders of estate, letters testamentary or a small estate affidavit. If there are questions about your submission, someone will contact you.

    You must sign the form in the presence of a notary public who must also sign the form. Most bank branches have a notary public who can assist you with notarizing the Form. The bank may charge you a fee for this notary service.

    Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

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    Reissuing check to an estate, heir or next of kin.

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    To request that a payment be reissued to an estate, an heir named in a will or to next of kin if there is no will, fill out the Deceased Borrower Payment Reissue Request Form. This form may also be used by a sole surviving spouse who is NOT a co-applicant on the loan/account. You can obtain a copy of the form here, or if you need the form mailed to you, contact 1-877-551-6853 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

    Include a copy of the death certificate along with documents to support your request. These documents could include a will, orders of estate, letters testamentary or a small estate affidavit.

    You must sign the form in the presence of a notary public who must also sign the form. Most bank branches have a notary public who can assist you with notarizing the Form. The bank may charge you a fee for this notary service.

    Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

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13. I have a Power of Attorney (POA) for a borrower/applicant. Can the check be made payable to me?

    If you have guardianship or power of attorney, you should be able to negotiate the payment if you present your legal documentation to your bank.

    If the bank will not cash the check, provide proof of your POA authority to us by mail or email. We may then communicate with you on behalf of the borrower/applicant and mail you the check. The rules of the compensation do not permit a check to be reissued in the name of a third-party representative, but the check may be mailed to you in your capacity as POA for the borrower/applicant.

    Mail proof of Power of Attorney to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

    OR

    Email us at info@SCRAContributionFund.com.

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14. Borrower/Applicant is incapacitated.

    If you have guardianship or power of attorney, you should be able to negotiate the payment if you present your legal documentation to your bank.

    If the bank will not cash the check, provide proof of your authority to act on behalf of the incapacitated borrower/applicant to us by mail or email. We may then communicate with you on behalf of the borrower/applicant and mail you the check.

    Mail proof of Power of Attorney or other acceptable proof granting authorization to:

    SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator
    P.O. Box 6389
    Portland, OR 97228-6389

    OR

    Email us at info@SCRAContributionFund.com.

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Claim Form Questions

15. Can I file a Claim Form?

    All borrowers/applicants that are eligible to file a claim form received them with the initial check that was sent.

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16. When is the Claim Filing Deadline?

    Claim forms should be returned within 90 days of the date it was sent. This deadline is printed on the top of the claim form you received.

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17. What if I believe I am eligible but cannot remember my (military) active duty service periods?

    You can provide copies of your military orders or other support documentation that cover the period between September 29, 2007 and March 31, 2014.

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18. Why did I receive multiple Claim Forms?

    You may have received multiple claim forms if you have multiple accounts and/or loans that are included in the review. A claim form is provided for each account/loan included in the review. Complete and submit each claim form received as each form has its own individual tracking number.

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19. Why did I receive a Notice of Incomplete Claim Form?

    You may have received an additional claim form as part of the ‘Notice of Incomplete Claim Form’ if the Claim Form you originally submitted was incomplete. In this case, you would have received a new claim form with this notice advising you of the additional information required to complete the claim review process.

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20. What is the status of my claim form?

    The majority of claims to be reviewed will be completed within 90 to 120 days. Once the claim review is complete, you will receive a letter by mail confirming the status.

    A Claim Form will be considered incomplete (containing a defect) for any of the following reasons:

    • Signature Defect: The Claim Form was not signed, or the signature does not appear to match the borrower’s/applicant’s (or Representative’s) name.
    • Power of Attorney Defect: A power of attorney authorization or other representative was indicated on your form but proof of authority to represent the borrower/applicant was not included or was insufficient.
      • If the borrower/applicant is deceased, acceptable documentation may include: Orders of Estate, Letters of Administration, or a Death Certificate listing who the next of kin is.
      • If the borrower/applicant is incapacitated, a durable Power of Attorney, Letter of Guardianship or other Power of Attorney allowing the named person to conduct financial affairs on behalf of the borrower/applicant is generally acceptable.
    • Tax Identification Number Defect: The W-9 portion of the Claim Form was not completed.
    • Claim Form Question 2 Defect: There was no option marked on the Question 2 on Claim Form.
    • Claim Form Date Defects:
      • There was no date provided for Question 2 on Claim Form.
      • There was no option marked on the Question 3 on Claim Form.
      • There was no date provided for Question 3 on Claim Form.
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21. How long is the review process?

