Claiming for criminal injuries sustained from April 2009

If you have been injured or affected because of a violent crime 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

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.

How to apply for compensation as a victim of human trafficking

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:

Identity assurance

To start your online application, go to the link below:

Apply for compensation or track the status of your claim

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:

Guide to compensation awards for under 18 years old

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.

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