How to File a Restitution Claim

Following are telephone numbers and web sites for information about how to file Holocaust-related claims.

INSURANCE CLAIMS

The International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims has set up a process to handle insurance claims of Holocaust victims, survivors, and their heirs and beneficiaries.

For claim forms and more information, call toll-free in the United States, (800) 957-3203.

Information is also available on the Internet at http://www.icheic.org.

PAYMENTS FROM GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

The Claims Conference has negotiated compensation payments for Holocaust victims from Germany and Austria. There are several programs, with varying eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

For further information in the United States, call (212) 696-4944 and ask for the Department of Services. In Israel, call (972-3) 517-9247; in Germany, (49-69) 970-701-21; in Austria, (43-1) 533-1622.

Detailed information about these programs is also available at http://www.claimscon.org.

GERMAN SLAVE LABOR PAYMENTS

A process for making claims has not yet been created. The Claims Conference promises that the "application form will be short, simple and non-bureaucratic," but says the application process will not begin before the fall.

NEW YORK STATE HOLOCAUST CLAIMS PROCESSING OFFICE

The office helps people seeking to recover assets deposited in European banks, monies never paid in connection with insurance policies issued by European insurance companies and art that was lost or looted.

For information, call (800) 695-3318 in the United States. Information is also available on the Internet at http://www.claims.state.ny.us.

SWISS FUND

In August 1998, Switzerland's leading banks agreed to pay $1.25 billion to settle Holocaust-era claims. A U.S. court still has to approve a distribution plan. Once that happens, information about how to file a claim will be made available in a worldwide ad campaign.

HUNGARIAN GOLD TRAIN SETTLEMENT

A proposed settlement agreement was filed on March 11, 2005 in the Hungarian Gold Train case between the United States Government and Hungarian victims of the Holocaust and heirs. For information, see the Hungarian Gold Train Settlement site.

Source: JTA