How Compensation Works

 

Timeline for Compensation

  • VVF is a reimbursement-based program.
  • The timeline to determine eligibility and verify expenses is lengthy and requires specific documentation.
  • Claimants are responsible for providing specific documentation and processing will be delayed if the appropriate documentation is not sent to VVF.
  • The Fund is experiencing a tremendous case load and generally processes claims in the order in which they are received.

File an Application

VVF offers several ways to apply for compensation:

Application Review

To view an overview of the Claims Processing Timeline, please click the link below.

  • Applications must be 100% completed. Applications with unanswered fields will not be processed.
  • Completed applications are reviewed in the order in which received.
  • Completed applications are reviewed for eligibility after law enforcement documentation is received. As a courtesy to victims, VVF will request law enforcement records if not otherwise provided.
  • If a claim is deemed eligible based on law enforcement records, reimbursement and awards may be considered if the claimant has provided substantiating documentation for each requested expense.
  • Documents are reviewed in the order they are received.
  • Processing time can vary from claim to claim.
  • Claimants have 180 days to submit all necessary documentation for consideration.

Victim/Witness Assistance Programs can assist victims with the application process and submission of supporting documentation. They are an allied partner working alongside VVF to assist in the claims process. If you have submitted documentation for your claim, please contact the Fund directly to ensure documentation has been received. Please note that Victim/Witness Assistance Programs cannot guarantee eligibility or payment of expenses. These claim and expense eligibility decisions cannot be made until completed claims are received and investigated by VVF.

If the victim has previously made payment to the provider for crime-related expenses, VVF will consider reimbursement to the victim. However, the Fund may be able to pay a provider directly for crime-related services rendered. Please discuss payment options with your provider directly. The provider may call VVF directly and speak with our Medical Provider Liaison for additional information. Per the Code of Virginia, providers should not place an account in collections that is under consideration at the Virginia Victims Fund. Should you receive a collections notice(s) for crime-related expenses, please send copies of the notice(s) to our office for review.

Code of Virginia § 19.2-368.11:1(G) states that the Virginia Victims Fund is the payer of last resort. This statute requires claimants to exhaust all available collateral resources before VVF can make payment. The resources relevant in each claim depend on both the crime type and the resources available to the victim. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Health insurance benefits
  • Homeowners and renters insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Medicare/Medicaid
  • Social security benefits
  • Healthcare provider financial assistance/charity care
  • Life insurance
  • Funeral/burial insurance
  • Deceased victim's estate in excess of $25,000
  • Disability insurance
  • Workers compensation
  • Sick leave and/or short term disability
  • Court-ordered restitution
  • Civil suits*

*Attorney information is only needed if civil suit is requesting expenses which were also requested through VVF. The Fund cannot consider payment for pain and suffering and non-eligible property damage. See Non-Eligible Expenses for additional information.

 

People impacted by crime in Virginia can apply for assistance with reasonable and necessary expenses that arise from the crime. These can include:
  • Medical Expenses
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Prescriptions
  • Home Security
  • Crime-Scene Clean-Up
  • Moving
  • Temporary Housing
  • Mileage
    • to medical appointments
    • to court-related appointments for child victims
  • Loss of Support
    • From an offender removed from the home in domestic violence or child sexual-assault cases
    • Dependents of homicide victims
  • Counseling
    • For direct victims
    • For children who witness violence against caretaker
    • For the immediate family of a homicide victim

 

VVF cannot reimburse applicants for the following expenses:
  • Replacement of stolen vehicles, cellphones, money, or other personal property
  • Legal/ attorney fees
  • Compensation for pain and suffering
  • Fees related to missed doctors' appointments
  • Towing/vehicle recovery
  • Injuries resulting from the operation of a vehicle; unless the incident was a DUI, Felony Hit & Run or the injuries were intentionally inflicted through the use of a vehicle
  • VVF cannot pay any expenses incurred while a person is in the custody of Department of Justice (DOJ)
In general, property damage cannot be considered by VVF, but there are some important exceptions:
  • If a medically necessary device is damaged in the crime, like glasses, dentures, hearing aids, or prosthetic limbs, these items can be replaced. This loss should appear in the police report or in a statement from the officer.
  • Windows and locks may be replaced in a breaking and entering case.
  • When clothing or bedding are taken as evidence, VVF may pay for the purchase of a replacement.