Appendix F: Crime Victims’ Compensation Requirements

General Parameters:

• CVC is the payer of last resort. That is, any other available resources (i.e., insurance, offender through a lawsuit, etc.) would have to pay before compensation funds may be used. The claimant may be responsible for reimbursing the Fund if expenses are refunded through other sources.
• To qualify for reimbursement, the crime must occur in Texas, and claimant must not receive compensation benefits from another state.
• Crime must be reported to law enforcement within a reasonable period of time.
• Compensation application must be filed within three years from the date of the crime. Certain extensions may be eligible.
• Reimbursement for property damage or theft is not an eligible expense.

Who is eligible?

• Innocent victim of crime who suffers physical and/or emotional harm or death
• Authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim
• Person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses related to the crime on behalf of the victim
• Dependent of a victim
• Immediate family member or household members related by blood or marriage who require psychiatric care or counseling as a result of the crime
• Person who goes to the aid of the victim or a peace officer
• Peace officer, fire fighter, or individual whose employment includes the duty of protecting the public
• Which Crimes Meet the Criteria?
• Crimes involving “conduct that occurs or is attempted, poses a substantial threat of personal injury or death and is, or would be, punishable by fine, imprisonment or death.” This includes sex offenses, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, assault, arson, homicide and other violent crimes in which the victim suffers physical or emotional harm or death (TCCP Chapter 56.32(4)).
• The following motor vehicle crimes are also covered: Failure to Stop and Render Aid, DWI, Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault.

Eligible Expenses:

Claims may be approved for benefits up to a total of $50,000. Benefits are paid to the victim/claimant or service providers for the following expenses related to the crime:

• Medical, hospital, physical therapy or nursing care
• Psychiatric care or counseling
• Loss of earnings or support
• Loss of wages due to participation in, or attendance at, the investigation, prosecutorial and judicial processes, and travel
• Care of a child or a dependent
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Crime scene clean-up
• Replacement costs for clothing, bedding, or property seized as evidence or rendered unusable as a result of the investigation
• Reasonable attorney fees for assistance in filing the Crime Victims’ Compensation application and in obtaining benefits, if the claim is approved
• Loss of wages and travel to seek medical treatment
• One time relocation expenses for domestic violence victims

In the case of catastrophic injuries resulting in a total and permanent disability, the victim may be eligible for $50,000 in benefits for:

• Making a home or car accessible
• Job training and vocational rehabilitation
• Training in the use of special appliances
• Home health care
• Reimbursement of lost wages