Make an application

Steps to apply for victims support

1. Check you are eligible

Visit Eligibility criteria to find out if you're eligible for victims support and to learn about the time frames to make an application.

2. Collect information and documents

All applicants will need to submit a completed application form and a clear copy or image of their current government-issued identification. To find out what types of identification we accept, visit Supporting documents.

If you’re applying for financial assistance or a recognition payment, you will need to provide extra supporting documents and details of a bank account in your name. If you would like victims support payments to be made to an account in another name, please contact the Victims Access Line or Aboriginal Contact Line before submitting your application as we will require you to provide further documentation to accept your application. 

Check what you’ll need to provide for each support type:

• Counselling 

• Financial assistance 

• Recognition payment 

There are different documentary requirements for family members of a homicide victim to submit with their completed application form. Please see Family Victims – A Fact Sheet About Supporting Documents (PDF, 71.2 KB) to learn more.

Visit Supporting documents for more information and access to optional forms to help you gather the information we need. 

3. Submit your application form and supporting documents

There are different application and claim forms for different types of applicants.

Select the relevant online form and follow the instructions to complete your application: 

• Primary victim applying for counselling, financial assistance or a recognition payment: Application for Support
• Secondary victim applying for counselling: Application for Support
• Parent, step-parent or guardian of a child primary victim applying for financial assistance for economic loss: Application for Support
• Family member of a homicide victim: Application for Support for a Family Member of a Homicide Victim
• Funeral director applying for funeral expenses on behalf of a homicide victim: Funeral Expenses for a Funeral Director
• Service provider applying for forensic cleaning expenses on behalf of a family victim: Forensic Cleaning Expenses

If you’re unable to apply online, you can download a PDF application form and send your completed form and supporting documents to us by:

• email vs@dcj.nsw.gov.au

• post: Commissioner of Victims Rights   
  Victims Services
  Department of Communities and Justice 
  Locked Bag 5118  
  Parramatta NSW 2124

If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent, step-parent or guardian’s personal and contact details need to be provided in the application. If these details cannot be provided, please contact us to discuss your situation before submitting your application. The parent or guardian must also sign the declarations in the application form. 

Authorising a representative

If you are applying for victims support, you can authorise someone to represent you. If you authorise a representative, they can communicate and exchange information with us. You can also select for them to receive correspondence, including decisions, about your application(s).

Your authorised representative can be a legal representative, someone from a support service, a family member or friend.

To authorise a representative, you can complete the relevant section of the application form. If you have already submitted your application, you can complete the Authorising a Representative form (PDF, 342.7 KB) and email or mail it to us.

You do not need to complete this form if you have legal decision-making power for an applicant. This may be as a parent or through a guardianship or financial management order. If there is a guardianship or financial management order in place, please attach a copy of the document or order to the completed application form as evidence of your legal authority. Alternatively, you may send us a written request to act on behalf of the applicant, including a copy of the legal authority or order, your date of birth and your contact details.

What happens next

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email or letter from us. We will assess your application based on the information you have provided and notify you of the outcome. If we need more information or documents, we will contact you. 

Support workers and agencies

If you are a support worker or agency assisting a client with their application, you can help them in several ways. Visit Supporting your client’s application to learn more.

We're here to help

We know violence and modern slavery can affect people in different ways and understand it may be difficult to fill in an application. 

If you have any questions about your application or need help:

• call the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063 or the Aboriginal Contact Line on 1800 019 123 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm)
• email vs@dcj.nsw.gov.au

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 13 36 77 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen).

If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

A support worker, friend or family member may also be able to assist you with your application.