    The review process is very extensive and has many steps. It is expected to take up to 90 to 120 days from receipt of your completed claim form.

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22. My claim was denied. How can I challenge the decision?

    There is no process to appeal the decision once the review is complete.

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23. What is the purpose of the “Signed by Representative” box on the Claim Form?

    If a borrower/applicant is not able to sign the form such as a borrower/applicant who is disabled, deceased, or otherwise incapacitated, an individual who is legally designated as a representative can act on behalf of the borrower/applicant. Please note that any payment would still generally be made payable in the name of the borrower/applicant.

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24. What documentation is acceptable for a person to show they are a legal representative?

    If the borrower/applicant is deceased, acceptable documentation may include Orders of Estate, Letters of Administration, or a Death Certificate listing the next of kin.

    If the borrower/applicant is incapacitated, acceptable documentation includes a durable Power of Attorney, Letter of Guardianship or other Power of Attorney allowing the named person to conduct financial affairs on behalf of the borrower/applicant.

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25. I do not have this documentation. What should I do?

    As Settlement Agent, we cannot advise you on what to do if you do not have requested documentation. You may want to consult an attorney or other legal professional involving estate or guardianship matters. If you have alternative documentation, please send this documentation to be assessed whether they establish proof of your authority to act on behalf of the borrower/applicant.

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Tax Questions

26. Have taxes been removed from the payment amount?

    No. Taxes have not been removed from the payment amount.

    Your entire payment may be subject to taxation as income. We cannot provide any advice on your specific tax situation. It is suggested that you consult a tax professional if you have any tax questions.

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27. Will my payment be reported to the IRS?

    No. The payment amount will not be reported to the IRS; however, your entire payment may be subject to taxation as income. We cannot provide any advice on your specific tax situation. It is suggested that you consult a tax professional if you have any tax questions.

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28. Will I have to pay taxes or have a tax liability for this payment?

    Some or all of your payment may be subject to taxation as income. We cannot provide any advice on your specific tax situation. It is suggested that you consult a tax professional if you have any tax questions.

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29. Why did I receive a Form W-9?

    The letter you received indicated that the check in addition to possible additional payments may be issued after review of the Claim Form as indicated in the referenced letter is complete. If you return a completed Form W-9 by the date on your letter and are a US citizen or other US person, we may use it to authenticate that the information provided matches available account information.

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30. What if I don’t return a Form W-9?

    If you don’t return a complete claim form including the Form W-9 by the date indicated on the letter, we may not be able to complete the eligibility review.

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Escheatment Questions

31. What is escheatment?

    All states require abandoned/unclaimed personal property, including funds, to be turned over to the state. The amount of time the property is unclaimed varies by state.

    An effort must be made to locate the owner. If they are not able to locate the owner and the property is abandoned for the period of time outlined by the state, the property or funds must be sent to the state. The state then becomes the owner of the abandoned property through the "escheatment" process.

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32. Why was I sent the Unclaimed Property Letter?

    Multiple attempts have been made to send you a check and it has now expired uncashed. Your state’s Unclaimed/Abandoned Property Law requires the SCRA Contribution Fund Administrator to transfer funds from deposits, accounts, shares, or other interest to the State Treasurer's Office if the account has been inactive, or in this instance, if the check remains uncashed.

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33. Once the property goes to the state, can it ever be claimed again?

    If property must be reported and paid to the state, each state has specific processes for claiming unclaimed property. Check with your state’s Treasury Department for information on how to file a claim. There is generally no charge to claim your property, and you do not need to hire a third party to help you file a claim or locate property.

    Some states allow heirs or original owners to claim their property indefinitely, while others will keep the property by means of escheatment if the property goes unclaimed for a certain amount of time.

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34. How can I learn more about the escheatment laws in my state?

    Each state has a website that describes its unclaimed, or abandoned, property laws. Please visit the unclaimed property website for your state for more information.

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Other Questions

35. Who are you?

    Epiq is a third party retained by the SCRA Contribution Fund to administer this program. For more information about Epiq, you may visit our website, www.epiqglobal.com.

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