Victims come from all walks of life. We provide resources to help put life back together.

Crime Victim Compensation Services may reimburse people who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a crime committed in North Carolina. Victims of rape, assault, child sexual abuse, domestic violence and drunk driving, as well as the families of homicide victims, are eligible to apply for financial help. Since 1987, Crime Victim Compensation Services have helped victims and their families heal from the devastating effects of criminal violence with payments for needs including medical care, counseling, lost wages and funerals. Like other compensation programs, North Carolina is a payer of last resort. The program helps offset financial losses not covered by other sources including, but not limited to:

    ● Health insurance;
    ● Auto or disability insurance;
    ● Public funds such as Medicaid;
    ● Worker’s Compensation; or
    ● Restitution paid by an offender.

All services are free, and the information you share is confidential.

The program does NOT compensate victims for damaged or stolen property, or for pain and suffering.

Please be aware that victims must file for compensation within two years of the date when injury occurred. ALSO, medical expenses related to injuries received from the crime are only eligible for review for the one-year period following the date of the crime.

Benefits for approved claims are paid directly to a service provider.

A maximum of $45,000 may be paid for an award for medical expenses related to treatment of injuries as a result of the crime. A maximum of $10,000 may be paid for funeral expenses when the victim dies as a result of the crime.

While no amount of money can erase the trauma and grief victims suffer, this aid can be crucial in the recovery process.

By paying for care that restores victims' physical and mental health, and by replacing lost income for victims who cannot work and for families who lose a breadwinner, compensation programs are helping victims regain their lives and their financial stability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What financial support is available?

Victim Compensation Services may reimburse people who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a crime committed in North Carolina. Victims of rape, assault, domestic violence, drunk driving and pedestrian hit and run, as well as the families of homicide victims, are eligible to apply for financial help.


Am I eligible?

Victims of violent crime who answer YES to the following questions may be eligible for financial assistance. Victims do not need to be residents of North Carolina.

  • Did the crime occur in North Carolina?
  • Was it reported within 72 hours?
  • Did the victim sustain a direct injury – physical or psychological?
  • Did the victim lose income or face expenses for eligible services in the first year after the crime?
  • Was the victim NOT committing a crime at the time of injury?

What happens after I submit my application?

All services provided by the Office of Victim Compensation Services are free and confidential. Our staff reviews each application and may contact you to provide referrals or to request additional information. Applicants must respond to questions and provide additional documentation as requested.
From the time an application is received, the average processing time is between three to six months. Applicants will receive a letter outlining next steps.
When the claim is approved, payments will be sent directly to medical providers, or, if a victim has already paid bills – for example, prescription copays – our office will repay the victim directly.
If a claim is denied, applicants will have 60 days to appeal the decision with the Administrative Office of the Courts.


What is the maximum repayment?

  • Up to $45,000 for victims of violent crime
  • Up to $10,000 for burial and funeral expenses for homicide victims