Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference)

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Swiss Banks Settlement: Looted Assets Class

View Swiss Banks Settlement Grants for 2009

The Swiss Banks Settlement was reached in U.S. District Court under Chief Judge Edward R. Korman of the Eastern District of New York.One of the five classes created under the Settlement Agreement is the "Looted Assets Class." The plan of allocation for the Settlement, submitted by Special Master Judah Gribetz to Chief Judge Korman and adopted by the Court on November 22, 2000, provides for the distribution of benefits to members of the Looted Assets Class.

The Claims Conference, under the direction and approval of the Court, is responsible for administering emergency assistance programs funded by the Settlement on behalf of the Looted Assets Class in certain countries. The Court has designated certain funds over 10 years for emergency assistance programs for Jewish Nazi victims in countries outside the former Soviet Union. The Emergency Assistance Program is designed to help prevent or alleviate crises. Grants are used for:

  • Rent to prevent eviction
  • Medical/dental care not paid for by government-funded programs
  • Purchase of medical equipment including wheelchairs, beds, hearing aids
  • Heavy-duty house cleaning
  • Winter relief
  • Food assistance
  • Prescription drugs
  • Dentures
  • Home care
  • Emergency utility payment (heat, hot water, electricity)
  • Home equipment/repair

At the direction of the Court, the Claims Conference allocated more than $5 million under this program for services in 2009 to agencies in 26 countries.