Personal Injury

The National Redress Scheme was set up to acknowledge survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. It can be an appropriate option in limited circumstances, such as where a civil claim is not viable. For most survivors with a viable civil claim, however, it is worth understanding exactly what the Scheme offers, and what accepting a payment gives up, before you decide.

This guide explains how the Scheme works, what it pays, how long it takes, and how it compares with a civil compensation claim through the courts. Applications to the Scheme close on 30 June 2027, so the decision is time sensitive. For a week-by-week breakdown, see our NRS countdown series.

How the National Redress Scheme works

How long does an application take?

The time an application takes depends on the complexity of the case, the documentation provided, and how many applications are in the queue. Applications have commonly taken around 6 to 12 months from a complete application to an outcome, and some take longer where more information or verification is needed.

How much does the Scheme pay?

The maximum Scheme payment is $150,000, and it is rarely paid in full. The actual amount depends on the severity and impact of the abuse and on the institution’s involvement. The average payment for serious abuse is approximately $80,000, and many payments are significantly lower. We have seen outcomes as low as $7,000. The Scheme also includes a counselling and psychological care component and a direct personal response from the institution, which are separate from the payment.

When is the payment made?

Once an offer is accepted, payment is not instant. It can take a number of months for the administrative steps to finish and the money to be paid, and it is worth asking the Scheme for its current timeframes.

What does accepting a payment give up?

This is the most important point for most survivors. By accepting an offer of redress, you sign a release that permanently extinguishes your right to bring a civil claim against the institution for that abuse. It cannot be reversed later, even if you learn your harm was greater than the payment reflects.

The Scheme is a contract drafted by experts acting for the institutions, and it is often signed by the people least able to assess it. Claimants are not routinely offered independent legal advice before they accept. We strongly recommend getting independent legal advice before you apply and before you accept any offer.

Comparing the Scheme with a civil compensation claim

Figures are general information and not a prediction of your outcome. Individual circumstances differ, so get independent legal advice before you decide.

Is there a cap on civil compensation?

No. A civil claim through the courts is assessed on the harm you have actually suffered, including your health, career, relationships, and quality of life, and it is not subject to a cap. Compensation can therefore be substantially higher than a Scheme payment, depending on the facts of your case.

How long does a civil claim take?

A civil claim usually takes longer than a Scheme application. The stages include assessing the claim, gathering evidence, and negotiating, and some claims take a number of years. Virtually all claims settle before a hearing, usually through negotiation or mediation, and confidentiality is standard. That means most survivors do not need to give evidence in open court.

Is there still a time limit?

In most cases, New South Wales has removed the time limit for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse, although individual circumstances still matter. See our guide to limitation periods for historical institutional abuse claims.

Can I claim in the courts after accepting a payment?

No, not against the institution covered by the release. That is why the order of the decision matters: advice first, then the choice of pathway, then any application. If you have already received a Scheme offer, do not sign it until you have had independent legal advice.

Making an informed decision

Choosing between the Scheme and a civil claim is a significant decision that depends on your circumstances. A Scheme payment may arrive sooner, but it is capped, and it permanently ends your right to claim in the courts. A civil claim takes longer, but compensation is assessed on your actual harm without a cap, and it is our recommended pathway for the vast majority of survivors with a viable claim.

The Scheme is scheduled to close to new applications on 30 June 2027 and to end on 30 June 2028, so do not leave getting advice until the last few weeks. For more on what happens as the Scheme winds up, read what happens when the National Redress Scheme expires, our 5 things you should know about the National Redress Scheme, and our review of the Scheme.

At Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, we understand how difficult these decisions are. We act for survivors of institutional and historical child sexual abuse, and we can explain the Scheme and the civil claim process so that you choose with full information. Read more about our institutional abuse compensation practice, or contact us to find out whether a civil compensation claim may produce a better outcome than the Scheme in your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions