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 Question : Am I required to use my insurance benefits before applying for compensation? (1)
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| Question : Can I get money for pain and suffering? (1)
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| Question : Can I get money now? (1)
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Yes, you can file an emergency award application to receive up to $2,500 of verified loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen benefit cash or money for crime-related bills that you have already personally paid.
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| Question : Can I get travel reimbursement? (1)
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Yes, the Program does reimburse the direct victim for travel to medical appointments, counseling visits, trips to the pharmacy for prescriptions for crime related injuries or events involving the travel to meet with law enforcement, for court proceedings or the filing of a protection of abuse order.
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| Question : Can I still collect restitution? (1)
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Yes, but you must repay the Program any monies for expenses which were already paid by the Program. This does not apply to restitution ordered by the court for property damage or other losses not covered by the Program.
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| Question : Can my attorney charge me for helping me complete and file a compensation claim? (1)
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No, the attorney may not bill you for the services related to the filing of a compensation claim. An attorney may submit a bill for payment directly to the Program for services provided in helping you to submit a compensation claim after an award has been made.
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| Question : Do I need to file a new claim if I have additional expenses? (1)
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No, you can submit additional crime-related bills to the Program at any time. It is important to write your claim number on any bills sent to the Program.
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| Question : Do I need to report any award money received to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? (1)
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No, awards are not subject to reporting to the IRS.
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| Question : How long does it take the Program to make a decision? (1)
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Most claims are processed within 8 weeks or less, but if the claim is complex it may take longer.
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| Question : If I am injured at work as a result of a crime, am I still eligible for compensation? (1)
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Yes, the Program may reimburse for any losses not fully covered by Workers' Compensation or any other available benefits or insurance.
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| Question : If I get money from the Program, does the offender get out of paying restitution? (1)
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No, the offender is still obligated to pay the restitution ordered by the court and reimburse the Program.
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| Question : If I miss work because of my injuries, can I get paid for my lost wages? (1)
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Yes, your employer must verify the time missed and a doctor, dentist or psychologist must certify that you were unable to work due to the crime-related injuries. Additional information may also be required.
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| Question : If I take off work to take my child to court, am I eligible for my loss of earnings? (1)
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Yes, but attendance must be verified by providing a copy of the subpoena or a letter from an appropriate court official or victim advocate.
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| Question : Is property damage eligible for compensation? (1)
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| Question : Is there a limit on total compensation? (1)
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Yes, there are different limits for the various types of benefits covered by the Program.
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| Question : What if I don't have paycheck stubs, W-2s or tax returns , can I still apply for loss of earnings? (1)
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Yes, you still may be able to receive an award for loss of earnings if the Program can obtain the required documents from your employer to verify you earnings. The Program must be able to verify your actual earnings.
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| Question : Where does the money come from? (1)
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Most of the money awarded to victims of crime comes from fines paid by convicted offenders.
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