BP denies cutting payments to thousands, despite new demand for proof of ‘actual loss’

[defendandprotect]

BP denies cutting payments to thousands, despite new demand for proof of ‘actual loss’

On Wednesday BP released a statement denying reports that the company had effectively cut spill-related relief payments for some 40,000 out-of-work Gulf Coast residents. The company acknowledged that it had raised the criteria for what it considers a hardship claim--but said that the change would reduce the payments for for about 4,000 of the roughly 100,000 applicants for compensation from the oil giant.

http://news.yahoo.com/upshot;_ylt=AqsIW2qs96tjJyJd00ti4JaVk79_;_ylu=X3oDMTFidWFhcGxwBHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9wcm9tb3NfZnJlZV9odG1sBHNsawN0aGV1cHNob3Q-

[bluestateguy]

1. Any American wants a check from BP should be able to get a check from BP

I don't agree with this "legitimate claims" crap.

[SoCalDem]

2. Many people will have a hard time proving their incomes, thus losses

In an economy like once existed in the Gulf, there probably were a LOT of people who worked "day-wages" and did it for cash. Did they report the money to the IRS and pay taxes on it? maybe.. If they did not, they have no real way to prove what their earning were, or if the did report some of it, only the amount they can prove would even be considered. Many people may be opening a whole new can of worms, tax-wise if they claim incomes that are inflated beyond what they have been claiming.

Small-time fishermen probably sold a lot of their fish for cash & cash businesses are awfully hard to document after the fact.