IL Dept. of Insurance Joins International Effort to Settle Holocaust Victim Insurance Claims

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Director of Insurance Nat Shapo today announced an opportunity for Illinois residents to benefit from a comprehensive international effort to resolve outstanding claims on insurance policies held by victims of the Holocaust, some of whom have been seeking restitution for over 50 years. The Illinois Department is working in partnership with the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims (ICHEIC) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Shapo is the Vice-Chair of the NAIC International Holocaust Commission Task Force.

"Approximately 1,310 Illinoisans have registered as Holocaust survivors with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum," Shapo said. "It is my sincere hope that they, as well as any other Illinois citizens who have Holocaust-related insurance claims, will participate in this claims process and reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Illinois residents who previously filed claims with the Holocaust Claims Processing Office (HCPO) in New York do not have to file again because, if they gave their consent, HCPO will transfer their files to ICHEIC," he said.

Shapo also noted that Illinois Holocaust survivors or heirs who recover insurance assets will not be required to claim the proceeds as income on their Illinois income tax returns. The tax relief measure (PA 91-676) was signed by Governor George H. Ryan on December 23, 1999.

"This Commission has established a just process that will expeditiously address the issue of unpaid insurance policies issued to victims of the Holocaust," said former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence

Eagleburger, Chairman of the Commission. "We are guided by the principle that we want to be able to say that we have done everything possible to reach all potential claimants and pay Holocaust-related insurance claims in a fair and expeditious manner."

Beginning February 15, 2000, the families of those who are believed to have held active dowry, education and life insurance policies that were affected by the Holocaust can submit claims directly to the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims. As part of the program:

• The ICHEIC and participating insurers will accept claims for review and comparison to a list of known outstanding policies that has been compiled from existing documentation.
• The process will include a review of pertinent documentation and interviews with families to determine legitimate claims in need of settlement.
• Additionally, the ICHEIC and participating insurers have established a $90 million humanitarian fund to provide additional support for claimants.

The ICHEIC has set up a process to handle claims fairly and make it as easy as possible to make a claim. There is no charge to claimants to file, and it is not necessary to retain a lawyer. All claims must be filed by February 1, 2002, and will be resolved within two years of filing. Individuals who believe they may have unpaid insurance claims can request a claims packet one of four ways:

1. Write the International Commission, PO Box 1163, Wall Street Station, NY, NY 10268 USA;
2. Visit the ICHEIC website at http://www.ICHEIC.org;
3. In the United States call toll free, 1-800-957-3203;
4. Visit the Illinois Department of Insurance website at http://www.ins.state.il.us.

People needing assistance filling out claim forms may contact the following agencies:

Council for Jewish Elderly -- 773-508-1000
Jewish Family and Community Service, Central District -- 312-263-5523
Jewish Family and Community Service, Northern District -- 773-274-1324
Jewish Family and Community Service, Niles Township District -- 847-568-5200
Jewish Family and Community Service, North Suburban District -- 847-831-4225
Jewish Family and Community Service, North West Suburban District -- 847-392-8820
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Service -- 312-357-4666.