
Crime Victim Compensation
All U.S. states and some U.S. territories operate crime victim compensation programs. These programs provide financial assistance to eligible victims for reimbursement of expenses such as—
- Medical treatment.
- Counseling.
- Funeral costs.
- Lost income.
- Lost support.
Eligibility criteria, types of benefits, and compensation limits vary from state to state.
In general, victim compensation programs require the victim to report the crime to law enforcement and, in most cases, request a copy of the police report. Some states accept a letter from a consular officer stating the circumstances of the crime. U.S.-based victim service providers should work with the Office of Overseas Citizens Services to obtain a police report or consular officer letter from abroad.
Resource:
National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards
www.nacvcb.org