The Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) helps victims and their families ease the financial burdens they may face as a result of a crime. Although compensation will not erase the fact that the crime has occurred, it can help victims to begin the healing and recovery process. There may be factors other than those listed below that may determine whether a crime victim may qualify for compensation.
Click here for Crime Victims Compensation Form
WhichTypes of Expenses May be Covered?
Medical Expenses:
Medical expenses may include physical therapy, medications, ambulance, home health care, replacement services, child care medical equipment/supplies, or transportation costs to medical and counseling appointments or pharmacy visits.
Counseling Expenses:
Individuals eligible for counseling include: the victim; specific relatives of the victim; person residing with the victim; person engaged to the victim; person maintaining a common-law relationship with the victim; person who is physically present and who witnesses a violent crime; person who discovers a homicide victim; person responsible for the victim's welfare.
Loss of Earnings:
A victim/claimant who is unable to work due to a physical or emotional disability related to a crimemay be eligible for compensation. The following individuals may also be eligible for loss of earnings: certain family members who provide home health care or replacement services, or persons who meet specific criteria related to homicide victims.
Loss of Support:
Payments may be made for financial dependents of a homicide victim.
Stolen Benefit Cash:
If Social Security, pension/retirement, disability or court-ordered child/spousal support is the victim's main source of income, and cash has been stolen or taken through fraud, he/she may be compensated, within certain limits.
Relocation Expenses:
Temporary or permanent relocation expenses may be covered for the victim and individuals residing in their household when it is required for the immediate protection of their safety and/or health. A medical provider, law enforcement, or human service provider must verify the victim's need to relocate.
Funeral Expenses:
If the claimant paid or assumes responsibility to pay for the funeral bill for a deceased victim, he/she may be compensated for those expenses, within certain limits.
Who Is Eligible?
The crime occurred in Pennsylvania OR the crime occurred to;a Pennsylvania resident who was injured or killed;in a foreign country or (b) by an act of international terrorism A police officer, firefighter, or individual whose employment inclused the duty of protecting the public, may be eligible for victims compensation for injuries suffered from either on or off-duty crime incidents.
Victims Compensation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is anyone other than the victim eligible?
Yes. In certain circumstances, others (including family members) may be eligible for compensation.
Are Motor Vehicle/Watercraft crimes eligible for compensation?
Yes. These are limited to DUI, Aggravated Assault while DUI, Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, Hit and Run, and Homicide by Vehicle and acts that would constitute a crime under the Crimes Code, such as reckless endangerment.
What expenses are not covered?
The fund will not reimburse for:
- Pain and suffering
- Stolen or damaged property except loss of medical devices as a result of the crime.
What if expenses can be paid by another source?
The Crime Victims Compensation fund is regarded as "the payor of last resort." Other sources must be utilized before payment can be considered.
What is meant by other source?
Payment will be reduced by the amount of any other source. They include but are not limited to: health or life insurance, awards for civil lawsuits or insurance, Medical Assistance, Medicare, disability insurance, Workers' Compensation, or Social Security.
Must there be an arrest or conviction before I may apply?
No, but you must cooperate with the law enforcement authorities who are handling your case.
Is there a limit on total compensation?
Yes, there are different limits for the various types of expenses covered by the program.
Where can I obtain a claim form?
You may request an application by calling 1-800-233-2339 or through your local police department, county district attorney's office, or local victim service programs.
How will my claim be considered?
After our staff carefully reviews your application, you will be notified of a decision as quickly as possible. If your claim is denied, the reason will be explained to you, as well as the appeal process.
How long will it take for my claim to be processed?
Most claims are processed within three months - but if your claim is complex, it may take longer. The Victims Compensation Program strives to work as quickly as possible.
How is the program funded?
Passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1976, the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Compensation Act creates a fund and establishes eligibility guidelines for providing certain benefits to crime victims. This fund consists of fines and penalties assessed against persons convicted of crimes. No general tax revenues of the state are used, therefore, persons convicted of crimes support a program to benefit their victims.
Does the crime have to occur in Pennsylvania?
To be eligible, the crime must have occured in Pennsylvania, OR to a Pennsylvania resident who was injured or killed in a foreign country or by an act of international terrorism.
I am a police officer injured by a crime in the line of duty. Am I eligible?
A police officer, firefighter, or individual whose employment includes the duty of protecting the public, may be eligible for victims compensation for injuries suffered from either on or off-duty crime incidents
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