Make a claim for financial assistance for victims

If you are the victim of a crime in Queensland, you can make a claim for financial assistance and recovery expenses. Apply to Victim Assist Queensland.

On this page

In short

You can use this service to:

  • claim financial assistance
  • claim recovery expenses.

You can submit your completed application form and ID documents online, by post or in person. See How to make a claim for financial assistance for victims for the full application process.

Start the online form

What you should know

There are rules you must follow if you are making a claim for financial assistance as a victim of crime.

See the Rules for claiming financial assistance for victims.

To help you understand how victims and injuries are assessed, see the Guide to assessing victims for financial assistance claims.

Claiming financial assistance for victims has 2 parts:

  • Part A. Application to claim financial assistance
  • Part B. Application to claim recovery expenses.

This service is Part A online and Part A and B by post.

You must complete Part A. Application to claim financial assistance first to establish your identity and eligibility as a victim of crime.

Eligible victims may receive either:

  • special assistance payment of $3000–$15,000
  • distress assistance payment of up to $15,000
  • dependency payments of up to $20,000
  • compensation for recovery expenses.

You can then complete Part B application to claim recovery expenses. If you would like to make a claim for recovery expenses see Make a claim for recovery expenses.

Who can use this service

You can make a claim for financial assistance if:

  • you are the victim of a violent crime
  • you are the parent or guardian of the victim
  • you are the witness to a crime
  • you are another person authorised to act on behalf of the victim.

Don't use this service if:

  • the crime did not happen in Queensland
    Instead, apply in the relevant state or territory.
  • the crime has not been reported to authorities
    Instead, see report a crime to police.

How to make a claim for financial assistance

Choose how to claim  and follow the steps.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

Gather proof of identity documents such as your:

  • driver licence
  • birth certificate
  • passport.

See Proof of identity documents in the Help centre.

Supporting documents

You will also need evidence of:

  • the crime report
  • your injuries.

See Supporting document for victims of crime in the Help centre.

Step 2: Choose the application form

Complete Part A application form first

Start Part A online form

Step 3: Upload your documents

Upload your proof of identity documents and your supporting documents to Part A online form.

PDF, PNG or JPG max. 200KB

Step 4: Acknowledgement and consent

You must acknowledge and consent to the terms and conditions for making a claim for financial assistance for victims.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit Part A of your application.

Step 5: Receive the outcome

You will get confirmation your application has been received which will be a unique application number

If you are approved for:

  • special assistance payment,
  • distress assistance payment, or
  • recovery expenses,

you will receive a notice of decision stating the amount you will be paid. It will take up to 10 business days for the funds to be transferred into your nominated account.

Step 1: Choose the application form

The PDF forms contain Part A and Part B of claiming financial assistance and recovery expenses for victims. You can complete only Part A if you want. If you want to claim recovery expenses too, you will need to complete both parts in the same application.

PDF form

Choose the relevant form for your victim type. Download, print and complete the application form by hand.

Primary victim and primary special victim

Download Part A PDF form 1

Related victim

Download Part A PDF form 7

Parent victim

Download Part A PDF form 8

Witness victim

Download Part A PDF form 9

Step 2: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

Gather proof of identity documents such as your:

  • driver licence
  • birth certificate
  • passport.

See Proof of identity documents in the Help centre.

Supporting documents

You will also need evidence of:

  • the crime report
  • your injuries.

See Supporting document for victims of crime in the Help centre.

Step 3: Acknowledgement and consent

You must acknowledge and consent to the terms and conditions for making a claim for financial assistance for victims.

Step 4: Submit your application

Post your completed application, supporting documents and recovery expense receipts to:

Victim Assist Queensland
GPO Box 149
BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Step 5: Receive the outcome

You will receive a unique application number once you submit your application.

You will get confirmation your application has been received.

If you are approved for:

  • special assistance payment,
  • distress assistance payment, or
  • recovery expenses,

you will receive a notice of decision stating the amount you will be paid. It will take up to 10 business days for the funds to be transferred into your nominated account.

Step 1: Choose the application form

The PDF forms contain Part A and Part B of claiming financial assistance and recovery expenses for victims. You can complete only Part A if you want. if you want to claim recovery expenses too you will need to complete both parts in the same application.

PDF form

Choose the relevant form for your victim type. Download, print and complete the application form by hand.

Primary victim and primary special victim

Download Part A PDF form 1

Related victim

Download Part A PDF form 7

Parent victim

Download Part A PDF form 8

Witness victim

Download Part A PDF form 9

Step 2: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

Gather proof of identity documents such as your:

  • driver licence
  • birth certificate
  • passport.

See Proof of identity documents for victims in the Help centre.

Supporting documents

You will also need evidence of:

  • the crime report
  • your injuries.

See Supporting document for victims of crime in the Help centre.

Step 3: Acknowledgement and consent

You must acknowledge and consent to the terms and conditions for making a claim for financial assistance for victims.

Step 4: Submit your application

Email your completed application and supporting documents to:

victimassist@justice.qld.gov.au

Step 5: Receive the outcome

You will receive a unique application number once you submit your application.

You will get confirmation your application has been received.

If you are approved for:

  • special assistance payment,
  • distress assistance payment, or
  • recovery expenses,

you will receive a notice of decision stating the amount you will be paid. It will take up to 10 business days for the funds to be transferred into your nominated account.

How long it takes

Processing time begins when a completed application is received.

Due to high demand, it may take several months for your application to be assessed.

Standard applications: up to 10 business days.

Urgent applications: not available.

How much it costs

Free.

From the Help centre

Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:

Proof of identity documents for victims

Supporting document for victims of crime

Find more in the Help centre

Last updated:
29 June 2026