Claim Information for Holocaust Survivors and the Heirs of Holocaust Victims
To assist those in pursuing unclaimed funds owed to survivors and victims of the Holocaust, the New York State Comptroller offers the following source information:
For Funds Held by Swiss Banks and Insurance Companies in Europe
If you are seeking information on accounts or policies established between January 1, 1933 and May 9, 1945, with Swiss banks or insurance companies, you may contact the New York State Department of Financial Services Holocaust Claims Processing Office (HCPO) as follows:
- By Mail: Holocaust Claims Processing Office New York State Department of Financial Services One State Street New York, NY 10004-1511
- By Phone: 1-800-695-3318( within the U.S.), 212-709-5583 (outside the U.S.), 212-709-5592 (fax)
- Via Internet: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/holocaust/hcpoindex.htm
- Via E-mail: Claimsques@dfs.ny.gov
Claim forms and instructions can be downloaded from the HCPO Internet website. In addition, the HCPO will provide assistance in completing a claim form. The NYS Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds works in conjunction with the HCPO to ensure a thorough search of all available records.
For Funds Held by Swiss Bank Branches in New York State
At the beginning of WWII many of the Swiss banks established branch operations in New York. The Swiss banks subsequently transferred funds to their New York branches. After the war, the vast majority of those funds were transferred back to the Swiss banks in Europe. However, in some instances, funds belonging to Holocaust survivors and victims remained in those New York branches. Due to account inactivity, some of those branch offices subsequently reported those funds to the New York State Comptroller’s Office as dormant accounts. While many of these accounts have already been claimed by the rightful owners, some accounts still remain outstanding.
If you have reason to believe that you are the owner of such an account, or you are an owner’s heir, you may write to this Office and our staff will conduct a thorough search of our records.
Write to:
Office of Unclaimed Funds
Re: Holocaust Era Accounts
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12236
Please provide as much information as you have available to assist us in our search.
The Comptroller invites you to learn more about New York State’s Unclaimed Funds Program and The Office of the State Comptroller.
Share This
Like what you see? Share it with a friend.