Start or continue an application

The National Redress Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years. You can make an application any time between now and 30 June 2027.

Before you start an application for redress you can find out more about what’s involved in filling out the application and what happens after an application is submitted.

How do I get access to an application?

You can apply online or by paper. It's your choice how you apply.

You can also get the application form sent to you by calling 1800 737 377 or asking a Redress Support Service for one.

  • You can apply online through myGov. You can create a myGov account at any time if you don’t already have one.

Before you apply, you might like to think about who could give you support to apply. You could speak to someone you already know and trust or Redress Support Services can help. This person or organisation can also be your nominee to talk to the Scheme on your behalf where you agree to this arrangement.

You, or someone who has legal authority to act on your behalf, can make an application for redress. This person or organisation will need to fill in a nominee form and provide documents to the Scheme that shows they have legal authority to act for you.

If you have any questions about the Application for Redress please call the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm AET (call charges may apply). If you are overseas, please call +61 3 6222 3455 and then press 7 to be transferred to the National Redress Scheme. You will be able to leave a voice mail message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

To apply you need to:

  • Decide if you prefer to apply online or by paper.
  • Complete all three parts of the application. You can attach copies of supporting documents if you have them, but you will still need to complete the application.
  • Confirm your identity.
  • Sign and date the form. If applying online you can fill in this form and sign it digitally.
  • Make and keep a copy of your application for your records.
  • Apply in your own time and pace.
  • You can only make one application for redress under the Scheme.

*** On 17 September 2021, changes to the Scheme removed the statutory declaration requirement. A new design of the Application for Redress is now available. If you have completed the old form we will still accept it where the statutory declaration page is signed and dated. It does not need to be witnessed.

Setting up a myGov account

myGov is a secure way to access government services such as the National Redress Scheme online with one login and one password.

To create a myGov account go to my.gov.au and select create an account.

You will be asked to accept the terms and conditions for use and then provide an email address.

Enquires about myGov

Contact myGov about using your myGov account.

Call myGov

Call the myGov helpdesk on 13 23 07, select Option 1.

The myGov helpdesk is open from:

  • 7:00am to 10:00pm, Monday to Friday, and
  • 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday in local Australian time zones.

From outside Australia

Contact myGov by calling +61 1300 1MYGOV (1300 169 468). Select Option 1.

Accessing the application online

Your myGov online application can lose connection (time out)after a time of no activity. To avoid losing part of your application you should save your application frequently.

You can type the longer text sections for Part 2 and Part 3 into a word processor and cut and paste your response to the online application form. We note that not all word processing software is compatible with this feature. Please be aware of this.

You can get access to the online application and submit it through your myGov account using these steps.

  1. Log onto myGov using your details or create a new account.
  2. Click on 'Link another service'.
  3. Select the 'National Redress Scheme'.
  4. Click on 'Start' to get access to the application. You can save it and come back to it whenever you need to.
  5. Fill in the online application. Save your application frequently because myGov will timeout after a time of no activity.
  6. Review your completed online application.
  7. Read the declaration and click on the box next to ‘I agree’.
  8. Scan and upload any supporting documents.
  9. Submit your completed online application. Once submitted, the Scheme will use your myGov digital authentication in place of your written signature and date.
  10. Print a copy of your completed online application for your records.

Setting up a myGov Inbox to receive messages when applying online

To get letters from the Scheme in your myGov Inbox:

  1. Log into myGov using your details or create a new account.
  2. Click on 'Link another service'.
  3. Select the 'National Redress Scheme'.
  4. Answer or setup your security questions.
  5. Fill in your application details and answer either ‘Use myGov inbox’ or ‘Use both’ to the question ‘What address should the Scheme use to send you letters?’
  6. Submit your application.
  7. The next time myGov will send you a letter it will be to your myGov inbox.

Setting up a myGov Inbox to receive messages when applying via paper form

To get letters in your myGov Inbox:

  1. When you fill in your paper application check the option to receive your correspondence via myGov inbox.
  2. Log into myGov using your details or create a new account.
  3. Click on 'Link another service'.
  4. Select the 'National Redress Scheme'.
  5. Answer or setup your redress security questions.
  6. Click on 'Link your application'.
  7. Type in your Redress ID and Application ID that someone from the National Redress Scheme gave you when they called you to acknowledge that your application was received.
  8. The next time myGov will send you a letter it will be to your myGov inbox.

Words used on this page

Application
The application is available online or by paper. You can make an application at any time between now and 30 June 2027.
Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
When the child sexual abuse occurred, for example, on the premises of an institution, or where activities of an institution took place (such as a camp), or by an official of an institution.
myGov
myGov is a secure way to access government services online with one login and one password.
National Redress Scheme
The Australian Government set up the National Redress Scheme to provide redress to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. The offer of redress can include: access to counselling, a redress payment and a direct personal response.
Redress
Redress means acknowledging harm done. The National Redress Scheme provides counselling, a direct personal response and a Redress payment.
Scheme
The National Redress Scheme for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. See National Redress Scheme.
Statutory declaration
A written statement that you are providing true information. This is signed in front of an authorised witness.