Victim Compensation
The Victim Compensation Program provides financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime and their families. Victims of financial fraud crimes are not eligible for the Victim Compensation Program. Through this program reimbursement may be made for certain expenses to the extent that private insurance, public assistance or other funds do not cover the cost. The crime must have been reported to the police within five days unless there is good cause for delay. Applications must be filed within three years of the date of the crime.
Eligible victims of violent crime may be reimbursed for:
● Medical expenses, including hospital, ambulance, rehabilitation services, equipment, supplies and medications;
● Dental expenses;
● Mental health counseling for victims, for family members of homicide victims, and for children who witness violence against a family member;
● Funeral and burial expenses up to $4,000;
● Lost wages (for victims only);
● Loss of income for dependents of homicide victims; and,
● Homemaker expenses.
Property losses, compensation for pain and suffering and all other losses are not covered by the Victim Compensation Program. To obtain further information about a federal crime victim's eligibility, call the U.S. Attorney's Office Victim-Witness Specialist at 802-951-6725.
A crime victim may also be eligible for compensation under Vermont state law. The Victim Compensation Program in Vermont is administered by the State of Vermont Center for Crime Victims Services. For an application or additional information on the Vermont Victim Compensation Program contact 1-800-750-1213 or www.ccvs.state.vt.us.