Poland

Poland has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial assistance for victims of personal crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. Yes.

Filing period. Within 2 years from the date of the crime.

Foreign citizen eligibility. Citizens of foreign countries are eligible to apply for compensation.

Claimants

Procedures

A victim of crime should write a letter to the Foundation for Assistance to Crime Victims describing the incident and its consequences, and justifying the claim for compensation. After preliminary review, the foundation mails an application form and instructions to the victim. A crime victim must complete the application form and send it to the Foundation for Assistance to Crime Victims. The following items should be included with the application: documentation of the court sentence or a document stating that the investigation has been discontinued by the prosecutor, medical documentation describing the injuries received as a result of the crime, and income declaration information. Decisions to award or deny an application are issued within 2 months of receipt of the application.

Benefits and Award Limits

The amount of assistance depends on the economic status of the victim and the extent of the victim's losses.

Compensable costs. Medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Funding sources. The program is funded through court-awarded damages for drunk driving and donations from individuals and institutions.

Contact Information

Foundation for Assistance to Crime Victims, ul. Wisiniowa 50, 02-520 Warszawa
Telephone and fax: 48-22-848 2890
Internet: None

Languages used—
• On application forms: Polish
• In correspondence: Polish, or the native language of the victim (the foundation will arrange for translation)
• By telephone: Polish

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