Crime Victim Compensation Programs in the US States

National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards

Crime Victim Compensation Programs

Contact List – September 1, 2009

Alabama

Cassie Jones, Executive Director

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission

P.O. Box 231267

Montgomery, AL  36123-1267

(334) 290-4420    FAX: (334) 290-4455

1-800-541-9388 (victims only)

http://www.acvcc.state.al.us

Alaska

Kate Hudson, Administrator

Violent Crimes Compensation Board

P.O. Box 110230

Juneau, AK  99811-0230

1-800-764-3040  FAX: (907) 465-2379

http://www.admin.state.ak.us/Vccb.htm

Arizona

Tony Vidale, Manager

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

1110 W. Washington St., Suite 230

Phoenix, AZ  85007

(602) 364-1146    FAX: (602) 364-1175

1-877-668-2252

http://www.acjc.state.az.us

Arkansas

Avis Lane, Administrator

Crime Victims Reparations Board

Office of the Attorney General

323 Center St., Suite 600

Little Rock, AR  72201

(501) 682-1020    FAX: (501) 682-5313/683-5569

1-800-448-3014 (in-state)

http://www.ag.state.ar.us

California

Julie Nauman, Executive Officer

Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

P.O. Box 48

Sacramento, CA  95812-0048

1-800-777-9229    FAX: (916) 491-6420

http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov

Victim Compensation Division, the Attorney General’s Office of STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS

जानी राखौ

MA राज्य मा पीड़ित व पीड़ित को परिवारजन ले ५ दिन भीत्र निम्न कार्यालयमा सूचना दिए $२५,००० सम्म को क्ष्यतिपुर्ती दिने ब्यवस्था पनी रहेछ | हरेक घटना भिन्ना भिन्नै प्रकृतिका हुने हुदा, राम्ररी बुझी अगाड़ी सर्न उपयुक्त हुन्छ |

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
VICTIM COMPENSATION DIVISION

Victims of Violent Crime Compensation

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Violent crime impacts every aspect of a person’s life.   The resulting physical and psychological injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, go to school, and meet their own individual goals and aspirations.   Often victims may require treatment to address the injuries caused by the violent acts of another.   The monetary expenses incurred – after losing a loved one, for medical and dental care, for psychological assistance, and by injuries resulting in an inability to work – should not serve to further victimize those who are affected by violent crime.Through the Victim Compensation Division, the Attorney General’s Office is able to provide financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime for uninsured medical and dental care, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and loss of income or financial support as a result of crime-related injury.  Our division uses funds obtained from perpetrators, and can assist with expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 per crime.  Experienced staff within this division will assist victims in understanding their rights as a crime victim, determining what expenses may be eligible for compensation, and assessing what other resources are available to assist them.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, please contact the Victim Compensation staff at the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley for further assistance, at (617) 727-2200.  For further information about victim rights and victim services, visit the Reporting a Violent Crime section of our website.

Who is eligible?

• Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts
• Dependents and family members of homicide victims
• Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim

What are the requirements?

• The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.
• You must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to cooperate.
• You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime.  Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.

What expenses are covered?

To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover your expenses, you may be reimbursed for:

• Medical and dental expenses (including equipment, supplies and medications)
• Counseling expenses (for victims, for family members of homicide victims, and for children who witness violence against a family member)
• Funeral/burial costs up to $4,000
• Lost wages (for victims only)
• Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)
• Homemaker expenses
• Expenses not covered: property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and all other losses

To Apply

Complete the “Application For Crime Victim Compensation” and return it to the Victim Compensation and Assistance Division for verification.

Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley
Victim Compensation & Assistance Division
One Ashburton Place, 19th floor
Boston, MA 02108-1698
(617) 727-2200
(617) 742-6262 fax

In general, you will receive a decision 4 to 6 months later.  Your claim can be reopened for future expenses.

• Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (PDF)
• Compensación Para Víctimas: Asistencia Financiera Para Víctimas del Crimen en el Estado de Massachusetts (PDF) (Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Spanish)