How to claim UK compensation after Bondi Beach attack Dec 2025

If you or someone close to you was affected by the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney on 14 December 2025, there is UK government support you can apply for. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, has confirmed that victims can use the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012. We’re going to walk you through who can apply, what’s covered, and how to start.

First, let’s check if the Scheme is likely to apply to you. It’s designed for people who were injured or bereaved in a terrorist incident overseas that the UK has recognised as a ‘designated act’. You can be eligible if, on the date of the attack, you were a British citizen, a national of an EU or EEA state or Switzerland, a member of the UK armed forces, or a close relative of someone in these groups-and you meet the residence rules.

About residence: the Scheme usually expects that you were ordinarily resident in the UK on, and for at least three years immediately before, the date of the attack. There are other ways to meet the residence test (for example, if you were posted overseas as a Crown servant or were accompanying a member of the armed forces). If you’re unsure, don’t self‑exclude-CICA can explain what counts as ordinary residence and what documents help.

What you can claim is broader than many people expect. Payments may cover mental or physical injury directly caused by the attack, loss of earnings if your capacity to work is severely limited for more than 28 weeks, certain special expenses linked to your injury, and-where someone has died-bereavement, dependency and funeral costs. A flat funeral payment of £2,500 can be made once basic eligibility is established, with up to a further £2,500 available where reasonable costs exceed this.

Timing matters. Adults should apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the date of the attack. Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances and where the available evidence means a claim can be decided without extensive extra enquiries. In short: sooner is simpler, so start the process when you feel able.

Here’s how to begin. You’ll find application guidance on GOV.UK, and you can get help by phone. From the UK, call 0300 003 3601; from outside the UK, call +44 (0)203 684 2517. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm UK time. If phones are busy, note your time zone and try earlier in the UK morning. You can apply with CICA’s support and do not need a solicitor or a claims company to start.

Before you apply, gather a few essentials. You’ll usually be asked for proof that you meet nationality and residence rules, basic medical evidence of your injury, and (if relevant) information to support a claim for loss of earnings. CICA may ask for confirmation that you co‑operated with local authorities. If basic medical evidence is needed, you won’t be expected to pay more than £50 for it, and help may be available if you can’t afford this.

If you’re applying after a bereavement, the Scheme recognises several types of support. Qualifying relatives may be eligible for bereavement and dependency payments; children can receive a calculated lump sum that reflects loss of parental services. Funeral costs can also be covered within the Scheme’s limits. Keep receipts where possible and ask CICA what evidence is needed for your situation.

One expectation to be aware of is that this Scheme is a ‘last resort’. If insurance, employer schemes, social security or other compensation routes exist, you’re expected to pursue those too. That doesn’t mean you should wait to contact CICA-start your application and keep them updated on any parallel claims. Decisions typically take around 12 months, with complex cases taking longer because the long‑term impact of injuries needs to be understood.

You’re not on your own in this. Free independent advice is available in England and Wales via Victim and Witness Information, and in Scotland via mygov.scot. British and non‑British nationals affected by terrorism can also find practical and emotional support through the government’s Support for Victims of Terrorism hub, which lists helplines, guidance and charitable funds. Save the numbers, share them with family, and reach out when you’re ready.