Related victims are eligible for assistance to be paid in recognition of the distress already experienced, or likely to be experienced, due to the passing of a loved one.[37]
The FAS will pay a distress payment to related victims, provided they can show:
- they are a related victim, and
- they had a genuine personal relationship with the primary victim at the time of their death.
The payment amounts for different related victims are as follows:
| Relationship to primary victim | Flat payment amount |
|---|---|
| Spouse or domestic partner of the primary victim | $20,000 |
| Children and step-children of the primary victim | $20,000 |
| Parents, guardians or step-parents of the primary victim | $20,000 |
| Siblings or step-siblings of the primary victim | $20,000 |
| A person who had an intimate personal relationship with the primary victim | $6,500 |
| Any other close family members of the primary victim | $6,500 |
| Financial dependants of the primary victim (non-child dependant) | $6,500 |
The FAS will consider each application on a case-by-case basis and can make additional payments in consideration of a related victim’s individual circumstances and the distress suffered.
Consideration of the character of the primary victim and the related victim may impact distress payments.
Footnotes
[37] Section 16(2)(c) of the Act.
Updated