When does the Fund take a decision?

Once the Fund has received your application, the Fund will start processing it and you will be sent an acknowledgement of receipt. To start with the Fund will examine whether the form is completed in full and if all the evidence required is included. If not, you will be notified and you will be able to send the Fund any information that is lacking.

Processing

Once your file is complete, a legal expert of the Fund will process your application. In some instances it will be necessary to request further information, eg from the police, the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, your employer or a benefit paying agency. As to any injury itself, the Fund may also consult its medical advisor, who may contact the person or doctor treating you. The medical advisor will then draw up a recommendation based on the information collected. You are not required to undergo a medical examination in connection with your application.

The decision

The Fund decides whether you qualify for compensation. It takes an average of four months before you are informed of its decision. When the Fund receives an application form, it creates a new file. It then determines what additional information is necessary, eg a police report, medical information or other evidence. Once the file is complete, the Fund’s legal experts process your application. In some instances the Fund considers it necessary to ask its medical advisor for advice, or investigate specific damage in more detail. In the end the Fund takes a decision and notifies you of it in writing.

Payment

If you qualify for one-off compensation from the Fund, the amount will be paid into the account designated by you within 10 working days. Compensation is usually paid into your account about three weeks after the decision is taken. Compensation for immaterial damage (non-economic damage) for children under the age of 18 is paid into an investment account. The money can then be withdrawn on the child’s 18th birthday. 
If after having received compensation from the Fund you receive money from say your insurer or the offender, you must notify the Fund.

An advance

In exceptional instances the Fund will pay an advance on compensation. There must, however, be urgent reasons for it to do so. You only qualify for an advance if it is probable that your application will take a long time to process and it is clear that your application meets all statutory requirements. This applies in the case of a financial emergency that arises as a result of the crime. A request for an advance must always be submitted in writing and backed up with reasons.

Additional compensation

If following your initial application you have any additional damage as a result of your injury, you can submit an additional application. This must be in writing and include a description of the damage and the amount in question. Do not forget to enclose the requisite evidence. You do not qualify for additional compensation for any damage you were aware of when you submitted your initial application but which you omitted to mention.