HIH policyholders who believe they may be eligible for assistance under the HIH Claims Support Scheme through the late application gateway have until 17 November 2006 to submit their applications, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton announced today.
Since its commencement in 2001, the Government funded HIH Claims Support Scheme has received 15,219 applications for assistance. To date, the Government has paid $490 million to former HIH policyholders and more payments will be made as the remaining claims are settled.
‘The HIH Claims Support Scheme has been very successful at limiting hardship among individuals, small businesses and other groups of HIH policyholders affected by the collapse of HIH’ Mr Dutton said.
As expected after this length of time, applications for assistance through the late application gateway have now reduced significantly.
‘It is now clear that most claims against former HIH policyholders have emerged and been considered.
‘Closure of the late application gateway will not affect the management of existing claims or the processing of applications received by the assessor up to the cut off date of 17 November 2006.
‘Future claims for assistance by former HIH policyholders will only be considered in exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis’ Mr Dutton said.
Information about the HIH Claims Support Scheme – late application gateway can be obtained through the website www.hihgateway.treasury.gov.au or toll free phone 1800 055 544.