What happens next

Once we get your claim we give a copy of it to the offender. Any information that would identify your address will be removed from the offender’s copy of the claim unless the tribunal believes that information is necessary to ensure the offender is fully and fairly informed about the claim.

The offender is allowed to send a written reply to the tribunal in response to your claim.

Once the 6 month deadline for receiving claims has passed, your claim is sent to a judge to make a decision about whether any money will be awarded to you.

The tribunal doesn’t hold a formal hearing unless there are exceptional circumstances. It bases its decision on the documents provided by you and the offender.

What happens if a victim doesn’t make a claim?

If the 6 month deadline for making a claim has passed and we haven’t received a claim from a victim, the money will be released to the offender.

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