Crime Victims’ Compensation

 

The CVC Program may provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime for related expenses that cannot be reimbursed by insurance or other sources.

Crime doesn’t pay, but in Texas, criminals do. Texas courts collect court costs from convicted offenders for the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund. If you are a victim of violent crime, you may be eligible for benefits.

The compensation to victims of crime fund and the compensation to victims of crime auxiliary fund are the payer of last resort.

What is Crime Victims’ Compensation?

The CVC Program is administered by the Office of the Attorney General and is committed to assisting victims and claimants who qualify. The information is meant to be generally informative, and the statutory requirements of the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Act (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56) and the rules set forth in Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part III, Chapter 61, govern the Program.

Where does the money come from?

  • Money in the Victims of Crime Compensation Fund comes from fees paid by those convicted of a crime.

Who may be eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation Program benefits?

  • Victims of violent crime who suffer physical or emotional harm as a direct result of the crime.
  • A victim’s dependents and/or family or household members who qualify as claimants.
  • Someone who legally or voluntarily assumes financial responsibility for a victim’s medical or burial expenses.

Who is not eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation Program benefits?

  • The offender, and accomplice or any person who may unjustly benefit from an award to a victim or claimant.
  • Anyone injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, except under certain circumstances provided by law.
  • Benefits may be denied or reduced if the victim’s or claimant’s own behavior contributed to the crime.
  • Anyone incarcerated when the crime occurred.
  • Any victim or claimant who intentionally provides false or forged information to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program.

Download our Brochure

  1. English

For more information visit:
Office of the Attorney General

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