Claims
The Department of State Claims office adjudicates and authorizes payment of claims made by the Department's employees under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees Claims Act of 1964, as amended, which authorizes the payment of civilian employees' claims for the fair market value of personal property lost, damaged, or destroyed incidental to service.
Employees should bear in mind three deadline dates:
- 75 Days from the date of delivery to submit a letter of intent or a form DS-1620E "Notice of Loss or Damage" itemizing damages or missing items.
- Two years from the date of delivery to file a written claim with the Claims Office or Post.
- Six months from the date of settlement or denial of a claim to file for a reconsideration.
Employees should note that the Act will not fully compensate an employee for the loss, it is designed to lessen the burden and improve morale for a service that employees perform that benefits the Government. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that employees arrange for private insurance covering both loss and damage for household effects (shipped and stored). You cannot insure anything after it has left your possession. It is also important that you obtain commercial insurance to cover both marine and land transits of your vehicle.
For additional information employees should contact the Claims Office
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