Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime
The Financial Assistance Scheme has experienced a significant increase in demand for our service in recent years.
We are assessing applications as quickly as we can, however the increase means there may be delays of more than 18 months to receive an outcome. Your patience during this time is much appreciated.
Safety related requests will be prioritised.
Financial assistance is available to help victims of violent crimes in the ACT.
The purpose of the financial assistance is:
- to assist victims of crime to recover from acts of violence
- to contribute to the safety of victims of crime and the prevention of future acts of violence
- to acknowledge the harmful effects of acts of violence
- to complement other services provided for victims of crime
If you have any questions about financial assistance after a crime, please contact Victim Support ACT.
Victim Support ACT has staff and skilled volunteers who can help you complete your application for financial assistance. Please contact us for assistance.
You may also download this Easy English brochure for a simplified overview of the scheme.
Who can apply for financial assistance?
Primary victim
You are a primary victim if you have been injured emotionally or physically by a violent crime in the ACT.
Primary victims can apply for:
- financial assistance for immediate need
- financial assistance for economic loss
- a recognition payment
You will usually be required to have reported the act of violence to police (some exceptions apply, particularly in relation to family violence and sexual assault - please contact the Financial Assistance Scheme team for further information).
Related victims
You are a related victim if you are a family member or dependant of a victim who has died as a result of a crime.
A family member or dependant includes:
- a spouse or intimate partner
- a parent, step-parent or guardian
- a child or step-child
- a sibling (including half-siblings and step-siblings)
- a person who, in accordance with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custom, is regarded as a sibling.
A family member can apply for financial assistance. Payments vary depending on the relationship with the person who died as a result of a crime.
Homicide witnesses
If you were injured as a result of witnessing a death as a result of a crime, you can apply for financial assistance for immediate needs and/or financial assistance for economic loss. This injury often arises because of the impact of witnessing the death on your psychological wellbeing.
The amount of assistance you can access as a homicide witness is capped at $11600.
Funeral expense payments
If you are required to pay for a funeral for a homicide victim, you can apply for a funeral expense payment.
What types of payment are available?
If you have been injured by a violent crime committed in the ACT, you can apply for financial assistance. There are different types of payments.
The scheme does not cover the cost of property damage (unless it was an item that you wore or had on you when the crime happened).
Immediate need payments
Immediate needs payments pay for things that you need urgently to be safe.
If you are unsafe and need security measures or assistance to move house, you may apply for financial assistance, up to $4000, to directly pay for things such as:
- changing the locks on your doors
- installing CCTV or a security system in your home
- storage facility for your household items as you move
- a removalist.
If you have emergency medical costs because of the violent crime you can apply for up to $10000. For example, urgent dental work. You will be asked to prove that you cannot afford to pay for this.
You can apply for up to $5000 to pay for crime scene clean-up after a homicide.
Documentation: if you have receipts or quotes for things you would like us to pay for, please include these with your application.
For more information on what types of payments can be claimed, and examples of payment types please see the Guide to Completing an Application PDF(348KB).
Economic loss payments
Economic loss payments are available to help pay for loss of earnings and other costs that assist you with your recovery.
Economic loss payments can pay for:
- medical and dental expenses
- some costs of attending court or coronial proceedings, up to $5000
- other expenses in exceptional circumstances
- loss or damage to, items that you wore or had with you when the crime happened, up to $1500.
You can claim up to $30,000 for actual loss of earnings for taking time off work. This is only available if you have used up all your paid leave.
The scheme does not cover the cost of property damage (unless it was an item that you wore or had on you when the crime happened).
Documentation: if you have receipts or quotes for things you would like us to pay for, please include these with your application.
For more information on what types of economic loss payments can be claimed, and examples of payment types please see the Guide to Completing an Application PDF(348KB).
Recognition payments
In some circumstances a recognition payment can be made to acknowledge the harm experienced because of a violent crime.
The payment depends on the type of crime. In some cases, the seriousness of your injuries and your circumstances will be taken into consideration.
Recognition payments are available to primary victims and family members or dependants of homicide victims.
You can look at the payment amounts for each crime in Regulation 8 of the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Regulation 2016 .
The lowest payment under the Regulation applies to crime with relatively low criminal penalties. For example, a common assault may receive a recognition payment of $1158.
The highest payment applies to crimes with the highest maximum prison sentences. For example, a victim of child sexual assault may receive a recognition payment of $17402.
If you experienced the act of violence before 1 July 2016 you may be eligible for a special assistance payment instead of a recognition payment.
Funeral expense payments
If you have paid for, or will have to pay for, a funeral for someone who has died because of a homicide you can apply for financial assistance. You can claim up to $8000 in funeral expenses.
Payments for crimes before 1 July 2016
On 1 July 2016 the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 (the 1983 Act) was replaced by the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 2016 (the 2016 Act). Some parts of the 1983 Act continue to apply to victims of crime who experienced an act of violence before 1 July 2016.
Special Assistance
Victims of crime who experienced a violent crime before 1 July 2016 may be eligible for a special assistance payment instead of a recognition payment.
