Frequently Asked Questions

• The crime has been reported to a law enforcement officer, who must conclude that a crime was committed

• The victim has suffered physical injury or emotional harm as a direct result of a crime

• The crime was committed in Vermont, or was committed against a Vermont resident in a country that does not have a Compensation Program

• The crime was committed after July 1, 1987

• The victim did not violate a criminal law of this state which caused or contributed to his or her injuries or death

• Family members of a homicide victim are also eligible

Please visit our Eligibility page for information.

A person who has experienced emotional harm, physical harm, or death as the direct result of a crime that happened in Vermont; or a crime was committed against a Vermont resident in a state or country that does not have a Compensation Program.

If a victim violated a criminal law of Vermont that caused the victim's injuries or death at the time of the crime.

Every state has a Victims Compensation Program. If the crime is in another state, the victim must apply to the Compensation Program in that state.

The Office for Victims of Crime has a map of the different state Victims Compensation Programs.

$10,000. The Victims Compensation Program decides what losses are covered. Some caps may apply.

It depends on how long it takes us to verify the losses.

Payment will go to the victim or directly to their service provider.

If an application is not signed and dated in the appropriate places.
Or, if there is not proper verification.

Yes. Insurance must be billed first. Here is a list of some insurances that must be considered:

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Auto insurance

• Homeowner's or renter's insurance

• Civil lawsuit

• Worker's compensation

• Disability insurance

The application is assigned to a Claims Specialist who will follow up with the victim.

If there are outstanding crime related bills, please send them with the application.

When an offender is required by the court to pay you or the Victims Compensation Program back for the uninsured losses the victim incurred from the crime. The suspect must be sentenced for the crime in order for restitution to be ordered.