Apply for victim assistance

Have you or a member of your family been the victim of a violent crime? Victim Assist Queensland can help you recover.

If you've been the victim of a violent crime in Queensland, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Step 1: Report.

To be eligible for financial assistance, you must report the violence to the police, unless you are a special primary victim who can also report to a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or domestic violence service.

Special primary victims include children, people with impaired capacity, individuals being intimidated, victims of sexual or domestic violence, or those harmed by someone in a position of power, influence or trust.

If you reported to the police, we'll work with them to get the details.

If you're a special primary victim, you will need to tell us who you reported to and provide information from them.

Step 2: Apply.

Applications can be made by completing our online or paper-based form.

Applications can be made by victims, a parent or guardian of a child victim, or another person authorised to act on behalf of the victim.

There are two parts to the application.

Part A is the application for financial assistance, and Part B is to claim recovery expenses.

Part A must be completed first and will require you to share details about yourself or the applicant, the act of violence and the injury.

You must attach a copy of your identification to submit the application.

Part B is for claiming recovery expenses such as counselling, medical treatment or loss of income. You can also claim other costs such as relocation or security measures.

You'll need to include the details of these expenses and how they'll help you recover.

If you have already paid for the expense, you'll need to provide the receipt or paid invoice.

The level of financial assistance is determined by the act of violence, the injuries from the violence, your circumstances and recovery needs.

If you apply online, you'll be emailed a submission ID to confirm the application has been successfully submitted.

Once your application has been registered, you'll receive a unique application number.

If you need support while your application is being processed, get in touch with us so we can connect you with the support services you need.

Remember you're not alone, we're here to support you. Learn more about us at qld.gov.au/victims

Have you or a member of your family been the victim of a violent crime? Victim Assist Queensland can help you recover.

If you've been the victim of a violent crime in Queensland, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Once you've submitted a financial assistance application, it will be reviewed by one of our assessors.

If you've applied as a primary victim, which is the person directly injured by the violence, our immediate assessment team will review your application to determine if you're eligible for an immediate payment.

If you are eligible, you'll receive a special assistance payment between $3,000 and $15,000 dollars. You'll receive a notice of decision with the amount you'll be paid.

Once approved, the electronic payment will be made into your bank account within 10 business days. If you don't have a safe bank account, we can arrange for a cheque to be sent to you in the post instead.

Your application will proceed to general assessment for further review, including any recovery expenses you have applied for.

If an assessor can’t find eligibility for an immediate payment, it’s because we need more information. We will email you to ask for it.

For all other victims, such as witnesses or related victims, applications are assessed by our General Financial Assistance Assessment Team.

If you’re eligible for financial assistance, you’ll receive a notice of decision with the amount you will be paid.

Related victims may also receive a distress payment of $15,000 dollars and will receive a notice of decision. Once approved, an electronic payment will be made into a bank account within 10 business days.

After the first decision, all victims have up to six years to request recovery expenses related to the violence. Child victims can request them until they are 24. Requests can be submitted using the Part B application form.

You can track the progress of your application online.

If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your application, you can request an internal review.

If you need support while your application is being processed, get in touch with us so we can connect you with the support services you need.

Remember you're not alone, we're here to support you. Learn more about us at qld.gov.au/victims