Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

Some key points to remember when making an application

• applications should be submitted on the standard application form depending on the case (fatal or non-fatal application form) as soon as possible, but no later than 3 months from the date of the event giving rise to the injury. Beyond this date the Tribunal can generally only accept a late application in exceptional circumstances for up to a maximum time period of 2 years after the date of the incident
• please note that following the government’s approval on 12 December 2023 a technical change concerning the submission of late applications under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme will come into effect as of from 31 January 2024 and will operate for a period of 12 months as of from 31 January 2024 to 30 January 2025 inclusive
• during this period, applicants who were criminally injured in the time period after 30 June 2005 and before 20 April 2021 may submit a late application. Such applications may be accepted for consideration by the Tribunal if it believes exceptional circumstances exist which justifies a late application
• additional information and receipts can be provided after you have submitted your application
• the incident must have been reported to An Garda Síochána (or the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) where the crime is alleged to have been carried out by a Garda)
• please attach a copy of your statement to the Gardaí (or GSOC where the crime is alleged to have been carried out by a Garda) to the application form, where available
• the type of compensation available under the Scheme is intended to cover vouched out of pocket expenses incurred including, for example, costs such as for medical treatment, dental or optical treatment, prescriptions, travel expenses to avail of medical/dental/optical treatment. If applicable compensation may also be provided for any loss of earnings to date and into the future which are incurred as a result of the criminal injuries experienced
• the Tribunal reimburses vouched expenses (that is expenses that can be supported by receipts and in the case of loss of earnings documentary evidence of past earnings)
• please note that receipts to support your application will need to be submitted to the Tribunal when you are requested by the Tribunal staff to do so. Please keep your receipts secure so that they can be submitted when requested
• please note that the Scheme covers compensation for personal injuries received as a result of being a victim of a violent crime and it cannot provide for compensation in respect of stolen or damaged property
• please also note that there is no requirement to be legally represented to access the Scheme. You may hire a lawyer if you wish but under the terms of the Scheme legal costs will not be reimbursed

Application Form (Non-Fatal Cases)

Application form for non-fatal cases

Use this form where there was no fatality involved

Explanatory Notes (Non-Fatal Cases)

Explanatory notes for non-fatal cases

Application Form (Fatal Cases)

Application form for fatal cases

Use this form where there was a fatality involved

Explanatory Notes (Fatal Cases)

Explanatory notes for fatal cases