Applications have opened under the UK’s Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012 for those injured or bereaved in the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney on 14 December 2025. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has designated the incident for scheme purposes, allowing the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to accept claims.
Eligibility is set by the Scheme and current government guidance. Claims may be considered for British citizens, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens who were ordinarily resident in the UK, members of the UK armed forces, and close relatives or family members of people in these categories. Government guidance also requires residency in the UK for the three years immediately before the incident.
Only incidents formally designated count for this Scheme. Under section 47 of the Crime and Security Act 2010, the Foreign Secretary designates overseas acts of terrorism; Bondi Beach has been designated, which enables CICA to process claims under the 2012 rules.
Payments that may be available include awards for mental or physical injury, loss of earnings where reduced capacity lasts beyond 28 weeks, and reasonable special expenses directly linked to the injury after the same 28‑week threshold. In fatal cases, bereavement, dependency and loss of parental services may be payable, alongside funeral costs. Not all claims will meet the eligibility tests.
Time limits are strict. Adults should normally apply as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than two years after the incident. For applicants who were under 18 at the time, claims can be made up to the day of the 20th birthday, provided sufficient evidence is available to decide the case without extensive enquiries.
The Scheme is designed as a last resort. CICA expects applicants to pursue other routes such as travel insurance, employer compensation or social security benefits where available, and may defer a decision until these avenues are clarified. Applications should still be lodged promptly; decisions are made on the balance of probabilities and do not require the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
How to apply is set out by CICA. Claims can be made online. The helpline is available on 0300 003 3601 (UK) or +44 (0)203 684 2517 (overseas), Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3pm UK time. Relay UK is supported for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone.
Legal representation is not required. Government material signposts free, independent advice for England and Wales via Victim and Witness Information and for Scotland via mygov.scot, in addition to other charities supporting victims and families.
Postal applications remain possible using the downloadable form. Completed forms can be sent to: Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme (VOTCS) team, PO Box 26996, Glasgow, G2 9ER.
For organisations assisting affected staff or families-such as employers, local authorities and consular teams-practical steps include confirming eligibility against nationality and residency rules, securing medical evidence and proof of relationship where relevant, and collating insurance or benefit documentation that CICA will expect to see. Early submission protects time limits while other claims are explored.
Government pages also signpost wider assistance for British and non‑British nationals affected by terrorism overseas. These support routes sit alongside, but are distinct from, CICA compensation.