Compensation for a Criminal Injury
If the deceased was the victim of a criminal injury, his or her relatives may be entitled to compensation under the state criminal compensation scheme, administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
A claim should be made as soon as possible after the incident and in any event within two years of the date of the incident. A claim for compensation, including loss of dependency upon the deceased may also be made by certain categories of relatives: a spouse or civil partner, including a co-habitee who had lived with the deceased for two years before his or her death, a former spouse or civil partner who was supported financially, a parent or child – whether or not a natural child – of the deceased. The scheme permits the payment of funeral expenses, subject to eligibility. In all cases there are strict eligibility criteria and it is suggested that the CICA should be contacted for guidance at the earliest opportunity.
