The Kiribati Ministry of Labour has reminded relatives of former employees of British Phosphate Corporation in Banaba that payments are calculated on a case by case basis.
A senior ministry official, Natario Kiati, says he is aware that many claimants aren't clear about the payment they receive or why they are being turned down.
He says the ministry is applying some sections of the outdated Workmen's Compensation Act to pay out claims.
Natario Kiati says some claimants have provided insufficient documents, and some papers contradict statements given by their witnesses, which is why many applications are declined.
He says three families received 25,000 US dollars each for serious injuries which were recorded and documented.
Kiribati's share from the BPC Contingency Fund, which is looked after by Perpetual Trustee, has just over three million US dollars of which a quarter of a million has been used for compensation claims.
