Introducing the New Financial Assistance Scheme for Victims of Crime in Victoria

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a violent crime, Victoria’s new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is here to provide support. This scheme replaced the previous Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) on 18 November 2024 and it is designed to be faster, more accessible, and simpler to navigate. This guide will walk you through what FAS covers, who is eligible, how to apply, and how a lawyer can assist in ensuring you receive the support you’re entitled to.

What Is The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)?

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a new Victorian government program launching in November 2024 to support victims of violent crime. FAS replaces the former Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) system, aiming to provide quicker, more direct financial aid without court involvement. Through FAS, eligible victims can receive support for medical bills, counselling, lost income, relocation, and safety measures, as well as recognition payments for the trauma experienced. The scheme is designed to be accessible, covering a broader range of victims and simplifying the application process.

Key Differences Between FAS and VOCAT

The introduction of FAS represents a significant change from the previous VOCAT process. Unlike VOCAT, which often required hearings and had more lengthy procedures. FAS is designed to be faster and more direct, with a focus on providing immediate financial support. FAS also removes the need for a hearing, which can be especially beneficial for victims who may feel re-traumatised by formal legal processes.

The FAS also offers Victim Recognition Statements as a meaningful way to acknowledge the harm caused by a violent crime. After receiving a final decision notice, you can request a recognition statement, which can be a valuable step toward recovery. Additionally, recognition meetings allow for further acknowledgment, where victims or related victims can share their experience and hear an official expression of condolence. 

How to Apply for FAS

You can apply for the Financial Assistance Scheme online. 

The application form will ask for:

• your personal details
• details about the incident and your injury
• the financial assistance required
• supporting documentation
• your banking details
• your communication preferences.

Applying for FAS involves a few steps to gather and submit your application. Here’s an outline of the process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including medical reports, police reports, and proof of expenses. This information supports your application and ensures all assistance requests are documented.

This is likely to be the most time consuming step. You will need to provide documentation for any financial assistance you claim, including receipts or proof of expenses, medical documents, police reports and statements, and court documents. 

If you do not provide supporting documents, you are not likely to receive financial assistance for that expense – so it is really important that you are thorough during this step. 

Step 2: Complete the FAS Application: You’ll need to fill out forms detailing the crime, the impact on you, and the type of assistance you’re seeking. Include as much information as possible for a complete application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application: Submit your application through the FAS portal. You’ll receive updates on your application’s status, and FAS may request additional information or documentation.

If you’re unsure about the process, FAS offers resources to guide you. And for complex applications, a lawyer can help you with your application for financial assistance.

If you need guidance, feel free to reach out to our team for a free consultation. 

How a Lawyer Can Assist with Your FAS Application

Although FAS is designed to be accessible for all, some victims may benefit from working with a lawyer—particularly if the application is complex. The FAS covers reasonable legal costs for complex applications, such as those requiring substantial documentation, complex financial assistance needs, or applications involving complex FAS or VOCAT variations. 

If you’re considering legal support, it’s important to know the regulations for lawyers under FAS:

• No Legal Fees Charged: A lawyer cannot charge you directly for legal costs when helping with FAS applications unless authorised by FAS.
• No Withholding Assistance: Lawyers are not allowed to withhold funds from any assistance granted to you.
• No Lien: A lawyer cannot claim a lien over any amount of financial assistance granted by FAS.

Looping in a lawyer may be helpful if you have a complex application with detailed medical or financial claims, but simpler applications can be completed without legal help. 

If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. We can clarify whether you need assistance to strengthen your application.

Who is Eligible For The Financial Assistance Scheme?

The FAS supports people who have suffered as a result of a violent crime. This includes three main categories:

1. Primary Victims: If you were directly injured or traumatised by a violent crime, you qualify as a primary victim. This includes any physical, emotional, or psychological harm experienced as a direct result of the crime.
2. Secondary Victims: If you witnessed a violent crime or have suffered due to someone else being harmed, you could be eligible as a secondary victim. This includes family members who saw or became aware of a crime impacting their loved ones.
3. Related Victims: Family members who have lost someone to a violent crime can apply as related victims. This covers parents, children, spouses, and others who have been affected by the loss.

Violent Crimes Covered By The FAS

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) in Victoria provides support for victims of various violent offences, including homicide, assault, and rape, as well as threats to kill, robbery, and recklessly causing injury. It also covers culpable driving, sexual and image-based sexual offences, stalking, kidnapping, and home invasions. These types of crimes often result in physical or emotional trauma, and FAS aims to help victims recover by addressing the financial impacts of these offences and supporting their path to recovery.

When To Apply For Financial Assistance

To apply for the Financial Assistance Scheme:

• Adults must submit their application within 10 years for cases involving sexual offences or family violence, and within 3 years for other violent crimes. 
• Children do not have a time limit if the crime involves family violence or child abuse.  Otherwise, child victims must apply within 3 years after turning 18. 

In certain situations, late applications may be accepted. This flexibility can be especially helpful for those dealing with the ongoing impacts of trauma.

Types of Assistance Available Through FAS

The FAS provides various forms of financial support designed to help you recover from the impact of the crime. Here’s what you can apply for:

1. Counselling and Medical Costs: The scheme covers expenses for physical and mental health treatment, including visits to doctors, therapists, and medications that are necessary for your recovery.
2. Lost Earnings: If you’ve had to take time off work due to the crime, FAS offers compensation for lost income. This support ensures you don’t have to worry about missed wages while you recover.
3. Safety and Relocation Expenses: Feeling safe after a traumatic experience is essential. If you need to improve your home security, change locks, install security cameras, or even relocate, FAS can assist with these costs to help you feel secure.
4. Funeral Costs: For families coping with the tragic loss of a loved one, FAS offers support for funeral expenses, helping to ease the financial burden at such a difficult time.
5. Recognition Payments: Recognition payments acknowledge the harm and trauma experienced by victims and are not tied to specific expenses. These payments are awarded based on the nature and impact of the crime, offering victims financial support as a form of acknowledgment.

Get Help With Your Complex FAS Application

If you have questions about your application or you don’t believe the financial assistance decision from FAS reflects your situation, reach out to our team. 

We can provide free assistance to you for complex FAS applications. So it won’t cost you anything to reach out to our team. 

Book a free consultation