Financial assistance for economic loss 

Financial assistance for economic loss is intended to help pay for loss of earnings and other costs that assist you with your recovery.

We can help pay for:

• actual loss of income for taking time off work, up to $20,000
  
• out of pocket expenses if it is hard for you to prove lost income, up to $5,000 
  
• doctor, dentist or other medical bills, up to $30,000 
  
• some costs of attending court or coronial proceedings, up to $5,000 
  
• loss or damage to the clothes you wore or items you had when the act of violence happened, up to $1,500.
  

In total, you may claim up to $30,000.

Who can apply?

Eligibility up to $30,000

• Primary victims.
  
• Parents, step-parents and guardians of a primary victim.
  

Eligibility up to $5,000

• A payment to family victims to go toward the cost of attending court or coronial proceedings.

For more information, see Eligibility criteria.

How long do I have to apply?

• Within 2 years from the violent crime. 
  • If the violent crime resulted in the death of a victim, the 2-year time period starts from the date it was confirmed that the death resulted from the act of violence.
• For children, within 2 years of turning 18 years old.
  
• For victims of sexual assault who were children when the violent crime happened:
  
  • there is no time limit for claiming out-of-pocket expenses or costs of attending court proceedings.
    
  • loss of earnings, medical and dental, bills, and loss or damage to personal items can be claimed within 2 years of turning 18.
    

How do I apply?

• If you are a primary victim, or a parent, step-parent or guardian of primary victim, use the Primary Victims form.
  
• If you are a family member of homicide victim, use the Family Member of a Homicide Victim form.
  

PDF application forms are also available.

If you need help completing your application, you can ask a support worker, friend or family member. Or contact Victims Services. 

Documents required

• A government issued ID. For example, a driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card, or card issued by Centrelink.
  
• Police or government/government-funded organisation report that provides details about what happened and shows how the violent crime has affected you. This is not required for family victims (family members of a homicide victim).
  
• Medical, dental or counselling reports that show how the violent crime has affected you. This evidence is not required for family members of homicide victims.
  
• Copies of tax invoices, receipts or treatment plans of costs you are claiming.
  
• A description of how each cost relates directly to the violent crime.
  
• If you are claiming loss of income, please provide a letter from your employer that includes:
  
  • the employer’s name
    
  • how much you were paid
    
  • the dates you could not work - supported by medical certificates
    
  • your leave entitlements
    
  • employment type, for example part-time, full-time, casual or contract
    
  • whether you have been paid or are entitled to money from another source (e.g. income protection, workers compensation, Centrelink benefits).
    

* If the violent crime was reported to Police, you don't need to send us a Police Report. You just need to provide as much information as you can about what has happened to you in the application form.

Optional templates to support your application

• Government funded organisation report. 
  
• Certificate of Earnings (PDF, 99.2 KB) or Expense form for new costs you want to claim after submitting your application. 
  
• Certificate of Injury (medical report).
  

For more information, read How to collect information to support your application.