A special assistance payment is a financial lump sum amount that can be awarded for ‘pain and suffering’. If the crime occurred before 1 July 2016, the following victims may be eligible for a special assistance payment:
- A primary victim who sustains an extremely serious injury may receive an award for special assistance of a one-off payment of $30 000.
- A primary victim of a sexual offence may be awarded special assistance in an amount determined by the Victims of Crime Commissioner up to a maximum of $50 000.
An extremely serious injury is defined as an injury consisting of the loss or impairment of a bodily function, disfigurement or a mental or emotional disturbance or disorder, where the injury:
- is permanent; and
- is extremely serious and will always be extremely serious; and
- causes a great and permanent reduction in the victim’s quality of life.
If you get a special assistance payment, you can still apply for immediate needs or economic loss payments.
When can I apply for financial assistance?
There is a time limit for applying. You should apply within 3 years of the crime. If the crime occurred when you were a child you should apply within three years from the day you turn 18.
We will give you an extension to this time limit if you ask.
We are unable to make payments for crimes that occurred before 1 July 1983.
Where can I get help with my application?
You can contact us to get information and assistance to complete a financial assistance application.
Some people find it helpful to ask a support worker, friend or family member to help. Victim Support ACT can assist you with the application.
Legal advice
You do not need legal advice or assistance to prepare or submit your application.
However, if you would like legal assistance to discuss your options, you can contact Legal Aid ACT on 1300 654 314.
Please note that the maximum amount a lawyer can charge you to assist you in applying for financial assistance is $1264.
The maximum amount that a lawyer can charge you to assist you with an appeal or review is $2529.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
The application forms are available on this page. Please select the form that applies to your situation.
Important note: Please download and save application forms before completing them. If the form is completed before it is downloaded, information entered will not be saved.
You can also print the form and complete it by hand.
If you have receipts or quotes for things you would like us to pay for, please include these with your application.
If you need help to complete the form, we can provide that, please contact us.
Forms
Primary Victim Application Form PDF(501KB)
Guide to completing the primary victim application form PDF(349KB) Word(101KB)
Related Victims and Homicide Witnesses Application Form PDF(248KB)
Guide to Completing the Related Victim or Homicide Witness Application Form Word(95KB)
Funeral Assistance Application Form PDF(141KB)
Guide to Completing the Funeral Assistance Application Form PDF(252KB) Word(71KB)
Application to Vary Amount of Financial Assistance WORD(75KB)
Use this form to apply for a variation on the amount of financial assistance you have received if your circumstances have changed, or are likely to change, since you received the earlier assistance payment.
Supporting documents
The things we need to decide your application are:
- evidence that the crime happened to you
- evidence that you were injured
- proof of your expenses
The things we need from you are:
- consent to contact support services who have assisted you in relation to the crime
- consent to contact professionals who you have treated you in relation to the crime
- letters or medical certificates confirming you were injured by the crime (please do not send images or video of your injuries)
- copies of invoices or quotes for expenses you are claiming.
To get evidence that the crime happened to you, we usually ask police for records they have about the crime.
Submitting Applications
Applications can be submitted by:
Email: fasvsact@act.gov.au
Post: Financial Assistance Scheme, Victim Support ACT
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601
In person: ACT Human Rights Commission
56 Allara Street
Canberra City
Other frequently asked questions
How do I know if I can apply for an immediate need payment?
An immediate need payment must prevent further harm, promote your recovery, or limit further threats to your safety. Payment as an immediate need for medical expenses is only available when you do not have the financial ability to pay for the medical costs.
What if I can’t afford to pay the expenses that I have upfront?
We have the option to pay providers of services directly if you do not have the financial ability to pay the expense.
What if I haven’t reported the crime to police?
Usually, to be eligible for financial assistance, you need to report the act of violence to the police. However, we recognise that sometimes reporting to the police can be difficult.
If you are a Special Reporting Class Victim (SRCV), you can still apply for immediate needs and economic loss payments even if you haven’t reported the act of violence to the police. This section explains the rules for SRVCs.
You are a SRVC if:
- You are the victim of a sexual offence
- The offender is in a position of power over you
- You have a physical, psychological or intellectual impairment
- You were under 18 when the act of violence occurred
- You were threatened or intimidated about reporting to police
You are eligible for an immediate needs payment if you have reported to at least 2 of the following 3 types of people or agencies:
- A government agency
- A doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker
- A qualified non-government agency, which are listed below:
- Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
- Companion House
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service
- Relationships Australia Canberra and Region
- EveryMan Australia
- Women’s Legal Centre (ACT and Region) Incorporated
- Beryl Women Incorporated
- Canberra Police Community Youth Club Incorporated
You are eligible for an economic loss payment if you have reported to both:
- A government agency, and
- A doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker
You are not eligible for a recognition payment unless you have made a report to police.
Do I ever have to repay any financial assistance?
If you receive a payment of financial assistance and then receive a payment from another source for the same expense (called an ‘associated payment’), you are required to repay the financial assistance you were paid.
