If my claim (from another country) is to be considered in this country

Which authority decides on a claim for compensation in cross-border cases?

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

National Council for Assistance and Compensation to Victims of Crime

Address: 1 Slavyanska Street, Sofia 1040, Republic of Bulgaria

Web: http://www.compensation.bg/

In the case of criminal offences committed in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the deciding authority in relation to applications for compensation in cross-border cases is the National Council for Assistance and Compensation to Victims of Crime.

In the case of criminal offences committed outside the Republic of Bulgaria, the National Council for Assistance and Compensation to Victims of Crime acts as an assisting authority and transmits the application for compensation to the competent authority of the country in which the criminal offence was committed.

Can I send my claim directly to the deciding authority in this country even in cross-border cases (without having to go via the assisting authority in my home country)?

Yes, you can.

In which language(s) do the compensation authorities(s) accept the:

• claim? -  In Bulgarian and in English.
• supporting documents? - In Bulgarian and in English.

If the compensation authority translates the claim/supporting documents from another EU country, who pays for this?

The National Council for Assistance and Compensation to Victims of Crime pays for the translation.

Are there administrative or other charges to be paid in this country for processing my claim (received from another EU country)? If so, how can I pay these?

No, there are not.

If I need to be present during the procedure and/or when my claim is being decided upon, can I be reimbursed for my travelling costs? How can I claim them? Who do I have to contact?

The victim is not present during the procedure for awarding compensation by the country.

Is an interpreter provided, in case I have to be personally present?

See the answer to the previous question.

Will medical certificates, given by doctors in my country of residence, be accepted or recognised – or will my health/injury have to be examined by your own medical experts?

Yes, they will. The medical documents, including those attesting to medical costs issued by the country concerned, may be accepted and/or recognised, but the National Council decides on this matter on a case-by-case basis.

Will I be reimbursed for my travelling costs, if I have to undergo a medical examination in this country?

The travelling costs related to a medical examination might be reimbursed, but the National Council decides on this matter on a case-by-case basis.

How long does it take approximately to get a decision on compensation from the authority/body?

The application for compensation is reviewed within one month from the date when it was received. If necessary, this time limit can be extended by up to three months.

In which language will I receive the decision on my claim?

In Bulgarian and in English.

If I am not satisfied with the decision, how can I challenge it?

The decisions of the National Council for Assistance and Compensation to Victims of Crime cannot be challenged.

Can I get legal aid (help from a lawyer) under the other country’s rules?

The procedure for awarding compensation by the country does not require the involvement of a lawyer.

Are there any victim support organisations in this country that can help me claim compensation in a cross-border case?

Yes. The Bulgarian Association of Victim Support Organisations

Tel. +359 29819300