The Victims’ Payment Regulations 2020 sets out the eligibility and criteria for what is now commonly known as The Troubles Pension. In effect, if you were injured (physically or psychologically) as a result of being at, or attending immediately after a troubles related incident, you could qualify for a weekly payment, or lump sum award.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING QUALIFICATION
It is important to reiterate that this scheme is designed for those who were:
- Present at a troubles related incident which caused a serious and permanently injured as a result.
- If you have been psychologically injured witnessing an incident, the incident must involve a person of ‘close love and affection’.
Without being physically present at the incident, you are unlikely to qualify for this scheme.
Payment Amounts
Payment amounts directly correlate to the degree of injury or disablement sustained. On current guidelines, payments can reach £189.80 per week, and a person over the age of 60 may apply for a lump sum payment of up to £90,000.
Troubles Incidents
The Troubles in Northern Ireland spanned over three decades, with more than 3,500 people killed, and it’s estimated there were over 10,000 bombings.
This payment scheme relates to any Troubles related incident between January 1966 and April 2010.
Qualifying Criteria
If a person has suffered a permanent disablement, whether that be physical or physiological as a result of a troubles related incident, they may be entitled to make a claim for the victims’ troubles pension. The current regulations set out the mechanisms for both establishing disablement and assessing the details around the troubles related incident.
Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) / Army Personnel
The obviously identified victims of any troubles related incident are the members of the public caught in the situation. However, it is crucial to recognise the impact / injury on any service personnel also present. This would include members of both the RUC and Army.
Injuries
Insofar as the assessment of injury, is is important to note this relates to both persons who were physically, and psychologically injured.
To discuss the scheme and your potential eligibility to qualify for The Troubles Pension, please contact us today.
Call Now on: 028 9181 4444
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Update 27.01.21
BREAKING NEWS: Mother and Baby Homes NI
Calls for a full inquiry into the operation of mother and baby homes in NI – Read our article here. (Contains link to full report)
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