If you or your family are the victims of a violent crime — homicide, assault, sexual assault, drunk driving, domestic violence — there’s money available to help pay for the costs you shouldn’t have to bear. Every state in the US has a Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) fund, and most people who qualify never apply because they don’t know it exists.

This guide explains what’s available, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to maximize your claim.

What Crime Victim Compensation Covers

CVC funds are state-run programs that reimburse crime victims (and their families) for out-of-pocket expenses related to the crime. Most programs cover:

Commonly Covered Expenses

  • Medical bills — hospital, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions, dental, vision
  • Mental health counseling — therapy, psychiatric care, medication for PTSD/anxiety/depression
  • Funeral and burial costs — typically $5,000 – $25,000 depending on state
  • Lost wages — if you can’t work due to injuries or court appearances
  • Crime scene cleanup — biohazard remediation of your home or property
  • Relocation expenses — if you need to move for safety (domestic violence, home invasion)
  • Child care — if a parent was injured or killed
  • Transportation — to medical appointments, court hearings, therapy

NOT Typically Covered

  • Property damage or theft (that’s what homeowner’s/renter’s insurance is for)
  • Pain and suffering (CVC covers expenses, not damages — lawsuits cover pain and suffering)
  • Losses covered by insurance (CVC is a “payer of last resort”)

How Much Money Is Available?

Every state sets its own maximum. Here are some examples:

State Maximum Benefit
California $70,000
Texas $50,000
New York $30,000
Florida $25,000
Massachusetts $25,000
Ohio $50,000
Pennsylvania $35,000

Most states range from $25,000 to $50,000 total. Some have separate caps per category (e.g., $7,500 for funeral costs, $10,000 for mental health). A few states have higher limits for catastrophic cases.

Who Qualifies?

Eligible Applicants

  • Direct victims of violent crimes
  • Family members of homicide victims (spouse, children, parents, siblings — varies by state)
  • Anyone who paid for the victim’s medical care, funeral, or other covered expenses
  • Witnesses who are traumatized (some states)
  • Good Samaritans injured while helping a crime victim

Requirements (Common Across Most States)

  1. Report the crime to police — most states require a police report within 72 hours (some are more flexible)
  2. Apply within the deadline — typically 1-3 years from the date of the crime
  3. Cooperate with law enforcement — you don’t have to testify, but you must cooperate with the investigation
  4. The crime occurred in the state (or the victim is a state resident)
  5. Not the offender — you can’t file a claim for a crime you committed

Important Notes

  • A conviction is NOT required — you can receive compensation even if no one is arrested or convicted
  • Undocumented immigrants qualify in most states — CVC programs typically don’t check immigration status
  • Domestic violence victims qualify — even if the offender is a family member
  • Hit-and-run victims qualify — even if the driver is never found

How to Apply

Step 1: Find Your State’s Program

Every state has a CVC program, usually administered by the Attorney General’s office or a crime victim services division.

  • Search “[your state] crime victim compensation” online
  • Call your local victim advocate (usually through the prosecutor’s office or police department)
  • Call the National Victim Hotline: 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Before you apply, collect:

  • Police report number
  • Medical bills and records
  • Receipts for any expenses related to the crime
  • Proof of lost wages (employer letter, pay stubs)
  • Funeral bills (if applicable)
  • Cleanup company invoices (if applicable — see our crime scene cleanup cost guide)
  • Insurance EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) showing what insurance did or didn’t cover

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Most states offer:

  • Online applications — fastest method
  • Paper applications — available at victim services offices, courthouses, and police stations
  • Help from a victim advocate — many states provide free advocates who help you complete the application

Step 4: Follow Up

  • Processing typically takes 1-6 months depending on the state and complexity
  • You may be asked for additional documentation
  • Some states offer emergency awards for urgent expenses (funeral costs, relocation) — ask about this when you apply

Tips to Maximize Your Claim

Don’t Wait

The deadline to apply is firm. Start the process even if you don’t have all your documentation yet — you can submit additional bills later.

Track EVERYTHING

Keep a folder (physical or digital) with every receipt, bill, and document related to the crime’s impact. Things you might forget:

  • Mileage to medical appointments
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Childcare costs during medical appointments or court dates
  • Parking at the hospital
  • Cleaning or replacing bloodstained clothing

Ask About Emergency Funds

Many states can issue partial payments within days for urgent needs like funeral costs or emergency relocation. You don’t have to wait for the full claim to be processed.

Get Help from a Victim Advocate

Victim advocates exist specifically to help you navigate this process. They’re free, they know the system, and they can significantly speed up your claim. Contact:

  • Your local prosecutor’s victim-witness office
  • Your state’s crime victim compensation program directly
  • National Victim Hotline: 1-855-4-VICTIM

Don’t Let Insurance Stop You

CVC is a “payer of last resort,” meaning they cover what insurance doesn’t. But if you don’t have insurance, CVC covers the full amount (up to state limits). Submit your insurance EOBs to show what’s left unpaid.

Crime Scene Cleanup and CVC

If a violent crime occurred in your home, crime scene cleanup is a covered expense under most state CVC programs. This includes:

  • Biohazard remediation (blood, bodily fluids)
  • Removal and replacement of contaminated materials
  • Deodorization and sanitization
  • Professional cleaning

How to File for Cleanup Costs

  1. Get the crime scene cleaned by a certified biohazard company
  2. Keep the itemized invoice
  3. Submit the invoice with your CVC application (or as a supplemental expense if you’ve already applied)
  4. Most states reimburse cleanup costs directly to the cleanup company or to you after you’ve paid

When to Get Professional Help

Contact a victim advocate if:

  • You’re unsure whether you qualify
  • The application process feels overwhelming
  • Your claim has been denied (most states have an appeals process)
  • You need emergency funds quickly
  • The crime occurred in a different state than where you live

Contact an attorney if:

  • You want to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages beyond what CVC covers
  • The crime involved a business or property owner’s negligence
  • You’re being denied compensation and want to appeal

Every guide on WhenItHappens connects families with the resources they need after trauma. Call us at (855) 566-2405 or find a vetted professional in your area.