If a victim dies or suffers disability or serious injury due to a crime and has not received adequate compensation from the offender, it is worth checking the state-run crime victim relief fund system. The relief fund is distinct from systems that simply compensate for financial loss; payment eligibility and amounts are determined through review of the type of harm and statutory requirements.

■ Types of Relief Funds and Eligibility

The crime victim relief fund is divided into survivor relief, disability relief, and serious injury relief funds. If a victim dies due to a crime, family members in the order prescribed by law are eligible; if the victim suffers disability or serious injury, the victim themselves is eligible. However, crimes committed by negligence are excluded from relief coverage.

■ Improved Support Standards for Bereaved Families This Year

This year, the support standards for bereaved families of deceased victims have been improved. The enforcement decree amendment announced by the Ministry of Justice, to take effect on March 10, 2026, includes the removal of provisions that reduced relief payments based on the type and number of surviving family members, and prioritizes protection of family members who were financially dependent on the victim. The age threshold for relief fund supplements for children and grandchildren was also expanded to those under 25.

In a guidance notice released in September, the Ministry of Justice explained that relief funds for bereaved families of deceased victims range from a minimum of approximately 82 million won, while children under 25 who were dependent on the victim can receive up to approximately 165 million won. However, not all applicants automatically receive these amounts; actual payments may vary depending on statutory calculation standards, grounds for payment restrictions, and compensation already received.

■ Relationship Between Damages and Relief Funds

The relief fund is separate from damages received from the offender. If damages have been received for the same harm, the relief fund is not paid to that extent. Payments may also be restricted if benefits are available under other laws, so individual verification is necessary.

■ Where and When to Apply

Applications must be submitted to the Crime Victim Relief Committee with jurisdiction over the applicant's address, residence, or the location where the crime occurred. The application deadline is three years from the date the victim became aware of the harm, or ten years from the date the harm occurred. If either period expires, an application cannot be filed, so deadlines must be checked carefully.

■ Emergency Relief Funds and Payment Methods

In cases where a prompt decision is difficult, such as when the extent of disability or serious injury is unclear, an emergency relief fund payment may be considered. However, the emergency relief fund is not a supplementary benefit received in addition to the final relief fund. It is settled against the final determined amount, and depending on the outcome, the difference or the received amount may have to be returned.

Relief funds are, in principle, paid in a lump sum. However, if the recipient is deemed to lack management capacity due to age, disability, or illness, payment may be made in installments as decided by the committee.

Victims and bereaved families considering an application should verify eligibility based on the type of harm, application deadlines, and whether compensation has already been received. Rather than assuming the payment amount solely from the figures presented in relief fund guidance, it is necessary to confirm applicable standards through review by the competent committee.

[This article was written with some assistance from AI. The information provided is for reference only, and this publication assumes no legal or financial responsibility for the use of such information.]