All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands received funding applications from OVC this month, and the federal victim compensation grant awards to the states will be made early next year. These funds allow states to provide support to victims who are most severely impacted financially as a result of crime, said OVC Director Kathryn Turman. The program is designed primarily for those who have little or no insurance. Compensation programs are similar to private insurance funds and reimburse victims of crime directly for expenses stemming from their victimization, such as medical treatment, counseling, funeral costs and lost wages.
Victims apply to the state agency designated by the governor to administer the program.
Each state has its own eligibility requirements. Generally, claims must be filed within a certain time of when the crime occurred. Applicants must have reported the crime to police to encourage victims to participate in the criminal justice system. To be eligible to participate in the federal grant program, states must have a victim compensation program. This is an incentive program, which we hope encourages states to increase their payments to crime victims, added Turman.