Victim Compensation Programs: Cyprus

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Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs 2004 - 2005

Cyprus

Cyprus has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation for victims of violent crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. Yes, within 5 days after the crime.

Filing period. As soon as possible, but must be filed within 2 years of the crime.

Foreign citizen eligibility. Nationals of the states party to the European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes are eligible. Nationals of all member states of the Council of Europe who are permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible. (A permanent resident is any citizen of a foreign country who has filed for residency in Cyprus through the Ministry of Interior.)

Claimants

•	Victims of violent crime (i.e., any offense that is committed intentionally and contains the element of violence, and which is the direct cause of death, serious bodily injury, or impairment of health)


•	Dependents of homicide victims, including a husband or wife, or a child under the age of 15 (child includes a stepchild, child born out of wedlock, and legally adopted child)


•	A child, regardless of age, who is permanently incapable of supporting him- or herself

Procedures

Application forms are available from the Department of Social Insurance. The claimant must submit an application with the Director of Social Insurance. The claimant will receive notification of the decision as soon as it is reasonably possible for the Director of Social Insurance to establish eligibility in accordance with the provisions of the law and upon the review of police and medical reports.

Benefits and Award Limits

All compensation and benefits are covered by the Social Insurance Law on a case-by-case basis.

Compensable costs

•	Public medical expenses (up to the amount of £1,000)


•	Hospitalization expenses in public institutions


•	Sickness benefits


•	Invalidity and dependent’s pension (widow’s pension and orphan’s benefit)


•	Funeral grant (£303.00, effective January 2004)


•	Disability pension


•	Pension to dependents

Emergency awards. No emergency awards. Immediate expenses are covered under the Social Insurance Law.

Funding sources. General revenue of the Republic of Cyprus.

Contact Information

Department of Social Insurance, Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, 7 Byron Avenue, 1465 Nicosia, Cyprus
Telephone: (357) (22) 401 882 (Principal Insurance Officer)
Fax: (357) (22) 672–984
E-mail: soc.ins.@cytanet.com.cy
Internet: None

Languages used—
• On application forms: English
• In correspondence: English
• By telephone: English

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