The German government has agreed to allow Holocaust survivors from the former Soviet Union to reapply for reparations payments under the Hardship Fund. Those found eligible will receive one-time payments of 2,556 euro.
Up to 13,000 survivors around the world could be affected by the decision. Many of those affected have never received compensation for their Holocaust suffering in the past.
The government's decision came after negotiations with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany. Previously, the German government had argued that survivors whose applications were denied or who had failed to apply within the designated time would have no right to file a future request for aide.
Survivors had argued that they were not informed of regulations before filing for assistance, leading many to file for reparations before they were eligible and forever miss their opportunity for help. Applicants are required to be at least 80 years old or 80 percent disabled.
A 2002 lawsuit led to 1,365 survivors receiving reparations.
The more recent decision applies to eligible survivors who are alive as of March 19, 2009.