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:

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 types of expenses are eligible?

Eligible	Not Eligible
Medical Counseling Dental or Orthodontic Lost Wages Domestic violence loss of household support Burial and funeral expenses Crime scene cleanup	Property damage or loss Replacement of property taken as evidence Court fees and expenses Pain and suffering Utilities Mortgage or rent Travel

What if I am a victim of a sexual offense and I receive a bill for my forensic exam?

If you receive a bill for the cost of a forensic medical exam, please contact our office. By law, medical providers cannot bill you or your insurance for the forensic exam.

They must send the bill to the Rape Victim Assistance Program.

What paperwork do I need to submit with my application?

Medical and counseling services
Submit itemized bills from certified providers of medical or counseling services.
Lost wages
You may submit the application with proof that you were gainfully employed at the time of the crime. You will also need a physician's note, stating the first and last dates the injured person was unable to work. If you report your income as cash, a tax return must be submitted.
Loss of household support due to domestic violence
Unemployed victims who are married to the offender and who have dependent children may submit a law enforcement report and third-party confirmation of eligible children.
Funeral expenses
Submit a copy of the death certificate, itemized funeral bill and the law enforcement report. If the case is approved, our office will contact the funeral home to verify the balance. If the expenses have not been paid, the payment will be made directly to the funeral home.
Crime scene cleanup
Submit the itemized bill from a certified biohazard cleanup company. Services may include repair or replacement of doors, locks and windows, as well as cleanup of blood stains.
Dental services
You may submit a proposed treatment plan on your dentist’s letterhead. The plan must list the services to be provided and the date services will be completed. Treatment must be completed within one year of the crime, and the provider must submit an itemized bill first to the patient’s insurance. The Office of Victim Compensation will then pay 66 2/3% of the remaining charges, which will be considered paid in full. The provider cannot bill the patient for the remainder.

Do I need to file a claim with my insurance?

Yes. Like other compensation programs, North Carolina is a payer of last resort, meaning victims should first submit expenses to private or public insurance companies. Deductibles and co-pays may be reimbursed.

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.

How can applicants avoid delays?

Complete and sign the application
Include a law enforcement report or warrant that lists the applicant’s name.
Provide itemized bills.
Cooperate with requests from our office and from law enforcement.

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

What other resources are available?

Legal Aid of N.C. Inc.
1-866-219-5262
www.legalaidnc.org

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
919-956-9124
www.nccadv.org

North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
919-871-1015
www.nccasa.org

NC Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification
1-877-NCSAVAN (627-2826)
www.ncsavan.org

Victim Support Services
1-866-719-0108
www.dac.nc.gov

North Carolina Crime Victim Compensation Portal