The purpose of the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program is to provide a method of compensation for victims of violent crime. All funds come from federal and state offenders through fines and penalty assessments. An arrest of the offender does NOT have to take place in order to be eligible to file a claim; however, the victim and/or claimant is expected to fully cooperate in the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrator. The claimant is also expected to fully cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office and Victim’s Compensation Board staff during the processing of the claim.

Limits of Compensation

The sum of all payments made to individual claimants and service providers on behalf of one victim may not exceed $20,000. In addition to the initial award of $20,000.00, an additional $20,000.00 may be available for work loss of loss of support, provided the incident occurs on or after the legislative date of November 1, 2008. In no event shall the sum of all payments exceed $40,000.00 after November 1, 2008.

Eligibility Requirements

• The crime was reported to law enforcement officials within 72 hours of the incident.
• Claim for compensation is filed within two years of the incident date or death of victim. For child sexual abuse victims, the claim may be accepted past the two year deadline.
• The victim was not the offender or the accomplice.
• Compensation would not benefit the offender or accomplice.
• The victim and/or claimant cooperated fully with the investigation of the incident.
• The victim did not contribute in any way to the injury or death.
• There is out-of-pocket loss as a result of the crime.

For more information regarding victim compensation, along with other services, please visit the District Attorney Victim Services website.