13. Summary of financial assistance available from the FAS

Applicant type	Financial assistance
Primary victims	Up to $61,499[1] which includes: counselling expenses medical expenses loss of earnings up to $20,500[2] lost or damaged clothing worn at the time of the violent act safety expenses, and in exceptional circumstances, expenses to assist with their recovery from the violent act. In addition to the above expenses within the $61,499[3] limit, primary victims may also be eligible for a payment of special financial assistance. This payment may be up to $25,000.
Secondary victims	Up to $51,249[4] which includes: counselling expenses medical expenses, and in exceptional circumstances: loss of earnings up to $20,500[5], and recovery expenses - to assist with recovery from witnessing or becoming aware of the violent act.
Related victims	Up to $51,249[6] which includes: counselling expenses medical expenses a distress payment loss of money other expenses as a result of the passing of the primary victim, and in exceptional circumstances, expenses to assist with their recovery from the passing of their loved one.

Applicant type

Financial assistance

Up to $61,499[1] which includes:

counselling expenses
medical expenses
loss of earnings up to $20,500[2]
lost or damaged clothing worn at the time of the violent act
safety expenses, and
in exceptional circumstances, expenses to assist with their recovery from the violent act.

In addition to the above expenses within the $61,499[3] limit, primary victims may also be eligible for a payment of special financial assistance. This payment may be up to $25,000.

Secondary victims

Up to $51,249[4] which includes:

counselling expenses
medical expenses, and
in exceptional circumstances:
- loss of earnings up to $20,500[5], and
- recovery expenses - to assist with recovery from witnessing or becoming aware of the violent act.

Related victims

Up to $51,249[6] which includes:

counselling expenses
medical expenses
a distress payment
loss of money
other expenses as a result of the passing of the primary victim, and
in exceptional circumstances, expenses to assist with their recovery from the passing of their loved one.

The FAS can also pay for the funeral expenses incurred as a direct result of the death of a primary victim of a violent act. Funeral expenses are paid in addition to the assistance that can be provided to primary, secondary and related victims.

The FAS does not generally require a report from medical, health or support worker professionals to support an application. However, the FAS will pay for a report from a medical, health or support worker professional when the FAS has pre-authorised the payment and when the:

FAS has considered the application and decided that the evidence available cannot meet the criteria which needs to be satisfied
information cannot be established from any other source (such as the police report)
report is required to link the injury suffered to the recommended treatment, and
FAS requests that the applicant arrange to have a medical, health or support worker professional report completed.

The FAS will not make a payment for expenses incurred through loss of or damage to property (except for clothing or safety-related expenses for primary victims).

The FAS will also not pay for services or expenses that are already funded by government. This does not include where a ‘fee for service’ is recognised as part of funding arrangements and where organisations provide short term assistance through brokerage or other programs that are not funded by government.

Footnotes

[1] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

[2] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

[3] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

[4] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

[5] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

[6] This amount is indexed each financial year in accordance with section 72 of the Act.

Updated 30 June 2025