In some rare cases, you may be eligible for different payments.

Discretionary payments

The Attorney-General can make other payments to help victims recover from the effects of a crime.

These are called 'discretionary payments' and are made to assist victims with their recovery and security needs - not to replace stolen or damaged property such as vehicles.

Circumstances for discretionary payments

  • A victim who is frightened after a break in could ask for a discretionary payment to increase the security on their home - for example a sensor light or a security screen door. Funding for CCTV or security cameras is not provided.
  • A victim of an assault where an ambulance attended could ask for a discretionary payment to cover the ambulance account.

Discretionary payments are not made to replace stolen or damaged property such as vehicles. See our website for more information about compensation for property theft or damage.

Applying for a discretionary payment

Financial assistance from VOCSA is not guaranteed - you should wait for the outcome of your application before making any payments for items or services.

Contact VOCSA on 7322 7007 to discuss the application process.

Ex gratia payments

An ex gratia payment is a payment made, even though there is no legal obligation to make a payment.

An ex gratia payment can be made by the Attorney-General where:

  • a prosecution cannot go ahead - this may be due to lack of evidence or the age or mental capacity of the offender
  • a prosecution goes ahead but fails and the victim can prove injury or financial loss as a direct result of the crime
  • the timeframe for making a victims of crime compensation claim has expired but there is significant emotional and psychological, physical or financial injury.

You should always seek legal advice first and speak with the Commissioner for Victims' Rights for more information.

National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme is available for adult victims of institutional child sexual abuse.

More information about applying is available on the National Redress Scheme website.