If you’ve missed work as a result you may be eligible for financial support
Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough anyway but for some people the effects are worsened by the fact they may be left temporarily unable to work and end up out of pocket.
It’s possible to apply for financial help in the event you need to take time away from low-paid work if you’ve been subject to a violent crime.
Those with severe injuries, as well as victims of sexual assaults or those left to cover funeral costs of someone who died or who lost a close relative, can claim payments of between £1,000 and £250,000 if they’re eligible – all the criteria can be found here. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.
If your injuries were not severe enough to be eligible for that level of compensation you may still be able to receive up to 25 days of support from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) hardship fund if you meet the relevant requirements.
The fund is only for people injured in England and Wales – separate support rules apply for victims of crime in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.
Who is eligible?
In England and Wales you can apply if all of the following are true:
- you were the victim of a violent crime and were mentally or physically injured by your attacker
- the injuries were sustained in England or Wales
- you were injured on or after November 27, 2012
- your injuries are not severe enough to qualify for compensation as the victim of a violent crime (as per the above link)
- you earn less than £120 a week on average
- you do not get statutory sick pay (SSP) or equivalent sick pay scheme run by your employer
- you could not work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
- you do not have any unspent convictions that resulted in a custodial sentence or community order
If you have other unspent convictions you might not get financial help or the amount you get might be reduced. It’s also essential that you report your injuries to the police as soon as you can and normally within 48 hours.
CICA must receive your application within eight weeks of the crime.
How to apply
To make an application you’ll need to contact Victim Support. To do so you’ll have to provide:
- the unique police crime reference number
- a doctor’s certificate (fit note) showing you’ve been unable to work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
- a pay slip or letter from your employer showing your average weekly earnings
- a copy of your most recent tax return if you’re self-employed
To contact Victim Support call 0808 1689 111. The line is open 24 hours a day all year round.
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