Guideline 7 - Granting financial assistance for loss of earnings

Loss of earnings amounts to ‘actual loss’ incurred or likely to be incurred, and is calculated based on earnings at the time of the act of violence. In limited cases, potential loss of earnings may be assessed if the future employment opportunity was certain; where for example, an employment contract had been signed before the act of violence but the person was prevented from commencing work due to their injuries. ‘Earnings’ for the purpose of considering a loss of earnings claim are considered as being an applicant’s personal or taxable income.