Victim/Witness Financial Assistance

The Victim/Witness Staff is able to provide the following financial assistance.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
Travel and Meal Reimbursement
Restitution
Referrals to Social Services
Property Return

CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION FUND

CICF
P.O. Box 26927
Richmond, VA 23261
Ph: 1-800-552-4007
or
Ph: 804-367-1018
Fax: 804-367-1021

Who May File:

A victim who suffers personal physical injury or death as a result of a crime, trying to prevent a crime or apprehending a criminal. If a minor, the claim must be filed by the victim’s parent or legal guardian.
A parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling or child of a homicide victim who dies as a result of the crime.
Any person legally dependent for principal support from a victim who dies as a result of the crime.

When Must a Claim be Filed:

Within 1 year from the date of the crime in an injury case.
Within 1 year from the date of the victim’s death if death is caused by the crime.
Within 1 year after a minor reaches majority age.
Within 2 years from the date of the crime where good cause for the delay is shown.

How To File a Claim:

The Henrico County Victim Witness Program can assist in the filing of the claim. Applications may be obtained from the Henrico County Victim Witness Program or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
11513 Allecingie Parkway
Richmond, Virginia 23235
Phone: 804-378-3434 (V-TDD) – Richmond
or
Phone: 1-800-552-4007 (V-TDD) – Statewide

What Qualifications Must Be Met:

The crime occurred in Virginia and resulted in physical or psychological injury or death.
The crime was reported to law enforcement within 120 hours after occurrence unless good cause for the delay is shown.
The victim cooperated with law enforcement and was willing to prosecute in court.
The value of the claim, not paid by other sources, amounts to at least $100.00
The crime did not involve a motor vehicle accident unless it was a result of a violation of the Drunk Driving Statute or the injuries were intentionally inflicted.

What benefits are available:

A maximum award of up to $15,000.00 is available to pay for the following expenses if they are not paid by other sources.
The victim’s unreimbursed medical expenses
The victim’s unreimbursed wage loss based on 2/3 of the wages up to a maximum of $200.00 per week.
Mental health counseling up to $60.00 per hour for individual psychotherapy and $25.00 per hour for group psychotherapy.
Counseling expenses up to $1,000.00 for eligible family members of homicide victims. (Same limits apply as described above.)
Funeral/burial expenses up to $3,500.00.
Other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred as a result of the crime, such as prescriptions, mileage to doctors, eyeglasses.

Emergency awards:

An emergency award up to $2,000.00 for wage loss can be awarded to a victim if the claim appears to meet the qualifications and the victim will suffer undue financial hardship.

What benefits are not available:

Property loss
Attorney fees
Pain and suffering

How a claim is processed:
Upon receipt of a complete application, information is requested from law enforcement, employers, medical providers, public agencies and insurance companies to determine if the victim is eligible for benefits. The applicant will be notified in writing of a decision upon receipt of all necessary information.

Documentation is required to verify that the victim was an innocent victim of a crime, the victim received injuries as a result of the crime, the medical treatment provided was directly and solely related to the crime injuries and the victim sustained an out-of-pocket loss of at least $100.00 not covered by other sources. It is ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to perfect a claim by providing all documentation required.

Collateral resources include but are not limited to benefits provided by insurance, Social Services, Social Security and employer (sick leave, vacation leave and disability). The claimant’s income is not considered in determining eligibility.

If the qualifications are met and the victim has medical expenses or wage loss, an award up to a maximum of $15,000.00 may be made. Medical providers may be paid directly.

If the victim contributed to the injuries, the award will be reduced by the percentage of the contribution. Claims will be denied if all qualifications are not met or the victim was engaged in illegal activity at the time of the crime.

Appeal Process:
If the applicant disagrees with the decision, an appeal process is available. Instructions for filing an appeal are provided to each applicant. The Crime Victims’ Ombudsman can help you through the appeal process:

Crime Victims’ Ombudsman:

11513 Allecingie Parkway
Richmond, Virginia 23235
804/378-4370
or
800/552-4007