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Victims of Crime Compensation

Victims Assistance Scheme

Victims of Crime Compensation
Compensation for victims of crime is available to victims of violent crime via Victims Services. Victims Compensation in NSW can also be paid to eligible Family Members for whom a claim is made – totalling a maximum of $50, 000 between them.

In cases of homicide, the funeral costs are paid, and the remainder is divided amongst eligible members with the emphasis on providing for minor children where they exist. Compensation cannot be paid unless the victim died as a result of an act of violence, and can be reduced if the victim was said to have contributed to their own death. 

A family of a person who has been murdered by a motor vehicle is not eligible for Victims Compensation in NSW as it is classified as a vehicle injury, not a personal injury.

You are eligible to apply for compensation if you are: 

• the victim injured as a result of an act of violence (primary victim); or
• the victim injured as a result of witnessing an act of violence (secondary victim); or
• the parent/guardian of a victim of an act of violence (and victim was under 18) and you are injured as a result of learning of the act of violence (secondary victim); or
• the member of the immediate family of a homicide victim (family victim); or
• injured while trying to: prevent someone from committing an act of violence, or arrest someone who has committed an act of violence, or help/rescue someone against whom an act of violence is being committed (primary victim).

However, you are not eligible to apply for compensation if: 

• the act of violence did not occur in NSW;
• it cannot be proved that an act of violence occurred;
• you are not injured or your injury does not meet the $7,500 threshold in the Schedule of Injuries;
• the application arises from injuries caused by a crime against property;
• the application arises from injuries caused by a motor vehicle
• more than 2 years have passed since the last date of an act of violence (this does not include claims for compensation for child abuse).*

*If the application is lodged more than 2 years after the act of violence, it is necessary to provide reasons for the delay in the application form. These reasons will be considered by the Director, who may accept or refuse the late application.

If you are eligible to receive compensation, you will need to complete an application form or take the form to a solicitor who has experience with such claims.

For further information about Victims Compensation and guidance on completing an application, see the Victims Services website for online applications, or download an application form below.

Application for Compensation or Expenses

Application for Homicide Compensation or Expenses

Homicide Application Funeral Expenses

Schedule of Injuries

Victims Assistance Scheme
Victims Assistance Scheme (VAS) provides financial assistance to eligible victims of crime via Victims Services.

You are eligible to apply for the VAS if you are:

• the primary victim of an act of violence that resulted in at least one of the compensable injuries in Schedule 1 of the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996; and
• the act of violence occurred on or after the legislation for the Scheme commenced (16 February 2007); and
• the claim is lodged within two years of the date of the act of violence; and
• the net total of all your expenses is $200 or over

Types of expenses that can be claimed:

• dental
• ambulance
• physiotherapy
• prescription glasses/contact lenses
• domestic assistance while recovering (up to $500)
• cleaning costs of property related to the act of violence (up to $500)
• security (up to $500)

The maximum amount that can be reimbursed for expenses is $1500 but there are restrictions on certain types of expenses. All receipts must be retained and attached to your application.

If you are eligible to receive the VAS, you will need to complete an application form and fax or post it to Victims Services.

For further information about the Victims Assistance Scheme, see the Victims Services website.

Application for Compensation or Expenses

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