State Crime Victims Compensation

State Crime Victims Compensation

Program Description

State victim assistance and compensation programs are services that can help victims heal after a crime. Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants supplement state funds that reimburse victims for crime-related expenses. These expenses may include the following:

  • Medical costs
  • Mental health counseling
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost wages or loss of support

Every state, the District of Columbia, and every territory have programs for crime victims. Each state offers their own programs, but most have similar eligibility requirements and benefits. Maximum awards may range from $10,000 to $25,000, but it could vary by state.

General Program Requirements

You can only get payment when other sources, like insurance or legal awards, don’t cover the loss. Some expenses are not covered by most programs, including:

  • Theft
  • Damage
  • Property loss

State programs are also not required to pay in terrorism cases.

You must comply with all state rules to qualify. You must also assist with reasonable police requests and submit a timely application to the program.

You can find links on the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) site for different crime victim resources and programs and their state contacts. Requirements will vary by program.

Application Process

You may qualify for benefits, including reimbursement of certain costs, if you are the victim of a crime. Contact your state or territory OVC office for application information.

You may find contacts for each state program on the U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services & Information page.

Program Contact Information

To learn more, you may send an email to us on the AskOVC page.

You may also call our OVC Resource Center:

  • 1-800-851-3420
  • 301-519-5500
  • TTY 1-877-712-9279

Or write to:

Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
810 Seventh Street NW., 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20531

Last Updated: 01/17/17