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Benefits...
Types of expenses
that are covered by crime victim compensation programs.
1. Are there limits on the
assistance available?
Costs related directly to the
crime can be reimbursed up to the maximum level in each state. The average
maximum is $25,000, but a number of states have higher or lower maximums. In
addition, there may be sub-limits on some types of benefits, such as mental
health counseling or funeral costs.
2. What costs are not covered?
The following are some of the expenses
that will not be reimbursed by crime victim compensation programs:
1) Property loss, theft and damage are usually not covered (unless damage is to
eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other medically necessary devices.) A few states
may pay limited amounts for the loss of essential personal property during a
violent crime. Many states can pay for cleaning up a crime scene.
2) Expenses paid for by other sources, such as any type of public or private
health insurance, automobile insurance, disability insurance, or workers'
compensation.
3) Except in Hawaii, Tennessee, and the Virgin Islands, awards for pain and
suffering. (Such awards are in very limited amounts in those jurisdictions.)
3. What are collateral sources?
Collateral sources are other private or
public programs, agencies, companies or other sources that will cover the same
costs. This may include private insurance, workers' compensation, welfare,
veteran's benefits, etc. Crime victim compensation programs are "payors of last
resort" which means that the crime victim compensation program will not pay for
expenses covered by those other sources.
4. What costs may be paid?
The following expenses may be covered
if they are not paid for a collateral source and if they resulted directly from
the crime:
1) Medical and hospital care, and dental work to repair injury to teeth.
2) Mental health counseling.
3) Lost earnings due to crime-related injuries.
4) Loss of support for dependents of a deceased victim.
5) Funeral and burial expenses.
Check with the specific state where the crime occurred to determine exactly what
costs are covered by the program. Many can pay other types of expenses, though
these vary from state to state.
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