From 1 July 2026, the Victorian Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) will update its decision-making guidelines to increase the number of counselling sessions available to victims of crime while they await a final decision on their application.
Currently, the FAS provides up to five counselling sessions as interim assistance. From 1 July 2026, this will increase to up to ten sessions, offering additional support during the application process.
Applicants who submitted their application prior to 1 July 2026 are not required to take any action or contact the FAS. From this date, interim counselling assistance will automatically be provided at the increased level of ten sessions.
For interim applications processed before 1 July 2026, the existing allocation of five counselling sessions will continue to apply.
Where a victim has already accessed the initial five interim sessions and is still awaiting a final outcome, they may request an additional five sessions. Requests can be made by contacting the FAS Contact Centre or by emailing the FAS to seek an amendment to their interim assistance. Applicants should only submit this request once the initial five sessions have been fully utilised.