Just talked with a buddy that is having a real hard time. He was totally un-aware/mis-informed that he might qualify for BP assistance. I just sent the following information to him.

If you are a GOM diver and have missed out on work because of the events last year, you may be eligible. But you will have to apply.

Everything I've written here is freely available from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) web site, instructions in the application, or at their help line 1-800-916-4893. Hopefully, I've put the information in a simple and easy to follow way that would help you in this process. But beyond that, I ask that you contact the web site, help line, or walk into a regional office for further assistance.

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Gulf Coast Claims Facility

http://www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com/

1. What you need.

  a. Download the application from the website above.

  b. Prof of income from the oil field for '08 and '09.

  - '08 tax paper work

  - '09 tax paper work

  c. Amount you earned in 2010.

  - Earning statement, or 2010 tax paper work.

  d. Letter of hardship

  - How has the lose of income effected you.

  - list debts that you are not able to now meet.

  - a New Orleans zip if you live out of the affected area. Pho Bang Restaurant New Orleans, LA, 70129 - YP.com

2. If you are an GOM diver and your income for '08 and '09 where entirely from the oil-fields, and you live out of state, you can elect to use a New Orleans area Postal Zip Code in you claim package.

  a. Use that zip code when completing your application.

b. Make a statement in you "letter of hardship" stating that you desire to use a New Orleans zip and which one. 

c. This increases your consideration for aid by making you a resident of New Orleans in the eyes of the GCCF.

d. Pho Bang Restaurant New Orleans, LA, 70129 - YP.com

3. There are three filings. Emergency, intermediate, and final. The filling for emergency assistance ended 23 Nov 2010. If you did not file for emergency or have missed the application period, you may still be eligible for intermediate and final payment. But you will have to file to find out.

Best of luck,

Lincoln