Are you a Holocaust Survivor? Our program specialists will answer your questions about care and help you get started.
Call 416-635-2860 x247
About Holocaust Survivor Services
Support for Holocaust survivors requires special understanding, knowledge and sensitivity. That is what we offer at Circle of Care, with oversight from specially trained staff. These services are funded by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and include:
- Case management
- Personal support & homemaking
- Transportation (iRide)
- Kosher Meals on Wheels
- Referral to other community agencies
- Counselling and support
- Adult Day Programs
- Socialization programs
Eligibility and Levels of Service
Eligibility for funding is determined by the Claims Conference. Once you are deemed eligible, the level of support provided is determined by a standardized assessment and available program resources.
Circle of Care assists you with completing the required paperwork to apply for funding but cannot guarantee eligibility.
How to Get Started
Step 1
Call us at 416-635-2860 x247. A staff member will conduct a brief screening to determine your potential eligibility with the Claims Conference. If deemed likely to be eligible and you wish to proceed, we will send you the required forms by mail or email—based on your preference.
Step 2
Complete and return the forms. Once received, Circle of Care will submit your application to the Claims Conference. Their team will review it according to standard procedures and provide a decision within approximately two weeks.
Step 3
If approved for funding, you’ll be assigned a Circle of Care case manager. The case manager will contact you to conduct an assessment and determine the level of support you need. They will be your ongoing point of contact for any questions, concerns, or changes—such as pausing services due to travel or hospitalization.
Step 4
Ongoing support and reassessment. Your case manager will reassess your needs every 18 months. If your circumstances change at any time, please reach out so your support can be adjusted accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 this 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. Only the income and assets of the applicant are reviewed, not household and/or spousal finances.
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. As noted above, 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.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation for so much needed support for my parents. When I found myself completely drained physically, mentally and financially, my parents’ case manager did an outstanding job providing help and emotional support, always answering phone calls and responding with words of advice and encouragement. My family will be forever grateful to Circle of Care for all of the assistance and compassion.”
-Client’s daughter
