What is Victims Compensation?
Victim compensation eases the financial burden faced by victims of violent crimes by covering expenses related to medical bills, funeral expenses, mental health counseling and crime scene sanitization, as well as loss of income or support.
In Georgia, victims can apply to Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. Please click below to visit the program website to view the latest information on eligibility requirements, what the program covers and how to apply. Read on to access a quick list of frequently asked questions, language assistance and links to in-language resources that you can download and share.
I don't speak English very well. How can I get language help?
- Click on Select Language on the top, right of this page to select a language by choosing the flag icons or choose your language from the dropdown on the menu bar.
- Call the Crime Victims Compensation Program directly and ask for language assistance at 800-547-0060. There are trained Program Advocates available to assist you.
- Additionally, if you need any assistance in completing the forms, please call Raksha at 404-876-0670.
I am a victim/ witness of a violent crime in Georgia and I want to file a claim. Where do I begin?
- You can call the Georgia Victims Compensation program at (800) 547-0060 and talk to program advocates. - You can get eligibility and benefit information from the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program website, which is the official resource.
How does Victims Comp help?
The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program eases the financial burden faced by victims of violent crimes by covering costs related to medical, funeral, counseling and crime scene sanitization expenses that are incurred as a result of the crime. The program may also reimburse for loss of income or loss of support.
Can I file a claim for a crime that occurred more than 3 years ago?
Can I file a claim for a crime that occurred more than 3 years ago?
- 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.
- If good cause is shown, the Board may extend the time for filing a claim.
What types of expenses can you get compensated/reimbursement for?
What types of expenses can you get compensated/reimbursement for?
When all resources are exhausted, Victims Comp can help provide upto $25,000 per victim, per victimization for the following types of expenses:
- Medical Expenses: up to $15,000
- Funeral Expenses: up to $6,000*
- Counseling Expenses: up to $3,000
- Lost Wages Expenses: up to $10,000
- Loss of Support Expenses: up to $10,000
- Crime Scene Sanitization: up to $1,500
*For crimes prior to May 6, 2015, the categorical cap is $3,000
I am not a citizen or legal or permanent resident of the United States. Can I still get to file a claim?
I am not a citizen or legal or permanent resident of the United States. Can I still get to file a claim?
Yes, if you fit the eligibility requirements. Citizenship is not a program requirement to apply or to receive compensation.
I live in Georgia but the crime occurred in another state. Can I still apply?
I live in Georgia but the crime occurred in another state. Can I still apply?
You should apply or file a claim with the compensation board/ program OF THE STATE WHERE THE CRIME OCCURRED. Compensation is administered at the state level. To find another state program, visit the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards website.
Who can apply for Victims Comp?
Who can apply for Victims Comp?
For a complete list of requirements, please refer to Georgia Crime Victims Compensation website. You can apply if you are a victim or witness of a violent crime, have been physically injured, were receiving financial support from the offender or even if you are not the victim/witness but are providing financial support to the victim and paying bills related to the crime.
Where do I apply/ who do I file a claim with?
Where do I apply/ who do I file a claim with? You apply in the state where the crime occurred.
I don't speak English very well. How can I get language help? - Click on Select Language on the top, right of this page to select a language by choosing the flag icons or choose your language from the dropdown on the menu bar.
- Call the Crime Victims Compensation Program directly and ask for language assistance at 800-547-0060. There are trained Program Advocates available to assist you.
- Additionally, if you need any assistance in completing the forms, please call Raksha at 404-876-0670.
I am a victim/ witness of a violent crime in Georgia and I want to file a claim. Where do I begin? - You can call the Georgia Victims Compensation program at (800) 547-0060 and talk to program advocates. - You can get eligibility and benefit information from the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program website, which is the official resource.
How does Victims Comp help? The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program eases the financial burden faced by victims of violent crimes by covering costs related to medical, funeral, counseling and crime scene sanitization expenses that are incurred as a result of the crime. The program may also reimburse for loss of income or loss of support.
What types of expenses can you get compensated/reimbursement for? When all resources are exhausted, Victims Comp can help provide upto $25,000 per victim, per victimization for the following types of expenses:
- Medical Expenses: up to $15,000
- Funeral Expenses: up to $6,000*
- Counseling Expenses: up to $3,000
- Lost Wages Expenses: up to $10,000
- Loss of Support Expenses: up to $10,000
- Crime Scene Sanitization: up to $1,500
*For crimes prior to May 6, 2015, the categorical cap is $3,000
Can I file a claim for a crime that occurred more than 3 years ago? - 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.
- If good cause is shown, the Board may extend the time for filing a claim.
I am not a citizen or legal or permanent resident of the United States. Can I still get to file a claim? Yes, if you fit the eligibility requirements. Citizenship is not a program requirement to apply or to receive compensation.
I live in Georgia but the crime occurred in another state. Can I still apply? You should apply or file a claim with the compensation board/ program OF THE STATE WHERE THE CRIME OCCURRED. Compensation is administered at the state level. To find another state program, visit the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards website.
Who can apply for Victims Comp?
For a complete list of requirements, please refer to Georgia Crime Victims Compensation website. You can apply if you are a victim or witness of a violent crime, have been physically injured, were receiving financial support from the offender or even if you are not the victim/witness but are providing financial support to the victim and paying bills related to the crime.
Where do I apply/ who do I file a claim with?
You apply in the state where the crime occurred.