Victim Compensation Programs: Iceland

This file is provided for reference purposes only. It was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Please select www.ovc.gov to access current information.

Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs 2004 - 2005

Iceland

Iceland has a compensation program that provides financial compensation for victims who suffer losses as a result of crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. Yes; immediately.

Filing period. Within 2 years of the date the crime was committed.

Foreign citizen eligibility. Foreign national residents are eligible to apply for compensation. Foreign nationals who are in Iceland for a short time (e.g., foreign tourists) are excluded.

Claimants

•	Victims who suffer losses as a result of crime

•	Dependents of deceased victims

•	Icelandic citizens who are victims of a crime overseas

Procedures

There is currently no special application form to fill out. The victim (or his or her next-of-kin) writes a letter to the Compensation Committee, in care of the Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs, and provides information about the crime and the request for compensation. To support their claims, victims should submit a police report, medical bills, and other evidence of loss. Claims are processed within 2 to 3 months, or up to 1 year, depending on the case. A decision can be delayed if the case is before the courts or if the victim fails to provide the necessary evidence to justify the claim. There is no administrative appeal; however, a decision of the Compensation Committee could be appealed to the courts.

Benefits and Award Limits

Minimum of ISK100,000.

The maximums are:

•	ISK250,000 for damage to personal belongings (e.g. clothing)

•	ISK2,500,000 for bodily injury

•	ISK600,000 for pecuniary damages

•	ISK2,500,000 for loss of breadwinner

Compensable costs

•	Medical expenses (bodily injury)

•	Damage to clothing

•	Loss of small amounts of cash

•	Reasonable funeral expenses

•	Pecuniary losses suffered as a result of injuries (e.g., lost wages)

•	Mental health losses (these costs are eligible for the same level of compensation as others so long as they fulfill the conditions of the law)

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

Funding sources. Funds come from a special section of the Ministry's budget. The state can claim repayment from the offender.

Contact Information

Compensation Board (Botanefnd), Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Arnarhvoli, 150 Reykjavik, Iceland
Telephone: 354-560-9000
Fax: 354-552-7340
Internet: www.stjr.is/dkm

Languages used—
• On application forms: There is no application form
• In correspondence: Icelandic, or Nordic if the victim is from the Nordic countries
• By telephone: Icelandic

Return to Index

The information on this page is archived and provided for reference purposes only.