After 30 months, the system implemented to serve informal categories will not receive new enrollments
The deadline to join the Simplified Indemnity System (Novel) in the municipalities of Aimorés and Bugre, both in Minas Gerais, will be officially closed on July 28 and 31, respectively. The dates respect a court decision, which provided for a duration of 30 months – or 882 days – after the start date of the initiative in each city.
The analysis of applications already opened in the locality continues even after the closure of new entries. The processing of requests follows the deadlines determined by the Court and involves, in addition to the stages for which the Renova Foundation is responsible, the time taken for documents to be sent by the attorneys. Payments for those eligible will be made after homologation by the Judicial Branch.
What is the Simplified Indemnity System?
Implemented in August 2020 by the Renova Foundation, by order of the Judicial Branch, the initiative is an alternative to indemnify the damage caused by the Fundao dam collapse. The System makes it possible for categories with difficulties in proving damage, such as washerwomen, artisans, sand harvesters, cart drivers, mineral extractors, subsistence and informal fishermen, among others, to be compensated. The system also indemnifies Water Damage and formal categories such as professional fishermen, boat owners and companies such as hotels, inns and restaurants.
Other cities have already ended their adherence to the Simplified Indemnity System. These are: Naque, Itueta, Ipaba do Paraíso (Santana do Paraíso), Baguari (Governador Valadares), Pedra Corrida (Periquito), Cachoeira Escura (Belo Oriente) Revés do Belém (Bom Jesus do Galho) and Rio Doce, in Minas Gerais. Baixo Guandu, São Mateus, Linhares, Aracruz, Conceição da Barra, Colatina and Itapina (in Espírito Santo).
How to join the Simplified Indemnity System?
To enter the system, you must be over 16 years of age on the date of the collapse of the dam and meet one of the criteria below:
- Have a registration, request, protocol, interview, registration or manifestation before the Renova Foundation until April 30, 2020;
- Have filed an indemnity action in the Brazilian jurisdiction by April 30th, 2020;
- Have filed a claim for damages in a foreign jurisdiction by April 30th, 2020;
- Have, in any way, expressly manifested before public bodies and institutions (Public Defender’s Office, Prosecution Service, Military Police, Civil Police, Fire Department, Civil Defense, Social Assistance of the municipality) until April 30th, 2020 the condition of being affected by the Fundao dam collapse, with the explanation of its damage, duly proven by a certificate provided by the institutions.
In addition, it is essential to be represented by an attorney or public defender, according to a court ruling, as only these professionals can access and fill in the data in the system. The attorney’s fees are deducted from the indemnity amount up to a limit of 10%, as determined by the Court. The required documents for the indemnification process must be sent through the platform, where the acceptance terms are also signed. Payment is made within 10 working days after approval by the Court.