Holocaust victims receive payment from Child Survivor Fund

After prolonged negotiations with the German government, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany has created the Child Survivor Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide one-time payments of 2,500 euros for survivors who suffered persecution as children.

Those who believe they are eligible to receive payments should fill out a free application on ClaimsCon.org. Because thousands of applications arrive at the office on a regular basis, the determination of eligibility takes several months.

Only victims of persecution can receive payment; heirs are ineligible to file applications. There is no income limit.

Here is a condensed version of the Frequently Asked Questions of the Child Survivor Fund:

Q. Who is eligible?

A. The fund is open to Nazi victims who were persecuted as Jews and were born Jan. 1, 1928, or later and who suffered one of the following types of persecution:

                •             Were in a concentration camp

                •             Were in a ghetto

                •             Were in hiding or living under a false identity/illegally for a period of at least six months in Nazi-occupied or Axis countries

                •             Were a fetus during the time that their mother suffered persecution as described above.

Q. Are heirs entitled?

A. If the child survivor applied, is eligible and subsequently dies, the surviving spouse is entitled to payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the child(ren) of the eligible child survivor is (are) entitled to the payment.

Q. I have received previous compensation payments or I am currently receiving payments from the Claims Conference or the German government. Do I need to request an application?

A. Previous payment from the Claims Conference is not a guarantee that you will be eligible for this program.

Q. What if the applicant is incapacitated and cannot sign the application form?

A. The application can be signed by an authorized representative or a power-of-attorney holder. Along with the application form, submit a copy of the power of attorney document; a copy of the authorized representative’s government-issued ID; and either a note signed and written on letterhead from a doctor or medical professional caring for the applicant or a recent copy of a bill or bank statement in the applicant’s name.

Q. Who can help me if I need assistance?

A. The Claims Conference can refer you to a local social service agency that can help you. You can also find a local social service agency on its website.

Q. Will there be an appeals process?

A. Yes, there will be an independent appeals process. If you receive a rejection letter, it will include the contact information and required timeframe for the independent appeals authority.

Q. Where should I send the form?

A. Claims Conference; 1359 Broadway, Room 2000; New York, N.Y. 10018

Q. How can I find out if my form was received?

A. You should receive an acknowledgement letter within eight weeks of submitting your application form. 

– JEWISH VOICE STAFF