Redress Support Services
National Redress Scheme announcement
The National Redress Scheme is aware of a number of unauthorised websites, text messages and social media accounts sharing misleading and inaccurate information about the Scheme. Some of these may appear as search results through web browsers.
They may include information about:
• eligibility for the National Redress Scheme
• availability of a $3,000 redress payment through Centrelink
• a new ‘one off’ or ‘bonus’ payment for Age Pension customers
• welfare payments from other countries
• pictures of government officials
• Services Australia payments and eligibility.
You should not click on links from these websites or provide personal information that may put you at risk.
Information about the Scheme should only be obtained from trusted sources.
Information on how to apply to the Scheme and what happens once you submit an application, can be found on the National Redress Scheme website.
Relationships Australia Victoria is a government-funded Redress Support Service - available to provide free localised practical and emotional support throughout your application process.
If you are concerned about any information you have received about the Scheme, call the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 for confirmation.
You can also report the incident to the Australian Government organisation Scamwatch.
Free and confidential support for anyone making, or considering making, an application through the National Redress Scheme.
We recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma.
We would like to acknowledge the lived experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples of the Stolen Generations and those who had child sexual abuse perpetrated against them in an institution. We welcome all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples seeking the support of this service.
About the National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) is the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Scheme offers acknowledgement and support to people who:
- had child sexual abuse perpetrated against them in an institution before July 1 2018, and
- were born before 30 June 2010, and
- are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Redress is a different option to seeking compensation through the courts. The Scheme offers 3 components of Redress:
- access to counselling
- a Redress payment
- a Direct Personal Response (an apology) from the institution/s responsible for the abuse.
The Scheme started on 1 July 2018. You can apply up until 30 June 2027.
If you would like more information about the Scheme, please visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call the Scheme on 1800 737 377.
How we can help you
We can:
- answer your questions about the Scheme
- give you information about your options and help you decide if applying is right for you
- help you apply and support you throughout this process
- talk to you about your feelings and ways to manage hard things in your life
- give you information about other services that can help you
- help you understand your application outcome
- help you access a Direct Personal Response.
How we provide services
When you first contact us, we'll make a time to call you and talk about how we can help.
Opening hours
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Victorian local time).
Contact us
- Call 1800 052 674
- Email [email protected]
- Fill in the form at the bottom of this page.
If you're Deaf/deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. Visit accesshub.gov.au
If you speak a language other than English, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service. Visit www.tisnational.gov.au or call 131 450.
Redress Support Services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Related resources
Brochures & flyers
Redress Support Services - Brochure
Download
pdf, 1MB
External resources & links
Services for people affected by violence, abuse and trauma
Links to external crisis support and other services for people affected by violence and abuse, and for those who perpetrate violence.
Read more
Crisis support
We are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (triple zero).
For urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.