Examples of the types of payments that are considered associated payments include:
- workers compensation;
- insurance payouts;
- Medicare benefits;
- civil court awards or settlements;
- Centrelink benefits.
It is important that you tell us of any associated payment you receive within 28 days. There may be serious consequences, including criminal prosecution, if you fail to do this. If you have received an associated payment or are unsure if you have received an associated payment, please contact us as soon as possible.
What if I receive financial assistance and then I continue to have further expenses?
You can write to us about your additional expenses if you continue to incur costs related to your injury.
We can continue to assist you with these expenses for up to seven years.
Can my application be refused?
Yes, we can refuse your application.
You may not be eligible for financial assistance if:
- the act of violence occurred before 1 July 1983
- you were not the victim of an act of violence
- you were involved in a serious crime when the act of violence occurred
- you conspired with the person responsible for the act of violence
- you unreasonably failed to give assistance to police in relation to the act of violence
- the act of violence occurred outside the ACT (other states and territories have their own financial assistance schemes – see below).
When will an offender have to pay money to VSACT?
We may seek to recover financial assistance paid to a victim of crime, from the offender, if they have been convicted
We will give you the opportunity to tell us if there are any safety concerns if we are considering seeking to recover financial assistance from the offender. We will consider this information prior to proceeding with recovery.
What happens if the offence occurred in a different state or territory?
Each Australian state or territory has their own victims of crime financial assistance.
You can find details of other financial assistance schemes through these links:
How is my application for financial assistance assessed?
When you submit your application, we will send you a letter telling you your application number.
We take the following steps:
- Review your application and any documents that you have submitted with it.
- Ask other agencies or people for information if you have given us permission to do so.
- If you have told us that you have reported the crime to police, we will ask police for information about what you reported.
- If we need more information from you, we will contact you.
To decide on whether you will be granted financial assistances we follow these steps:
- We review the information that you provided and that we get from other agencies or police.
- We will decide whether you application is eligible for financial assistance.
- We will send you a letter with the decision and the reasons for the decision.
Sometimes we can decide to grant financial assistance for certain parts of your application, then make decisions on other parts later. So we may send you more than one decision letter.
If we decide you are eligible for financial assistance we may need receipts or quotes to make payments for immediate needs or economic loss.
How long will it take?
The Financial Assistance Scheme has experienced a significant increase in demand for our service in recent years.
We are assessing applications as quickly as we can, however there may be delays of more than 18 months to receive an outcome. Your patience during this time is much appreciated.
If you have immediate safety concerns, you application will be prioritised.
The amount of time it will take for your application to be decided will also depend on whether we need more information, and how long it takes to obtain that information.
Once a decision has been made about your application you will be contacted and told the decision and the reasons for the decision.
Payment of Financial Assistance
If your application for financial assistance is approved, we can pay you directly, pay a service provider or someone who has paid an expense on your behalf.
We will ask you to provide us with the bank details where you would like us to make the payment.
You need to tell us if you receive a payment from another source for the same expense that we have assisted with. A payment from another source is called an associated payment. You may be required to repay the financial assistance you were paid.
Examples of associated payments include:
- workers compensation
- insurance payouts
- Medicare benefits
- civil court awards or settlements
- Centrelink benefits
It is important that you tell us about any associated payment you receive within 28 days. There may be serious consequences, including criminal prosecution, if you do not tell us.
If you have received an associated payment, or you are unsure if you have received an associated payment, please contact us as soon as possible.
How do I change or withdraw an application?
Before your application has been decided
You can amend (change) or withdraw your application at any time before it is decided.
If you wish to amend or withdraw your application, you will need to tell us in writing, usually by sending us an email.
After your application has been decided
If you need additional medical treatment because of the crime, which was not covered by the initial payment, you can apply to vary your financial assistance.
If you have additional safety needs because of the crime, that were not covered by the initial payment, you can apply to vary your financial assistance.
There is a 7-year time limit to vary your financial assistance.
You can ask to vary by writing to us.
Applications lodged with the ACT Magistrates Court
If you lodged your application for financial assistance with the ACT Magistrates Court before 1 July 2017, you need to contact the Magistrates Court to find out what is possible. The best contact is CourtMCTCivil@act.gov.au
We are unable assist you with applications lodged with the ACT Magistrates Court.
Unfortunately, if your application has been lodged with the ACT Magistrates Court, you cannot withdraw it from the court and reapply with us.
What if I’m not happy with a decision about my application?
You can ask for a review of a decision that you are unhappy with. Some decisions we make are reviewed internally by Victim Support ACT. Some decisions are reviewed in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
We will send you a letter to tell you about all our decisions. The letters we send will give you information about how to ask for a review of the decision.
If you ever have any questions about how to appeal a decision you are welcome to contact us.
When will an offender have to pay money to VSACT?
We may seek to recover financial assistance paid to a victim of crime, from the offender, if they have been convicted
We will give you the opportunity to tell us if there are any safety concerns if we are considering seeking to recover financial assistance from the offender. We will consider this information prior to proceeding with recovery.