The main task of the National Fund is to make “gesture payments” of 5,087.10 Euros to the victims of National Socialism. People who were persecuted on political grounds, on grounds of religion, nationality, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, or of accusations of so-called asociality, or those who otherwise fell victim to typical Nazi injustice or left the country in order to escape such persecution are eligible to receive a payment.
The National Fund grants recognition to all victims of National Socialism, including those who have previously received little or no acknowledgement in Austria. These include Roma and Sinti, “Spanienkämpfer”, Carinthian Slovenes, the “Spiegelgrund children” and homosexuals, as well as people resettled from “Döllersheimer Ländchen” (Allentsteig/Lower Austria), victims of Nazi courts martial, conscientious objectors, and deserters from the German Armed Forces. The Fund also helps raise social and political awareness of certain victimized groups and the different forms of persecution.
Since its inception, the National Fund has granted official recognition to around 30,000 victims of National Socialism and has made gesture payments amounting to approximately 158 million Euros. Those requiring additional financial support can apply for a renewed payment in the same amount.