Victim Services
Crime Victims' Compensation

The Crime Victims' Compensation program is available to assist victims of violent crime with expenses associated with the crime.  In order to receive financial assistance from the fund, victims must complete an application for benefits.  The fund is able to pay for a variety of expenses including:

Medical Bills

	Counseling
	Loss of earnings or support.
	Loss of wages due to participation in, or attendance at, the investigation, prosecutorial and judicial process and travel.
	Child or dependent care.
	Funeral and burial expenses.
	Crime scene clean-up.
	Replacement cost for clothing, bedding or property seized as evidence or rendered unusable as the result of the investigation.
	Reasonable attorney fees for assistance in filing the application and in obtaining benefits, if the claim is approved.
	Reasonable travel expenses incurred in participation in or attendance at the investigation, prosecution, judicial and post adjudication process.

The amount of compensation available for crimes that occur after September 1, 1997, is $50,000.  Crimes that occurred before that date have a $25,000 maximum.

What victims may qualify?

	An innocent victim of crime who suffers physical and/or emotional harm or death.
	An authorized individual acting on the behalf of a victim.
	A person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses relating to the crime on behalf of the victim.
	A dependant of a victim who died as a result of the crime.
	An immediate family or household member of a victim who requires psychiatric care or counseling as a result of the crime.
	An intervenor who goes to the aid of a victim or a peace officer.
	A peace officer, fire fighter or individual whose employment includes the duty of protecting the public.

The Victim Services Program will assist you in applying for and obtaining benefits from Crime Victims' Compensation.  Please call DPS Victim Services for more information and an application.

You can contact Victim Services at:

Victim Services
Texas Department of Public Safety
P O Box 4087
Austin, Texas  78773
Phone: (512) 424-5163
or (512) 305-9073