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VICTIM COMPENSATION AND ASSISTANCE

The Victim Compensation Program in Massachusetts uses funds obtained from criminal offenders to provide financial assistance. The fund will provide up to $25,000 per crime, to help victims pay for uninsured medical, dental and counseling expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost income.

Survivors of partner abuse may be eligible for Victim Compensation when they are the victims of a violent crime.

Who is eligible?

  • Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts

  • Dependents and family members of homicide victims

  • Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim

What are the requirements?

  • The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.

  • You must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to cooperate.

  • You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime. Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.

What expenses are covered?

To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover your expenses, you may be reimbursed for:

  • Medical and dental expenses (including equipment, supplies and medications)

  • Counseling expenses (for victims, for family members of homicide victims and for children who witness violence against a family member)

  • Funeral/burial costs up to $4,000

  • Lost wages (for victims only)

  • Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)

  • Homemaker expenses

Expenses not covered: property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and all other losses

How do I apply?

  • Complete an application (www.ago.state.ma.us/sp.cfm?pageid=1676) and return it to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Victim Compensation and Assistance Division (One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108) for verification. In general, you will receive a decision 4 to 6 months later.

  • Your claim can be reopened for future expenses