How to Easily Submit a National Redress Scheme Application

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, you need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible if:

• The abuse occurred when you were under 18.
• The abuse took place in an institution such as a school, church, orphanage, foster care system, sports club or youth detention centre.
• The institution has joined the NRS.

Some institutions have not joined the scheme. If the institution responsible for the abuse has not opted in, you may need to look at other legal options. You can check institution participation by visiting the National Redress Scheme website or consulting with institutional abuse lawyers.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Information

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to gather information about your experience. The application requires details such as:

• The institution(s) where the abuse occurred.
• A description of the abuse and how it affected you (emotionally, physically and psychologically).
• Any previous compensation received for the same abuse (such as previous legal settlements).

You don’t need police reports, medical records or court documents, but the more information you can provide, the better. If recalling your experience is difficult, you can seek support from a counsellor or lawyer to help you with this section.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The National Redress Scheme has two ways to apply:

• Online Application – You can apply through the MyGov portal, which is a secure and streamlined process.
• Paper Application – A downloadable form is available on the NRS website or you can request a hard copy to be sent to you.

If you need help, Redress Support Services or a lawyer can guide you through the application process.

The form will ask for:

• Your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information).
• Details of the institution responsible for the abuse.
• How the abuse affected your life
• Your preferred outcomes, such as financial redress, counselling support or an apology.

If any part of the application is difficult for you, Wyatts’ experienced institutional abuse lawyer can help you at every step. We ensure you fill in the correct details and don’t miss any important information that can make or break your case.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Once you’ve completed your application, you can submit it through the channel you used. Online applications are submitted through the MyGov portal and paper applications are mailed to “National Redress Scheme, GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001.”

Note: The National Redress Scheme will run for 10 years, so you can apply until 30 June 2027.

Step 5: Await Assessment

After submission, the National Redress Scheme will assess your application to determine if you’re eligible for redress. This can take 6 to 12 months, but may take longer if:

• Additional information is required.
• Your case is complex and involves multiple institutions.
• The institution responsible for the abuse has not joined the scheme.

During this time, you may be asked for more information or clarification, so it’s a good idea to keep any relevant documents or notes handy. If you’re feeling distressed during this time, support services are available to help you cope.

Step 6: Receive a Decision

Once your application has been assessed, you will receive a formal decision outlining what redress you’re entitled to. If your claim is successful, you may receive:

• A financial payment (up to $150,000) based on the severity of the abuse.
• Counselling and psychological support services.
• An official apology from the institution (if requested).

The financial compensation is tax-free and doesn’t affect Centrelink or other government payments. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will be given reasons and can explore appeal options or other legal avenues.

Step 7: Accept or Decline the Offer

After you receive your redress decision, you have 6 months to decide whether to accept or decline the offer. 

If you accept the redress payment, you’ll need to sign a “Release of Claims” form, which means you’ll waive your right to sue the institution for further compensation in the future. In this case, seek legal advice.

We Are Here To Help!

Applying for the National Redress Scheme can be emotionally challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Wyatts, we have a team of professional and experienced institutional abuse lawyers specialised in making NRS  applications. We have helped several clients submit their National Redress Scheme applications and receive their desired outcomes. Contact our National Redress Scheme lawyers now at 1800 773 880 to boost the chances of success of your claim!