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United States Each state in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S.Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico, operates a crime victim compensation program to provide financial assistance for victims of violent or personal crime. Each state administers its own program in accordance with its state statute. The U.S. Department of Justice provides supplemental Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding and technical support to the states. The following information is generally applicable to all state compensation programs. For information regarding specific programs, contact the programs directly. Eligibility Requirements Report to police. Usually within 72 hours; exceptions are made for good cause. Filing period. One year is typical; exceptions are made for good cause. Victims of terrorist acts. Compensation is payable through the federal Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve for residents and nonresidents who are injured or killed in acts of terrorism within the United States or for U.S. nationals, officers, and/or employees of the U.S. government who are injured or killed in acts of terrorism outside the United States. In addition, some state compensation programs provide benefits to victims of terrorism. Claimants. The following parties are eligible for compensation in most states:
Procedures The claimant must file an application with the compensation agency in the state where the crime occurred. Based on information submitted by the victim, the agency determines if the claimant is eligible and has suffered a financial loss. In most states, the victim can appeal the agency's decision to deny or reduce the amount of compensation. Benefits and Award Limits Maximum benefits available to victims from the state programs average about $25,000, though a number of states have higher or lower maximums. Compensable costs. All states will cover the following:
In addition, many states cover the following:
Emergency awards. Some states provide emergency awards or expedite processing for victims faced with extraordinary financial needs. Funding sources. Most states obtain their funding from fees or charges assessed against offenders. Some states receive appropriations from general revenue. OVC provides supplemental funds from federal criminal fines and penalties. Contact Information (by State and Territory) Alabama Telephone: 334-242-4007 Alaska Telephone: 907-465-5525 Arizona Telephone: 602-364-1155 Arkansas Telephone: 501-682-1323 California Telephone: 916-323-3432 Colorado Telephone: 303-239-4442 Connecticut Telephone: 860-747-4501 Delaware Telephone: 302-995-8383 District of Columbia Telephone: 202-879-4216 Florida Telephone: 850-414-3300 Georgia Telephone: 404-559-4949 Guam Telephone: 9-1-671-475-3324, ext. 285 Hawaii Telephone: 808-587-1143 Idaho Telephone: 208-334-6000 Illinois Telephone: 312-814-2581 Indiana Telephone: 317-232-2927 Iowa Telephone: 1-800-373-5044 Kansas Telephone: 785-296-2359 Kentucky Telephone: 1-800-469-2120 Louisiana Telephone: 225-925-1997 Maine Telephone: 207-626-8800 Maryland Telephone: 410-585-3331 Massachusetts Telephone: 617-727-2200 Michigan Telephone: 517-334-9941 Minnesota Telephone: 651-282-6256 Mississippi Telephone: 601-359-6766 Missouri Telephone: 573-526-6006 Montana Telephone: 406-444-3653 Nebraska Telephone: 402-471-2194 Nevada Telephone: 702-486-2740 New Hampshire Telephone: 603-271-1284 New Jersey Telephone: 973-648-2107 New Mexico Telephone: 505-841-9432 New York Telephone: 1-800-247-8035 North Carolina Telephone: 919-733-7974 North Dakota Telephone: 701-328-6195 Ohio Telephone: 614-466-5610 Oklahoma Telephone: 405-264-5006 Oregon Telephone: 503-378-5348 Pennsylvania Telephone: 717-783-0551, ext. 3093 Puerto Rico Telephone: 787-641-7480 Rhode Island Telephone: 401-222-3264 South Carolina Telephone: 803-734-1930 South Dakota Telephone: 605-773-3656 Tennessee Telephone: 615-741-2734 Texas Telephone: 512-936-1200 U.S. Virgin Islands Telephone: 340-774-1166 Utah Telephone: 801-238-2360 Vermont Telephone: 802-241-1250 Virginia Telephone: 804-378-3434 Washington Telephone: 360-902-5340 West Virginia Telephone: 304-347-4850 Wisconsin Telephone: 608-266-6470 Wyoming Telephone: 307-777-7200 |
The information on this page is archived and provided for reference purposes only.