The provisions and administration of various State victim compensation programs are outlined, and their impact on the elderly victim is assessed, followed by recommendations for improvements in such programs. Just over half of the 50 States and some counties have victim compensation programs. They are generally administered either by a new agency housed in a State social service agency or department of public safety, by expanding the jurisdiction of a preexisting agency, or by a judical system administration. Virtually all programs provide compensation for personal losses, such as medical expenses and loss of earnings resulting from violent crime injuries or expenses incurred to the family upon the victim's death by violent crime. Only a few States include compensation for pain and suffering, and most do not compensate for property loss or damage resulting from theft or vandalism. A customary eligibility requirement is that the victim not be related to or living with the offender and not have contributed to the violent crime. Only seven States do not have a minimum loss requirement, which is usually $100 or the loss of 2 weeks of continuous earnings. A minority of States restrict compensation to those victims in financial need. For the elderly, who have limited incomes and little promise of an increase in income, financial and property losses are difficult if not impossible to replace, such that even a loss under $100 and the loss of destruction of property is a relatively severe loss. Also, the elderly are the population group least likely to take the initiative in applying for victim compensation. Tests of severe financial hardship should be eliminated from victim compensation programs; compensation for property loss should be allowed; and minimum payment requirements should be eliminated. Elderly, retired, and unemployed persons should receive disability payments for specific injuries, with set maximum payments. Ten references are listed.