A Guide to Your Rights

• An Overview and Introduction
• Health Insurance
• Patient Safety
• Private Benefits: Motor Vehicle Insurance
• Private Benefits: Disability Insurance
• Private Benefits: Workers Compensation
• Public Benefits:
  Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
• Public Benefits:
  Crime Victims Compensation Fund
• Public Benefits:
  Federal Government
• Disabled Children
• Rehabilitation Hospitals
  & Facilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Civil Litigation: Claims For Damages
• Resources
• Support Groups
• Entitlements And Benefits
• Acknowledgements

 

Public Benefits:
Crime Victims Compensation Fund

An individual injured by a violent crime may be eligible to receive up to $35,000 from the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund. Examples of violent crimes include not only robberies and assaults, but also child abuse and drunk driving accidents. These funds may be used for medical expenses, counseling, or to replace lost wages. The funds cannot be used for property damage, or as compensation for pain and suffering. In order to be eligible, the crime must have occurred in Pennsylvania, must have been reported within 72 hours, and the claimant must have cooperated in the investigation. Claims must be filed within one year of the event.

The Crime Victims Compensation Fund is a “payer of last resort,” and all other sources must be exhausted before payment is made.