Claiming for criminal injuries sustained from April 2009
If you have been injured or your parent, child, husband, wife or partner has died because of a violent crime from 1 April 2009, you may be entitled to compensation.
Eligibility
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
- special expenses
- historical sexual abuse
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 criminal injuries compensation scheme 2009.
Amendment of the same household rule
From 9 June 2020 more victims of violent crime will be able to apply for compensation as new legislation came into force abolishing the same household rule.
From 1 March 1969 until 30 June 1988, the same household rule prevented claims for injuries inflicted on victims who were living as members of the same household as their assailant.
The change to the legislation will mean that anyone previously denied compensation under the same household rule, or put off from coming forward because of it, will be able to make a fresh application.
The same household rule applies from 1 March 1969 to 30 June 1988 to all victims of abuse inflicted by a family member living under the same roof - this includes physical violence as well as sexual abuse.
Time limit for applications
The deadline for applications is over. Applications can only be accepted if there is a good reason for missing the closing date and it is in the interests of justice to do so.
The legislation was amended in 1988 but at that time was not made retrospective.
As the first statutory Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme commenced on 1 March 1969, there is no provision for someone who was a victim before this date to make a claim for compensation.
New and past applicants refused an award under the pre-1988 same household rule will still need to meet all the remaining eligibility criteria within the 2009 Scheme.
Further information is available below:
NI Criminal Injuries Compensation (Amendment 2020) Scheme (2009)
Victims of human trafficking
If you are a victim of human trafficking or know someone who is a victim then you may be eligible for compensation under the scheme.
This information also available in several alternative language formats.
Historical sexual abuse
If you were the victim of historical sexual abuse which took place before 2002 and want to make a claim for compensation, this will now be considered under this 2009 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Making a claim online
You can apply for criminal injury compensation online.
As part of the online application process, you need to set up an nidirect account for which you have had your identity verified. To learn more about creating an nidirect account and to find your nearest office for identity checks, go to the link below:
To start your online application, go to the link below:
Decisions about claims are usually made within 18 months however due to staffing issues this is currently taking longer. You should only contact Compensation Services in this 18-month period if you have extra information to support your application.
Download application forms
You can download application forms and read further guidance at the links below.
Read the guidance notes carefully before completing the form.
- Compensation for personal injury application form
- Compensation for fatal injuries application form and guidance notes
- Guidance notes and application form for compensation for loss of earnings and special expenses
Applicant is under 18 years of age
Information is also available if you are making a claim on behalf of an applicant who is under 18 years of age. A consent form must be completed, signed and returned to the Compensation Services. This is part of both the online and downloadable application forms. You can read more at the link below:
Getting help with your claim
If you need help completing your claim, you can contact Victim Support NI. They can provide you with free, independent advice.
You may also want to seek legal advice from a solicitor. You will not be able to claim back any solicitor or legal fees as part of your claim.