Claims Resolution Act: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Legal Significance

Definition & Meaning

The Claims Resolution Act is a federal law enacted in 2010 to address discrimination against African American farmers by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This law provides compensation to those who faced discrimination while seeking loans and assistance from 1983 to 1997. It was implemented as a response to the Pigford v. Glickman case, which highlighted the injustices faced by black farmers. Under this act, eligible farmers can receive a payment of US$50,000 if they attempted to obtain USDA help but were unsuccessful. To date, nearly US$1 billion has been distributed to affected farmers under this settlement.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A farmer applied for a loan from the USDA in 1995 but was denied due to discriminatory practices. Under the Claims Resolution Act, they can file a claim for compensation.

Example 2: A farmer who experienced delays and unfair treatment while seeking USDA assistance during the specified period may also be eligible for compensation through this act. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Claims Resolution Act A law providing compensation for discriminated farmers. Focuses specifically on African American farmers and USDA discrimination.
Pigford Settlement A specific settlement resulting from the Pigford v. Glickman case. Refers to the legal case that led to the Claims Resolution Act.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are eligible for compensation under the Claims Resolution Act, follow these steps:

  • Gather documentation that shows your attempts to seek USDA assistance between 1983 and 1997.
  • Complete the necessary claim forms, which can be found on legal websites like US Legal Forms.
  • Consider consulting a legal professional if you have questions or need assistance with your claim.

Quick facts

  • Typical compensation: US$50,000
  • Jurisdiction: Federal
  • Eligibility period: 1983 to 1997
  • Total compensation distributed: Nearly US$1 billion

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Only African American farmers who sought assistance from the USDA between 1983 and 1997 are eligible.