CET Updated COVID-19 Policy

 

The Trust’s temporary COVID-19 policy expires on September 30, 2021.  Please see the Trust’s Updated Policy on Signature and Release Requirements for information regarding the use of electronic authentication programs and other means of document authentication.

Statute of Limitation. At this time, the Trust will continue to enforce deadlines for the filing of claims set forth in the Trust documents. However, in recognition of the inability of many claimants to file their claim on a timely basis as a result of circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust will extend the applicable limitation period through June 30, 2021 for claims whose limitation period expires on or after March 20, 2020.

Offers. The Trust recognizes the inability of many claimants, as a result of circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, to respond to offers in the time frame required. As such, where the time to respond to an offer expires on or after March 20, 2020 the Trust will extend the time through June 30, 2021.

Affidavit. In light of current guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trustee recognizes that some claimants may not have access to a notary. The Trust may accept the signature of one witness (related or unrelated) as reliable authentication of an affidavit if the affidavit was executed and submitted to the Trust during the period from March 20, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The Trust will also accept the authentication of affidavits through DocuSign or similar Trust authorized electronic signature program, provided that documentation of the electronic signature history and a certificate from the electronic signature program is submitted with the affidavit. The Trust reserves the right to request supplemental documentation at a later date.

Releases. In light of current guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trustee recognizes that some claimants may not have access to a notary or to two unrelated witnesses for the authentication of releases. The Trust may accept the signature of one witness (related or unrelated) as reliable authentication of a release if the release was executed and submitted to the Trust during the period from March 20, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The Trust will also accept releases executed using DocuSign or similar Trust authorized electronic signature program. If the claimant utilizes DocuSign or a similar Trust authorized electronic signature program, documentation of the electronic signature history and a certificate from the electronic signature program must be provided with the release. The Trust reserves the right to request supplemental documentation at a later date.