How Compensation Works
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.
VVF Claims Process
- Claim is assigned to an examiner within 30 days of receipt of a completed application.
- Required law enforcement documentation is reviewed for eligibility.
- Once eligibility has been determined and documents have been received, claims are reviewed for payment and/or reimbursement
- Processing time can vary from claim to claim. Documents are reviewed in the order they are received.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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)
- 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.