FAQs
Virginia Victims Fund
PO Box 26927
Richmond VA 23261
Email: info@virginiavictimsfund.org
Fax: 804-823-6905
Please allow 2 business days to confirm receipt of documents.
Please keep your fax confirmation page for your records.
Please Note: We do not provide claim status via email.
The claims process can vary depending on the complexity of the claim. All required documentation must be collected for the claim file before a claim can be paid. Please click here for more information on how the claims process works.
VVF can only pay for services after they are rendered. VVF never pre-authorizes payment of any expenses. However, providers may direct bill immediately after services are rendered.
As long as the claim was initially filed within 1 year of the incident, or good cause is shown, expenses that are still related to the crime can be to submitted to VVF indefinitely or until the claim/expense reaches the maximum allowable award as determined by Code of Virginia.
There is no income qualification to receive services.
No. Awards/reimbursements received from VVF are not considered taxable income and do not need to be reported as such on your tax return.
VVF can only reimburse for the replacement of certain kinds of property. These include clothing or bedding that was seized as evidence by law enforcement, medically necessary devices lost or damaged (such as glasses, dentures, etc.), or certain items in the home to ensure security. Doors, windows, and locks may be replaced if they are damaged. Security bars or a home security system can be installed.
Virginia law requires a victim to repay the VVF award if they recover any money in a civil suit against the offender.
If restitution was ordered for something that VVF did not pay for, that restitution would go to the victim. VVF will only bill an offender for expenses that have been paid by VVF.
In order for VVF to cover counseling, it must be provided by a medical doctor, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor. Group therapy and support groups may be covered if they are under the supervision of a licensed professional.
If the offender is unknown or deceased, the victim or their claimant can still receive benefits from Virginia Victims Fund. However, if the offender is known, and not a juvenile, the VVF has a legal obligation to collect the award from the offender.
An arrest or conviction is not necessary for a victim to receive an award from VVF. However, it is necessary that the victim fully cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the cases.
If a claimant is not satisfied with the decision VVF makes on a claim, an appeals process is available. Please click here for more information on the appeals process.
If someone is injured by a crime while they are on the job, they should file with the Workers’ Compensation Commission and the Virginia Victims Fund. Workers’ Compensation will consider the claim first. Once Worker’s Compensation has made a decision about the claim, the victim should provide that decision letter to VVF. VVF will cover any expenses that Workers’ Compensation does not cover.
19.2-368.5 (B) allows VVF to accept an application for a cold case that is reopened because of newly discovered evidence. The initial reporting of the incident would still need to fall within the normal eligibility requirements (within 5 days of the incident or within 10 years of the 18th birthday if someone is reporting sexual abuse that occurred while they were a child).
VVF does not share private information with any other entity, unless the victim signs a release of information allowing VVF to do so. Please click here for more information on confidentiality.
Being a victim of crime can be an overwhelming and difficult experience. The Virginia Victims Fund is in place to help you. In addition to our services, you have certain rights under Virginia law. VVF has an Ombudsman who is available to assist with questions and resource referrals. Click here for more information about the Ombudsman.