The Scheme, which opened for applications on 31 August 2021, is currently scheduled to close to applications on 31 August 2026, although the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland can extend this date.
Description of the Scheme
The purpose of the Scheme is to provide those living with permanent disablement (either physical, psychological or both) caused by injury through no fault of their own in a Troubles-related incident with payments primarily in acknowledgement of the acute harm which they have suffered.
It also aims to provide a measure of recognition of the implications of living with a permanent disablement caused by a serious Troubles-related injury and the associated impact of such disablement on carers (who are often family members) and recognition that in many cases, coping with disablement caused by the serious injury had an adverse financial impact on individuals and their families.
To be entitled to a payment under the Scheme an application must meet all of the following criteria:
- the injury (either physical, psychological or both) was as a result of a Troubles-related incident and has resulted in permanent disablement.
- the assessed degree of disablement as a result of the Troubles-related injury is not less than 14%;
- the Troubles-related incident in which the injury was sustained took place:
- in the UK, or
- anywhere in Europe at a time when the applicant was:
( a ) a British Citizen
( b ) born in Northern Ireland and having at least one parent who is a British Citizen, an Irish citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in NI
( c ) outside the UK in service of the Crown or
( d ) an accompanying close relative of a person serving outside the UK in service of the Crown; and,
- the Troubles-related incident in which the injury was sustained took place on or after 1 January 1966, but before 12 April 2010
Payments
Eligibility for the payment is determined by the Victims’ Payment Board, an independent body established specifically for this purpose. The amount an applicant receives will depend on the degree of permanent disablement they are suffering from as a result of a Troubles-related incident.
The degree of permanent disablement is assessed in percentage terms. Capita has been appointed to carry out medical assessments to determine the level of permanent disablement.
Payments are made on a sliding scale from 20% - 100% level of permanent disablement. The current rate of payment is between £2,087 and £10,436 annually, depending on the degree of disablement. Payments may be adjusted for any previous compensation received or any other payments received for the same disablement.
Payments are backdated to the date of the Stormont House Agreement (December 2014) for applications made to the Board by 30 August 2024. However, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland can extend this date.
Payments are made monthly for life to eligible applicants but applicants who are aged over 60 or have a terminal illness have the option to receive a one-off lump sum payment (10 years worth of payments) in lieu of monthly payments.
Upon death, payments can be transferred to a nominee for a period of up to 10 years (payments cannot be transferred if the original beneficiary opted for a lump sum). An individual may be nominated as a beneficiary if they:
- are the spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner, or
- are, or used to be, regularly and substantially engaged in caring for the beneficiary.
A posthumous application can also made to the Scheme on behalf of someone who is now deceased.
Making an Application
Applicants can apply to the Scheme in the following ways:
- Using the on-line portal on the Victims’ Payments Board website
- By downloading an application form
- By requesting a hard copy application form
A number of victims support organisations have appointed Welfare Advisers who will be able to provide free advice on the applications process for the Scheme, and assist with completion of the application form, if required. Details of these organisations are available on the Victims’ Payments Board website.
More information on the Scheme, including FAQs and Victims’ Payments Board Guidance Notes, is available on the Victims’ Payments Board website: www.victimspaymentsboard.org.uk
Annual Report of the Victims’ Payments Board (VPB) For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
The Report is for the year ended 31 March 2023 and was laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly on Wednesday 22 May 2024.
- Victims' Payments Board - Annual Report 2022-23
- The Report has also been published on the VPB website: www.victimspaymentsboard.org.uk.