Eligibility for relocation benefits is determined by the business concern's lawful occupancy of premises within the Project Area prior to August 10, 1998, and the continued occupation of the premises until the approved date of move, as well as compliance with all requirements under this Part. The benefits and policies described in this Part only apply to business concerns owning or occupying property within the Project Area.
The University itself or through its Relocation Consultant will assist an eligible business concern plan its move from the premises and claim the relocation benefits. The University may:
A business concern meeting the eligibility requirements may be eligible to receive a payment for actual moving and related expenses not to exceed $20,000 in total. Actual moving and related expenses may include:
These procedures must be followed to expedite the payment of the relocation claim:
If the business concern intends to move on a contractual basis, the University can assist, upon written request, in identifying moving contractors.
The University is not responsible for any loss or damage during the move.
Moving expenses for which reimbursement may be requested may not be incurred before the business concern has submitted its Notice of Intent to Move or Relocate and any bids and proposals for which reimbursement will be claimed have been approved by the University. The University must be notified in writing when the moving is to begin so that the required recording of moving activities may be made at the displacement and replacement locations, as applicable.
AGENCY NOTE: This requirement does not apply to a licensed hotel operation.
The business concern is responsible for submitting an accurate relocation claim adequately supported by the required documentation and signed by the applicant. False or fraudulent relocation claims may be punishable under the law.
If a relocation consultant administers the relocation program, then the consultant shall be responsible for initial determinations of the eligibility of all relocation claims and their components according to this Part. The University will have final approval of all relocation claims. The relocation payment will be made by the University directly to the business concern.
Every business concern is urged to work as closely as possible with the University or relocation consultant in order that the relocation claim will be as complete as possible and payable at the earliest possible time.
A relocation claim must include documentary proof that the business concern meets eligibility requirements, that prescribed procedures have been followed, and that the claimed amount of relocation expenses has been incurred. A claim for a relocation assistance payment must be supported by proper documentation such as bills, certified prices, appraisals, or other evidence of incurred expenses.
The relocation claim should be assembled as soon as the move or displacement is completed. It must include the supporting documentation described for either actual expenses or for the "in lieu payment" and must be made using the relocation forms supplied by the University.
The business concern is responsible for providing a complete relocation claim; however, the University will assist in completing and filing the relocation claim. Copies of the documentation that the business concern has submitted to the University will be made available upon request by the business concern.
A claim for a relocation assistance payment must be filed with the University within 60 days after:
The 60 day time period may be waived by the University for good cause.
The University will review claims. The claimant will be notified in writing as to any additional documentation that is required to support the claim. Payment for a claim will be made following receipt of proper documentation to support the claim.
After the relocation claim is submitted it must be reviewed by the University for determination of the eligibility of the claimed amounts.
A Letter of Determination will be mailed to the business concern outlining eligible and ineligible costs and the reasons for any disallowances.
If the business concern follows the prescribed procedures and provides complete and adequate documentation, the University will make every effort to expedite its review and payment of the relocation claim. If a displaced resident or business concern demonstrates the need for an advance relocation payment in order to avoid or reduce a hardship (e.g., moving company does not perform as scheduled, need for interim space for business or storage, cash flow problems), the University may issue payment to a third party providing a relocation service, subject to safeguards as are appropriate to ensure that the objective of the payment is accomplished.
The University will deduct the amount of any advance relocation payment from the relocation payment to which a displaced resident or business concern is otherwise entitled. The University may not withhold any part of a relocation payment to satisfy an obligation to any creditor other than the University, unless ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
If the business concern has objections to any disallowances made by the University, the business concern may submit those objections in writing to the University within 7 days after receipt of the Letter of Determination. If the University disapproves all or part of a payment claimed or refuses to consider the claim on its merits because of untimely filing or other grounds, it will notify the claimant in writing within 7 days of its final determination and the basis for its determination.
Ill. Admin. Code tit. 71, § 2400.50