Help Center · Illinois Crime Victims Compensation
Understanding Illinois Crime Victims Compensation (CVC)
This page explains, in plain language, who can apply, what costs may be covered, and what the Attorney General's office is looking for when they review a Crime Victims Compensation application.
1. Who can apply?
The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program is designed to help people who were physically injured by a violent crime, or family members of someone who was killed by a violent crime.
- The injured victim themselves (if over 18) can apply for their own expenses.
- A parent or legal guardian can apply on behalf of a minor or an adult who cannot apply on their own.
- A family member or other person who paid, or became responsible to pay, funeral or medical bills can also apply for those expenses.
You do not need a lawyer to apply, and you do not have to work with an advocate to use this program. NxtStps is designed to help you complete the application and get organized.
2. What kinds of costs can CVC help with?
CVC does not pay for everything, but it can help with many crime- related expenses that are not fully covered by insurance or other programs.
Common examples
- Hospital and medical bills
- Counseling and mental health services
- Dental treatment caused by the crime
- Funeral and burial or cremation costs
- Loss of earnings from missing work
- Crime scene cleanup
- Certain security repairs (locks, doors, windows)
What it does not usually cover
- Pain and suffering
- Property losses like phones, cars, or jewelry
- Expenses already fully paid by insurance
- Situations where the victim was committing a crime
The program is considered a "payer of last resort." That means they will look first at insurance, public aid, and other sources, and may pay some or all of what is still owed.
3. What documents will I eventually need?
You can start your application without all of your documents, but the Attorney General's office will eventually need proof to review and approve your claim.
- Police report number and basic details about the crime.
- Medical and counseling bills or statements, including dates of service and amounts.
- Funeral and cemetery bills, and records showing who paid or is responsible for payment.
- Proof of income if you are asking for loss of earnings (pay stubs, employer letters, etc.).
- Insurance or public aid information, if any (for example: Medical Card, Medicare, private insurance).
- For loss of support, information about dependents who relied on the victim's income.
NxtStps will help you keep track of what you've already added and what might still be missing, based on your answers.
4. How does NxtStps help with the application?
- Asks you one question at a time in plain language, following the same sections as the official application.
- Stores your answers so you don't have to start over if you need a break.
- Prepares a summary that you can download as a PDF and review with an advocate, attorney, or on your own.
- Lets you upload and organize key documents (police reports, bills, etc.) for later secure storage.
- In future versions, will fill out the official state forms and check for missing information or inconsistencies.
5. Emotional and practical support
Applying for help can feel overwhelming, especially after a violent event. It's completely normal to feel numb, angry, scared, or exhausted while trying to handle paperwork.
- You can pause the intake at any time and come back later.
- It's okay if you don't remember every detail exactly; write what you can.
- You can ask a trusted friend, family member, or advocate to sit with you while you fill this out.
- If you feel overwhelmed, it may help to focus on one small piece at a time (for example, just medical bills today).
If you are in immediate danger or crisis, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline. NxtStps cannot respond to emergencies.