Money and practical help after a crime
If you need help with money, housing or practical problems now, do not wait for a criminal case or compensation claim.
You may be able to get help with food, heating, travel, somewhere safe to stay, benefits, emergency costs or practical support.
If you need help now
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need somewhere safe to stay because of abuse or violence, contact your local council or a domestic abuse service.
If you are in England, you can contact your local council’s homelessness team. You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you are in Wales, contact your local authority housing department or Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800. It can help you find local services and emergency accommodation.
You can also contact Victim Support for emotional and practical support on 0808 16 89 111.
Help with money and practical problems
A local support service, your council or a benefits adviser may be able to help if you are struggling with essential costs after a crime.
If you claim Universal Credit and need money before your next payment, you may be able to ask for an advance or other financial support.
If you are in Wales, you may be able to apply to the Discretionary Assistance Fund for help with essential costs or moving quickly after relationship breakdown or domestic abuse.
Whether support is available depends on your circumstances. Ask a support service or your local council what help may be available to you.
Compensation for injuries after violent crime
You may be able to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if you were physically or mentally injured by a violent crime.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a last resort scheme. It is not a general payment for stolen or damaged property, and it does not provide emergency money.
You normally need to:
- report the crime to police as soon as reasonably practicable;
- apply as soon as you can, usually within 2 years of the crime; and
- cooperate with police and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, as far as you reasonably can.
You do not need a conviction to apply. The person responsible does not need to be identified, prosecuted or convicted.
Different rules can apply if you were under 18 when the crime happened. Do not wait for a criminal case to finish before checking whether you can apply.
Read the Criminal Injuries Compensation guide to check whether you may be eligible.
Short term hardship after violent crime
If you are on a very low income and cannot work temporarily because of a violent crime, you may be eligible for limited short term help through the CICA Hardship Fund.
The rules are strict and the deadlines are short. Apply through Victim Support as soon as possible. Read about financial support for victims of crime.
If someone is convicted
If someone is convicted, the court may order them to pay compensation for injury, loss or damage caused by the crime.
Tell police or the prosecutor about your losses and keep receipts, invoices, repair quotes, wage evidence and other relevant records.
A compensation order is not automatic. The court considers the evidence and the person’s ability to pay. It may award less than the full amount claimed or allow payment over time.
Read about compensation in the justice system.
If property was lost, stolen or damaged
Check whether you have insurance and tell your insurer as soon as possible. Your policy may have reporting deadlines, an excess or exclusions.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme does not usually cover lost, stolen or damaged property.
Keep a list of what was lost or damaged. Save receipts, photographs, valuations, repair quotes and your crime reference number.
Help with the cost of going to court
If you are called to give evidence as a prosecution witness, you may be able to claim some expenses. This can include travel, meals, accommodation where needed, childcare, care costs and loss of earnings.
Ask the Witness Care Unit how to claim and keep receipts where you can.
Read about expenses for going to court.
Civil claims
You may also be able to seek compensation through a civil claim against the person responsible.
Civil claims can be complex. They may involve legal costs and difficulties recovering money, especially if the person responsible cannot pay. Consider getting independent legal advice before starting a claim.
Money received through insurance, a court compensation order, a civil claim or another scheme may affect what you can receive through another route. Tell the organisation dealing with your claim about payments you have received or expect to receive.
About this information
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