The frequently asked questions section of our website is updated regularly to help keep victims and survivors informed with the latest information.
How do I contact the VSS?
When will I receive my Self Directed Assistance Payment for 2025/26?
When will I receive my award for Home Heating this year?
I am struggling financially – is there any help I can get from VSS?
How can I apply for the Troubles/Victims Payment Scheme?
If you cannot find the information that you are looking for below, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to assist you in whatever way we can.
How do I contact VSS?
Telephone: 028 9027 9100 – We are available to answer calls during the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: enquiries@vssni.org – This e-mail address can be used to contact us and share documents electronically. It is monitored remotely and you will receive a response within 1 working day, if required.
You can continue to contact us also By post – we encourage you to submit any necessary paperwork by post to the following address:
Victims and Survivors Service,
1st Floor Seatem House
28-32 Alfred Street
Belfast
BT2 8EN
Our first priority is, and will remain, to continue to support victims and survivors and their families.
If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, please call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Lifeline is available 24-7. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland who are calling from UK landlines and mobiles.
When will I receive my Self-Directed Assistance Payment for 2025/26?
The VSS financial year runs from April to March each year.
The Executive Office has confirmed our budget for 2025/26 and we are making preparations for Self-Directed Assisted (cash based) payments to be made in the week commencing 7 April 2025.
Your patience is appreciated as we handle an increased number of calls during this period.
When will I receive my award for Home Heating this year?
The Persistent Pain – Home Heating scheme for 2025/26, can only open when our budget has been confirmed by The Executive Office. The Executive Office has confirmed our budget for 2025/26 and we are making preparations for payments to be made in the week commencing 7 April 2025.
The scheme has changed from previous years. Individuals are no longer required to submit receipts for Home Heating ahead of receiving a payment, instead a £500 cash payment will be made to existing award recipients as a contribution towards their home heating costs.
This scheme is closed to new entrants.
I am struggling financially – is there any help I can get from VSS?
Yes, some of the community and voluntary organisations funded by VSS are able to provide welfare support to victims and survivors. They will be able to outline the support that is available and how you can access this. Organisations that provide Welfare Support are: Wave Trauma Centre, Relatives for Justice, South East Fermanagh Foundation, The Ely Centre and CALMS.
You can find more information on these organisations and in your area using our interactive map.
How can I apply for the Troubles/Victims Payment Scheme?
The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme is now open for applications until 31st August 2026.
You can apply online at www.victimpaymentsboard.org.uk. Detailed guidance on applying for the Scheme is also available on this website.
You can download, print and submit a paper copy to the Victims’ Payments Board at:
Victims’ Payments Board
PO BOX 2305,
Belfast,
BT1 9AX
If you have difficulty using the website you can make contact with the Victims’ Payments Board using the details below:
What is the role of VSS in the Scheme?
VSS are not administering or carrying out assessments in relation to the Scheme. However, a network of trained Welfare Advisors has been established through VSS funded partner organisations that can assist you in making an application. If you would like to avail of this support please contact one of the below organisations directly, or alternatively, you can call VSS on: 028 9027 9100 to discuss further.
WAVE
The Ely Centre
E: injuredscheme@relativesforjustice.com
Relatives for Justice (RF)
E: injuredscheme@relativesforjustice.com
South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF)
Ashton Community Trust
If you wish to find out more information about our services, please contact us on 028 90 279100 or email enquiries@vssni.org