Guam War Claims Processing Center Filing Period Closes on March 3, 2023
Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration reminds eligible claimants that the Guam War Claims Processing Center application filing period closes on Monday, March 3, 2023. Claimants are encouraged to pick up hard copy application packets at the Guam Museum or their respective mayor’s office. Digital applications are available for download at doa.guam.gov.
“As of January 30, 2023, the Guam War Claims Processing Center recompensed $2,235,000 to eligible claimants representing 243 applications adjudicated since the program opened last year,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “If not previously recompensed, I encourage all Guam’s war survivors to apply as soon as possible as the filing deadline nears. Please help us spread the word to all remaining claimants, especially those in the CHamoru diaspora who may be eligible.”
“Four years ago, our administration championed the payment of war reparations, and today we continue to honor our commitment to those survivors and families of decedents who missed the federal filing deadline,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “The window for this nearly year long local filing period will close in about one month, so if you’re eligible or require more information, please allow our friendly staff at the Guam Museum to assist you soon.”
The Guam War World II Reconciliation Act of 2021 established a local program to compensate those victims and survivors of decedents who missed the initial deadline for the filing of war claims under federal law. The Guam War Claims Fund pays certified claims to compensable Guam victims and survivors of compensable decedents as duly adjudicated by the Guam War Claims Adjudication Committee. Claims scheduled for adjudication are publicized through local news outlets and online at the Department of Administration website.
Claim Categories
1. Compensable Guam Decedent: an individual determined under section 1705 to have been a resident of Guam who died as a result of the attack and occupation of Guam by the Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II or incident to the liberation of Guam by the United States military forces, whose death would have been compensable under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945, if a timely claim had been filed under the terms of such Act.
2. Compensable Guam Victim: an individual who is not deceased as of the date of enactment of this Act (December 23, 2016) and who is determined under section 1705 to have suffered as a result of the attack and occupation of Guam by the Imperial Japanese military forces, any of the following: a Rape or severe personal injury (such as a loss of a limb, dismemberment, or paralysis) b. Forced labor or personal injury (such as disfigurement, scarring, or burns); c. Forced march, internment, or hiding to evade internment.
For more information, visit doa.guam.gov or contact the Guam War Claims Processing Center at 671-989-9277/78 or guamwarclaims@doa.guam.gov.
###