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Financial and legal advice after a major incident

If you or someone you know is involved in a major incident you may require financial or legal help. Support varies depending on your personal circumstances.

Financial assistance after a major incident

Financial support can include receiving compensation for injuries sustained as a victim of violent crime, payments from funds set up in response to an incident, or a range of state benefits.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an emergency incident either in Northern Ireland or overseas, there may be financial assistance available to help with some of the immediate financial problems.

The Compensation Agency

The Compensation Agency is an agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ). It is responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries and Criminal Damage Compensation Schemes in Northern Ireland. These schemes provide compensation to victims of violence who have been physically or mentally injured, and to those whose property has been maliciously damaged.

A separate scheme under the Justice & Security (NI) Act 2007 allows the agency to pay compensation to anyone who suffers loss or damage as a consequence of army or police action (for example searches or patrols) carried out in support of UK Government action to protect national security.

If you think you might be entitled to claim compensation or you want to find out more about the Compensation Agency, its contact details are as follows:

Royston House
34 Upper Queen Street
BELFAST
BT1 6FD

Social Security Agency

You may be entitled to a range of benefits provided by the Social Security Agency (SSA). The SSA can provide advice about benefits that you may be able to claim if you are unable to work as a result of ill health or disability. Use the link below for more general information on benefits and for more links to information on specific benefits.

Insurance policies

There are various insurance policies that may cover you in the event of a major incident, such as personal accident insurance. Contact your insurer to find out if you are eligible. The Citizens Advices Bureau (CAB) may be able to offer more advice and information on financial assistance.

Legal advice

If you or someone you know has been involved in a major incident, you may want to seek legal advice. In some instances following a major incident, legal firms may offer their services 'pro bono' (professional work undertaken without payment).

If you do seek legal advice, it may be useful to ask if the firm has experience of assisting clients following an emergency incident.