Crime Victims Compensation Program

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council administers the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, which helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the monetary impact placed upon them by providing financial benefits for expenses such as medical bills, loss of earnings, funeral expenses, mental health counseling, and crime scene sanitization.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You are an innocent victim of a violent crime and suffered personal injury
You went to the aid of another and suffered personal injury and/or serious mental or emotional trauma as a result
You witnessed or were threatened with a crime and suffered serious mental or emotional trauma as a result
You are the parent or legal guardian of a minor victim
You are the parent or legal guardian of a minor victim and you lost wages or support due to the victimization
You are the surviving spouse, parent, sibling or child of a homicide victim (includes step relationships for crimes occurring on or after May 6, 2015)
You were legally dependent on support from a deceased crime victim
You are a domestic violence victim who is dependent on support from the offender
You are not the victim, but you have been paying bills related to the crime

ELIGIBILITY TIMELINES

The victim/witness must have reported the crime to the proper authorities within 72 hours of the crime, unless good cause is shown.
For crimes occurring prior to July 1, 2014, an application must be filed within 1 year of the crime, unless good cause is shown (a claim submitted 3 years after the victimization cannot be considered).
For crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2014, the victim/witness must file a claim within 3 years of the crime or the death of the victim. However, if the victim is a minor at the time of the victimization, he or she can file an application until 3 years after his or her eighteenth birthday. If good cause is shown, the board may extend the time for filing a claim.

CATEGORICAL CAPS (FOR COVERED EXPENSES)

Medical/Dental Expenses - up to $15,000
Counseling Expenses - up to $3,000
Economic Support - up to $10,000
Crime Scene Sanitization - up to $1,500
Funeral Expenses - up to $6,000 for crimes occurring on after May 6, 2015 and up to $3,000 for crimes that occurred prior to May 6, 2015

CVCP is not an entitlement program, only those who meet all of the eligibility requirements will be approved. The above shows the maximum amounts that an eligible claimant may qualify for in each benefit category, the maximum program amount is $25,000 per victim.

DISCLAIMER: The information listed above only outlines some of the eligibility requirements for the program. There may be other factors that are not mentioned in this document that factor into our eligibility determination. If you have any questions, please call the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-657-2222 or 800- 547-0060.