Austria

Austria has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation to victims of severe crime who have suffered physical/mental injuries.

Eligibility Requirements
Report to police: Yes.
Filing period: 6 months from the month in which the crime occurred for current costs; 2 years for the cost of medical help.

Claimants

• Victims of crime who suffer serious injuries
• Family of homicide victims
• Citizens of EEC countries unless victim is eligible to receive similar compensation in his/her own country

Procedures

The applicant files a claim at any of the six "Bundessozialaut" located in Austria.

It is required that the applicant provide details of the date and place that the crime occurred, as well as a full list of injuries and losses incurred.

Benefits & Award Limits

There is no maximum award limit.

Compensable Costs (in Austrian Schillings)

• Medical expenses
• Mental health expenses
• Burial - up to 27,500
• Lost wages
• Lost support
• Assistance for family of victim
• General social aid to foreign citizens
• Travel expenses (summons-related)
• Rehabilitation
• Disabilities

Emergency Awards

The program does not provide emergency compensation awards but can be advanced or made available prior to an offender's conviction.

Funding Sources

The program is funded through fines imposed on convicted offenders and other sources.

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