Hungary

Hungary has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation for victims of violent or personal crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. Yes, as soon as possible.

Filing period. The standard filing period is usually within 6 months of the crime. If the claim is not filed within 6 months, compensation, if approved, will be made from the date of filing and not from the date the crime occurred.

Foreign citizen eligibility. European Union (EU) citizens from reciprocal states became eligible when Hungary joined the EU in May 2004. Citizens from foreign countries (or states) that have a reciprocal agreement covering Hungarian citizens are eligible. Foreigners who have been officially living in Hungary as immigrants, permanent residents, or refugees, and their close relatives, are eligible to apply for compensation.

Claimants

Procedures

The victim must report the crime to the police and provide the date, location, and injuries and losses resulting from the crime. A claimant can obtain an application for compensation from the Foundation for Safe Hungary in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. A nonprofit organization, the Feher Gyuru (White Ring), provides support services for victims of crime. Feher Gyuru (White Ring) will assist victims with application forms and provide other forms of financial support.

Benefits and Award Limits

The maximum award is 15 times the minimum wage.

Compensable costs

Emergency awards. The emergency awards program does not provide emergency compensation.

Funding sources. Funding comes from the state budget.

Contact Information

Foundation for Safe Hungary, 1539 Budapest, PF.: 640
Telephone: 36-1-266-3048, 36-1-266-2645, or 36-1-317-3641
Internet: none

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

For assistance from a nongovernment organization, contact

Feher Gyuru (White Ring; victim support organization funded through private donations and government funding), Budapest 1055, Szent Istvan korut 1
Telephone: 361-312-2287
Fax: 361-472-1162
E-mail: fehergyuru@axelero.hu
Internet: None

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

During the tourist season from May to September, White Ring also has two offices near Lake Balaton that are open from noon to 6 p.m. English is spoken at these offices:

Siofok, Hotel Balaton (Petofi setany 9)
Telephone: 36-87-343-644, ext. 4006

Balatonfured, Hotel Marina (Szechenyi ut 26)
Telephone: 36-84-310-655, ext. 1604

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