Frequently Asked Questions

AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE BACK PAY?

The extended deadline to file a claim for back pay in the COLA case has passed. No funds will be distributed to any person who did not submit a valid back pay claim by the extended deadline.

By the end of 2003, most eligible class members had received and cashed their checks. Now, all eligible class members have received checks for 100% of the back pay due to them under the terms of the settlement. Negotiation of a back pay check constituted a final and binding settlement of the class member's claim for back pay.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT?

All COLA Settlement class members who have submitted back pay Claim Verification forms and cashed their checks for the Gross Amount of the back pay due to them under the terms of the Settlement are eligible to submit a supplemental claim. To receive the payment, eligible class members must submit a completed Supplemental Claim form to the settlement administrator for receipt by March 31, 2006. This deadline was extended by the Trustee, following a status conference with the Court. The original deadline, also approved by the Court, was December 21, 2005. After March 31, 2006, incomplete and late forms will be disallowed, and no notification will be sent informing you that your claim will not be paid.

COLA Settlement class members who did not submit a valid claim for back pay, or who did not cash the check for back pay that was issued to them in the initial Settlement distribution, are not eligible to receive a supplemental check.

HOW CAN I RECEIVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT?

The deadline for filing a Supplemental Claim Form has now passed. No further claim forms will be mailed or accepted.

HOW MUCH WILL MY SUPPLEMENTAL CHECK BE?

The Settlement allows for certain amounts of undistributed principal remaining after the initial back pay checks are issued to be used as a supplemental payment to class members. Due to the extraordinary success of the initial claims process (over 98% of the settlement proceeds have already been utilized), there is only a very small amount available for the supplemental payments and ongoing expenses.

Each eligible class member is entitled to a proportional share of the amount available, based on certain simplifying assumptions as approved by the trustee and the Court. Those who submit valid and timely Supplemental Claim forms will be entitled to receive checks. It is expected that the amount of each check will be between 1% and 2% of the claimant's original amount of back pay.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY NAME OR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED?

Please submit change of addresses to the Settlement Administrator at:

COLA Settlement Administration
PO Box 4349
Portland, OR 97208-4349

You must include your former and current addresses, and the request must be signed by the class member. You will be required to provide proof of your change of address, such as a bank statement, utility bill or government document with your name and current address upon it. If your name has changed, you must provide proof such as a marriage certificate or copy of the decree approving the change. Submissions on behalf of class members will not be accepted without legal documentation such as a Power of Attorney or Rights of Survivorship documentation.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL CHECK?

Checks were mailed on February 10, 2006 to all eligible class members who have properly submitted a Supplemental Claim form.

Any request for reissue of a check must be in writing and received by the Claims Administrator at the address shown above by the extended deadline of April 14, 2006. The reissued Supplemental checks are scheduled to be mailed the week ending April 21, 2006. Please check this website for updates regarding this schedule.

WHAT IS THE TAX LIABLITY OF THIS AWARD?

It is recommended that class members consult with professional tax advisors to determine their own tax liability. The Settlement Administrator, the Trustee, the attorneys for the parties, and Court will be unable to provide class members with individual tax advice.

WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Additional information is available from the Settlement Administrator at 1-877-480-2652 and will be posted on this website.