CA Victim Services

California Victim Compensation Program

If you or someone close to you were injured or threatened with injury in a violent crime, California’s Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) may help pay certain crime-related expenses.

CalVCP can help pay expenses that result when a violent crime occurs, if there is no other source of reimbursement. Victims of crime who have been injured or have been threatened with injury may be eligible for help.

• The program may assist with costs such as medical and dental treatment, mental health services, funeral and burial expenses, home security, residential crime scene cleanup and emergency relocation.
  
• Both the victim and their family members or other dependents may be eligible.
• If a person is disabled as a result of the crime, CalVCP also assists with wage loss, dependent support loss, job retraining and home or vehicle modifications.
• The program can help pay moving expenses – such as first and last month's rent, deposits and temporary lodging – if a victim needs to relocate for their own safety or emotional well-being.
  
• Minors who suffer emotional injuries as a result of witnessing a violent crime may be eligible for up to $5,000 in mental health counseling. California law provides this eligibility for witnesses under age 18 even if the witness is unrelated to the crime victim. To qualify, the minor witness must have been in close proximity to the crime.
• The program does not cover property losses, in most cases.
  

For more information on eligibility requirements or assistance with applying to the program, contact a local county Victim Witness Assistance Program advocate or CalVCP directly by calling toll free 1-800-777-9229 or linking to http://www.calvcp.ca.gov.