Services for Holocaust Survivors

Does Circle of Care provide financial assistance for medical expenses?

Circle of Care does not provide reimbursement for medical expenses for Holocaust Survivors. However, financial assistance for eligible clients is provided by our partners, Jewish Family and Child, 416-638-7800. Please contact Jewish Family and Child prior to purchasing services or products for program eligibility and guidelines.

Are children of Holocaust survivors eligible for any assistance?

Spouses and children of Survivors are not eligible for Circle of Care’s home care program. In some specific and limited cases, heirs of Survivors may be eligible to receive restitution. All questions regarding restitution should be directed to Jewish Family and Child, 416-638-7800.

What are the financial criteria for a Holocaust survivor to be eligible for services from the Holocaust Survivor Program?

Client income may not exceed $66,300, excluding government pensions as well as several other pensions which will be reviewed at the time of application. As well, client assets may not exceed $1,326,090. Assets do not include primary residence but do include all other forms of assets and investments. These amounts are determined by the Claims Conference and unfortunately, there are no exceptions. As well, we review the income and assets of the applicant only, household and/or spousal finances are not required.

How long does it take to apply for the Holocaust Survivor Program?

If clients already have a Claims Conference ID Number, applications can be processed within about two weeks of receipt. Circle of Care must have the complete application package in order to proceed with the review and acceptance process. If you require assistance completing your application, one of our Case Managers can visit you in your home to assist you. If approved, the level of care a person receives is also dependent on available program resources.

Does Circle of Care provide PSWs and Homemakers that speak my language?

While we strive to provide language specific care, it is based on availability of workers. Unfortunately, we are not always able to accommodate language specific requests but do our best to ensure staff are trained to meet your needs.

What makes someone eligible for the Holocaust Survivor Program?

Eligibility for funding is determined by the Claims Conference. The level of support provided is based on a standardized assessment as well as the client’s wartime experience. Circle of Care can help to assist clients with completing the required paperwork to apply for funding but cannot guarantee eligibility. Note that if a person has not gone through the process of being verified as a Jewish Nazi Victim (JNV) the application process will take longer as Claims conference will have to complete the JNV verification process.

Once approved by the Claims Conference as eligible to receive services from Circle of Care, based on multiple factors including income and asset criteria (note: asset calculations do not include the value of the clients primary residence), an assessment will be completed in home by a Circle of Care case manager where care needs will be determined.

If any of the care needs are able to be supported by government resources, the Circle of Care case manager will first ensure that the maximum amount of these available services are attained for eligible care needs of the client. After that, the remainder will be serviced through the Holocaust Survivors’ Services Program, depending on clients individual assessment metrics and available program resources.

How long do I have to wait to start receiving services once I have finished the application? How long does it take for Claims Conference to approve my status once my application has been completed?

Once the application is complete, it must be approved by the Claims Conference. This usually takes about two weeks but depends on the Claims conference processing times. Once the approval is received, a Case Manager will contact you to book an assessment. They are able to see you within about two weeks and sooner in urgent client situations. Once the assessment is complete, the Case Manager will work with you to develop your care plan. Services will start as soon as possible depending on available resources, what services you require, and any special requirements.

How many hours of home service I can receive from the program?

The level of care depends on an assessment completing by Case Manager and available program resources.