CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Air Force Claims Service Center will start accepting all household good claims from Charleston AFB March 1.
The Air Force has consolidated the processing of most personnel claims at a single location in Dayton, Ohio.
Personnel claims generally arise from loss or damage to household goods and privately owned vehicles during permanent change of station moves. Personnel claims can also be filed when personal property is damaged in government quarters or other authorized locations. In the past, the base legal office adjudicated these claims.
For personnel claims, the new process will enable Airmen to file claims on-line and electronically submit required documents to the Air Force Claims Service in Ohio. Airmen can complete the process from home after a one-time login on any government computer. Those who can't access a government computer will be able to obtain a login and password by calling the AFCSC.
"While the AFCSC will adjudicate the claims, our office will still be assisting the military member throughout the process," said Lt. Col. Dubriske, 437th Legal Office chief. "We will also be available to help those military members who suffer a catastrophic loss to their personal property from a PCS move."
As Airmen complete their claims online, they can get customer service over the web or by phone 24-hours a day. Not only will the online filing system accelerate the processing of the claim, it will also allow for quicker payment of the claim. For general information on the new claims process, browse the AFCSC's public website at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/claims.
While the AFCSC will adjudicate the actual claim, Airmen must still submit the pink DD Form 1840R to the nearest base legal office within 70 days after delivery of household goods or they will waive their right to file a claim. After the form is filed, Airmen have two years from the date of delivery to file the actual claim with the AFCSC.
To obtain general instructions on how to file a claim with the AFCSC, contact the base legal office at 963-2025.