The introductory section provides general information on how crime victim compensation programs operate across the country and what victims can do to seek help from such programs. It notes that crime victim compensation programs provide financial assistance to crime victims. These programs -- now operating in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands - - can pay for victim medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, and, in cases of homicide, funerals and lost support. With few exceptions, compensation programs pay only for expenses related to personal injury and do not cover property that is stolen, lost, or damaged. Compensation programs are "payers of last resort," i.e., they do not cover benefits for expenses covered by "collateral resources," such as medical and automobile insurance, employee benefits, other public assistance programs, and restitution received. The overview of crime victim compensation programs addresses program development, size, and structure; funding; the application process; eligibility requirements; compensable costs; maximums and limits; collateral resources; and compensation programs in foreign countries. Information on the crime victim compensation program for each State covers funding, eligibility requirements, procedures associated with the program, and benefits. Address and phone and fax numbers are provided for each program.