Compensation help

What is Crime Victims Compensation?

Each state runs a program that can help cover certain costs after a crime — medical care, counseling, lost wages, or funeral expenses. It is separate from a criminal case and is not a settlement. We support applications in Illinois and Indiana.

What it can pay for

• Medical and dental treatment related to the incident
• Counseling and mental-health care
• Lost wages, for the survivor or someone caring for them
• Funeral and burial costs
• Relocation, in some situations

Each state sets its own limits. Costs that another payer — like insurance — already covers usually are not paid again by the program.

Who can apply

Most people directly harmed by a crime can apply. Family members of someone who died can apply for some costs. Each state has rules about when the crime must have been reported and when the application must be filed. Those time limits can be extended for good reason in many cases — an advocate can walk you through what applies to your situation.

How to start

If you already have an account, open your dashboard and follow the prompt to begin an application. If you don't have an account yet, create one — it's free and your progress is saved as you go. You can also sign in if you started before.

Get help applying

Victim-service organizations on the platform can guide you through the application, gather records with you, and stay in touch after you submit. From your dashboard you can find organizations near you and request a connection. They'll see your application only after you accept their offer to help.

How long it takes

Most states review applications in a few weeks to a few months, depending on documentation and program workload. Working with an organization usually speeds things up because they help organize the records the state asks for.