Compensation
We offer a Criminal Injuries Compensation Service to assist victims of violent crime in Northern Ireland to apply for compensation under the tariff-based scheme.
We provide assistance with initial applications, reviews and appeals through our free and confidential service delivered by trained staff and volunteers.
No charge is made for this service and any award you receive will be paid to you in full without deductions.
For further information Contact Us
How to claim Criminal Injuries Compensation:
- Victim is contacted by Victim Support NI/individual contacts us in aftermath of crime
- Appointment made with volunteer to assess victims’ needs
- If victim meets eligibility criteria, volunteer will help them complete Criminal Injuries Compensation Application Form
- Form submitted to Compensation Services
- First decision made by Compensation Services
- If client is unhappy with the decision, our advice worker will liaise with Compensation Services on the victims’ behalf to review this decision
- Review decision made by Compensation Services
- If client is unhappy with this second decision our advice worker will liaise with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel and will provide representation if the appeal is granted
- Decision made by Appeals Panel on eligibility and level of compensation awarded
Eligibility for Criminal Injuries Compensation
Under the 2009 criminal injuries compensation scheme, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:
- injuries caused to you – mental or physical
- if your parent, child, husband, wife or partner has died as a result of a criminal injury
- loss of earnings or earning capacity – if you have been off work or incapacitated for longer than 28 weeks
You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings or earning capacity, if your loved one had sustained a criminal injury but has since died due to an unrelated cause. However, you will not be able to claim if the time between their date of injury and the date of unrelated death is less than 28 weeks.
Find out more about the 2009 criminal injuries compensation scheme
