DOJ VPB Victims' Payments Scheme

Overview

Background: Under section 10 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2019, the UK Government was required to bring forward legislation providing for a scheme of payments to those living with injuries sustained in Troubles/Conflict-related incidents by 31 January 2020 and for that legislation to have effect by the end of May 2020. The Victims' Payment Regulations 2020 were laid before Parliament on 31 January 2020 by NIO. The Scheme established by these Regulations is known as the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme. The Executive Office is responsible for taking forward the implementation of the Victims' Payments Regulations 2020. Purpose of the scheme: To provide those living with permanent disablement (either physical or psychological) 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 will also provide a measure of recognition of the implications of living with a 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. Need: The scheme opened for applications on 31 August 2021 and has received in the region of 11,000 applications to date. Anyone can apply to the scheme and there is no requirement for applications to be submitted through a solicitor. The scheme is open to anyone who considers that they have suffered a permanent disablement as a result of Troubles related incident in line with the criteria set out in the Regulations. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage applications from, and provide support to, a particular cohort of individuals affected by the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This group may not be aware that they are eligible to apply.