How To Apply For Financial Assistance Through VOCAT in Victoria

In Victoria, if you’ve been impacted by a violent crime, you may be eligible to receive financial support through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). This program helps people get back on their feet and covers various costs related to the crime. In this post, we’ll walk you through who can apply, the types of support you could receive, how much you might be eligible for, and what it costs to apply.

• Update: VOCAT is now called the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). You can find historical information about VOCAT here, but check out our updated content for information about applying for FAS.

What is VOCAT?

The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, or VOCAT, is a government-funded organisation designed to support people who’ve been hurt, physically or emotionally, by a violent crime. VOCAT provides financial assistance to help victims with expenses that have come up because of the crime, including things like medical bills, lost income, and psychological support. 

If you’ve experienced a violent crime or have a loved one who has, VOCAT can be a valuable resource.

Who Can Apply For VOCAT?

You might be wondering if you or someone you know is eligible to apply. Here’s a breakdown of the main groups who can seek assistance through VOCAT:

1. Primary Victims: If you were directly harmed or injured in a violent crime, you are considered a primary victim. This includes people who experienced the violence first-hand and were injured as a result, whether physically or emotionally. You don’t have to have been hurt physically to be eligible — emotional and psychological injuries are recognised too.
2. Secondary Victims: A secondary victim is someone who wasn’t directly harmed but suffered as a result of witnessing a violent crime. This can include people who were at the scene of the crime, such as a family member who saw their loved one get hurt. 
3. Related Victims: If a violent crime led to the death of a loved one, you could be eligible as a related victim. This includes family members, such as spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives, who have suffered loss or grief because of the crime. Related victims can seek help for expenses related to the death and for their own emotional distress.
4. Child Victims: Children who experience or witness violence may also qualify. If a child is impacted by violence, a parent or legal guardian may apply on their behalf.

Violent Crime Requirement

It’s important to note that VOCAT is available only for violent crimes. These are typically crimes that involve physical or sexual assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, stalking, and family violence, among others. 

If you’ve been a victim of property crimes, unfortunately, VOCAT doesn’t cover those situations.

When Can You Apply For VOCAT?

You should apply for VOCAT assistance within two years of the crime. If you’re applying as a secondary or related victim, the two-year period typically starts from when the crime occurred or when you became aware of its impact. 

However, VOCAT understands that sometimes people need more time, especially if they’re dealing with trauma or a complex situation. In those cases, it may be possible to apply for an extension, though you’ll likely need to provide a reason for the delay.

What Support Can You Get Through VOCAT?

If you’re eligible, VOCAT can help with a range of expenses related to the crime. Here are some of the main types of assistance:

1. Medical and Counseling Costs: If you’ve been injured or need psychological support, VOCAT can help cover the cost of doctors, therapy sessions, medication, and other treatment.
2. Safety-Related Expenses: Sometimes, being a victim of a crime can make you feel unsafe in your own home or community. VOCAT can help cover the cost of security upgrades, such as changing locks, installing security cameras, or moving to a new location if you need to feel safe.
3. Lost Earnings: If the crime has affected your ability to work and earn an income, VOCAT may be able to provide compensation for lost wages. This is especially helpful if you have to take time off work to recover physically or emotionally.
4. Funeral Costs: If a family member dies as a result of a crime, VOCAT can help cover the funeral expenses.
5. Other Personal Costs: VOCAT may also cover other reasonable expenses that you incurred because of the crime. These might include costs for cleaning up a crime scene or replacing clothing damaged during the incident.

How Much Does Victims of Crime Compensation Pay in Victoria?

The amount of financial support you can receive varies depending on your situation and the impact of the crime. VOCAT takes into account factors such as the type and extent of the harm, as well as the costs you’ve had to cover because of it. The amount varies depending on the circumstances of the crime, but here are the maximum payment sums available:

• Primary victims can receive up to $60,000 to cover expenses like medical and counselling costs, safety measures, and lost income.
• Secondary victims may be eligible for up to $50,000, mainly for counselling and any out-of-pocket expenses they’ve incurred because of the crime.
• Related victims can receive up to $100,000 per family, covering expenses related to the death, as well as counselling and other related costs.

In some cases, VOCAT may also provide a special financial award of up to $10,000 as a “recognition payment” for primary and related victims. This payment acknowledges the trauma and hardship you’ve faced as a result of the crime.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply For VOCAT?

One of the most helpful parts of the VOCAT process is that you typically won’t need to pay anything to submit your application – including legal fees. 

If you choose to use a lawyer to help you with your application, the legal fees for applying are generally covered by VOCAT directly. This means that if you work with a lawyer to help with your application, VOCAT will usually pay the lawyer’s fees, so you don’t have to. This can be a big relief, as you can focus on getting the support you need without worrying about upfront costs.

Working with a lawyer can also make the process easier. They can help you fill out the forms, gather the necessary documents, and even attend any hearings on your behalf. Plus, they can advise you on how to get the most out of your application, so you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

How to Apply For VOCAT Assistance

As your legal representatives, we’re here to guide you through the VOCAT application process to make sure you get the support you deserve. Here’s an overview of how we assist you with each step:

1. Gathering Information and Documentation: We begin by working closely with you to gather all necessary information about the crime and your injuries. This includes police reports, medical records, and receipts for any expenses you’ve already covered. We’ll make sure we have everything needed to support your claim.
2. Filling Out and Submitting the Application: We handle the preparation and submission of your VOCAT application. Our team completes all the required forms and includes detailed information about the crime, your injuries, and the expenses you’ve incurred. This ensures your application is thorough and accurate, giving you the best chance of a successful claim.
3. Organizing Supporting Evidence: With your permission, we collect and submit all supporting evidence on your behalf. This includes medical bills, records, police reports, and statements from your employer if you’ve lost income. We know what VOCAT looks for in documentation, so we ensure everything is in order.
4. Representing You at Hearings: In some cases, VOCAT may request a hearing to review your claim in more detail. We represent you in these hearings, making the process less stressful and presenting your case professionally. Often, we can even attend on your behalf so you don’t have to appear in person.

Our goal is to take as much of the burden off you as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery. We’re committed to securing the financial assistance you’re entitled to through VOCAT, so you can access the support and resources you need.

Why Apply For VOCAT Assistance?

Applying for VOCAT support can make a real difference in your recovery process. It provides not only financial support but also recognition of the hardship you’ve been through. This can be an important step in moving forward after a traumatic experience. And remember, VOCAT assistance is there to help people like you — people who’ve been through tough experiences and need some support to get back on their feet.

C&E Legal Can Help You Apply For Financial Assistance After A Crime

If you or someone you know has been affected by a violent crime, you don’t have to face it alone. VOCAT can provide the financial support you need to help ease the burden and let you focus on healing. And the team at C&E Legal can help you submit your application. 

By taking advantage of the resources available, you can take steps toward a brighter, more secure future.

For more information on how to apply or for help with the process, feel free to reach out to our firm. We’re here to guide you through each step, so you can get the assistance you need.