Keepseagle Settlement Deadline - December 27

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Only 25% have Filed

Native Brief: WASHINGTON - If you are an American Indian farmer or rancher, you may be eligible to file a claim for up to $50,000 in the $760 million Keepseagle Settlement reached with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The deadline of December 27, 2011 to make a claim is quickly approaching.

The Settlement is a result of the Keepseagle v. Vilsack class action lawsuit which claimed that the USDA discriminated against American Indians by denying them equal access to credit in the USDA Farm Loan Program.

American Indian farmers or ranchers who were discouraged from applying for or denied farm loans or loan servicing by the Department of Agriculture between 1981 and 1999 are eligible to file a claim in the Settlement and can receive free legal help to file claims.

According to officials involved in the Settlement, only one quarter (2,500 of an anticipated 10,000) of the affected Native American farmers and ranchers accounted for in the Settlement have filed a claim thus far. In order to make full use of the funds available in this Settlement, all Native farmers or ranchers who are eligible to file a claim are strongly encouraged to do so.

There are two ways to receive free legal help to file a claim:

Attend a meeting in your area. A list of meeting locations can be found at www.indianfarmclass.com/Meetings or call the toll-free number 1-888-233-5506 to receive the most up-to-date information about meeting locations.

Speak with free legal counsel over the phone. Call the toll-free number 1-888-233-5506 to speak with a legal representative today.

To find out if you are eligible to file a claim, call 1-888-233-5506 or visit www.indianfarmclass.com for more information.

posted November 29, 2011 6:00 am est