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Nazi Victim Services FAQ

Who is eligible for Selfhelp’s Nazi Victim Services?
You are eligible for Selfhelp’s Nazi Victims Services if you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx or Nassau County and resided in a country at the time it was under the Nazi regime and directly suffered persecution by the Nazis. If you are not sure about your status as a Nazi victim, please call us at 212.971.5475 or email us at info@selfhelp.net.

Does Selfhelp charge for services provided to survivors through its Nazi Victim Services Program?
There are no fees for social work or case management. Some services, such as home care, have fees. Fees may vary from person to person based on their financial situation.

If I get restitution or settlement money, will it affect my eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other government benefits?
In general, restitution and/or settlement payments based on one’s status as a victim of Nazi persecution are exempt when calculating financial eligibility for government benefits. This applies to income and assets, depending on circumstances. For information about your specific situation, please call us at 212.971.5475 or email us at info@selfhelp.net.

Do I need a lawyer in order to apply for the different funds that are available for survivors?
In recent years, numerous funds from different countries have become available. The criteria vary from one fund to another. Most do not require an attorney to complete the applications. Please call us at 212.971.5475 and a social worker can discuss your various options. You also can email us at info@selfhelp.net and we will contact you.

What is the Claims Conference?
The Claims Conference is the short name for The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. Since 1951 The Claims Conference has been dedicated to providing a measure of justice for Jewish victims of Nazi persecution. They negotiate with European industry, government and bank representatives to return Jewish property lost during the Holocaust, administer compensation programs and distribute payments. Funding from the Claims Conference also supports Selfhelp’s Nazi Victim Services Programs.