Quick Answer: Most families qualify for financial help they don't know exists. State victim compensation programs cover cleanup costs for violent crime and suicide. Homeowners insurance often covers biohazard remediation. VOCA funds exist in every state. Many cleanup companies also have payment plans or reduced-rate programs for families in need.

The calls that affect me most are the ones where someone is standing in front of a scene they can't afford to clean. They're already dealing with loss — and now they're being told it's going to cost $3,000-15,000 they don't have. In most cases, there is help available. Most people just don't know where to look.

Source 1: State Victim Compensation Programs

Every U.S. state has a victim compensation program funded by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). These programs are specifically designed to pay expenses incurred by victims of violent crime — including cleanup costs.

What it covers: Crime scene cleanup, relocation expenses, funeral costs, medical expenses, mental health treatment, lost wages.

Who qualifies: Victims or surviving family members of homicide, assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, DUI, and in many states, suicide as well.

Compensation limits: Vary by state, but cleanup-specific limits are typically $2,500-$10,000. Some states are higher.

How to apply: Contact your state's victim compensation office (usually under the Attorney General or Department of Justice). The crime must have been reported to law enforcement. Application deadlines vary by state — typically 1-2 years from the date of the crime, but apply as soon as possible.

See our detailed guide on victim compensation funds for state-by-state information.

Source 2: Homeowners or Renters Insurance

Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover biohazard cleanup under the "additional coverage" or "loss of use" provisions. This is frequently overlooked.

What to ask your insurer: "Does my policy cover biohazard remediation following a death or traumatic event on the property?" Get the answer in writing.

Policies that include "remediation coverage" or "biohazard cleanup coverage" will typically cover professional cleanup costs after:

  • Unattended deaths discovered on the property
  • Homicide on the property
  • Suicide on the property

Standard limits are typically $2,500-$10,000 per incident. You'll pay your deductible.

For more on insurance and cleanup, see our guide on does insurance cover biohazard cleanup.

Source 3: Federal VOCA Emergency Funds

Beyond state programs, the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds emergency assistance grants through local victim service providers. These organizations can sometimes provide immediate financial assistance faster than formal state compensation programs.

Find local victim service providers through the Office for Victims of Crime at ovc.ojp.gov. Search by your state and city.

Source 4: Nonprofit Organizations

Several national and regional nonprofits provide direct financial assistance for cleanup:

  • Crime Victims Fund (administered through your state) — call 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
  • National Center for Victims of Crime — victimsofcrime.org
  • National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) — trynova.org
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) — financial assistance specifically for DUI-related deaths and injury

Source 5: Payment Plans and Reduced Rates from Cleanup Companies

Many legitimate biohazard cleanup companies have programs specifically for families who cannot afford full costs:

  • Payment plans: Spreading costs over 6-12 months with low or no interest
  • Sliding-scale fees: Reduced rates based on demonstrated financial hardship
  • Assignment of benefits: The cleanup company bills your insurance directly and accepts insurance payment as full payment
  • Direct victim assistance programs: Some companies do pro bono work or below-cost work for qualifying families

When getting quotes from cleanup companies, ask directly: "Do you have financial assistance programs for families who can't pay the full cost?" The answer will tell you a lot about the company. See our guide on finding a legitimate cleanup company — a legitimate company will work with you on cost.

Source 6: Your Employer or Employer Assistance Program (EAP)

Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs that include emergency financial assistance. If you or your family member's employer has an EAP, call the number on your insurance card or ask HR. EAPs are often dramatically underutilized.

Source 7: Local Community Resources

Don't overlook local resources:

  • Local community foundations — many have emergency hardship funds
  • Religious organizations — many have pastoral funds for members and non-members in crisis
  • 211 helpline — call or text 211 to connect with local assistance programs in your area
  • Local Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul — emergency assistance programs

What to Do Right Now

  1. File a police report if you haven't — required for most victim compensation programs
  2. Call your homeowners/renters insurance and ask about biohazard remediation coverage
  3. Contact your state victim compensation office — even if you're not sure you qualify, apply
  4. Call 211 for local resources
  5. Get quotes from cleanup companies and ask each one about financial assistance programs

Do not attempt to clean biohazard scenes yourself to save money. The health risks are serious — bloodborne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, MRSA) and biogenic gases from decomposition require professional-grade PPE and disposal. The cost of doing it wrong exceeds the cost of doing it right.

Our directory connects families with vetted biohazard cleanup specialists who work with insurance and victim compensation programs. Call (855) 566-2405 24/7 for immediate referrals.