Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program

The Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program Fund is a state run program. It provides for the reimbursement of medical and other expenses resulting from violent crimes. The program also covers lost wages as a result of a violent crime. The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours, and you must apply for compensation within one year of the incident. There are exceptions if the victim is a child.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if:

• The crime occurred in PA and there was a minimum of $100.00 out of pocket expense unless you are 60 years of age or older, then the minimum is waived. It is also the payer of last resort. All other sources must have been exhausted.
• The crime was reported to law enforcement or a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) was filed and you must cooperate with law enforcement.

Coverage

Certain expenses may be covered, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Counseling expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of support
• Relocation expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Crime-scene cleanup

Compensation does not pay for:

• Lost or stolen property
• Pain and suffering
• Injuries involving the use of a motor vehicle unless it was intentionally used to inflict injury and/or a victim of DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Replacement of money or articles lost during a crime, with the exception of the cash proceeds of a social security check when the victim’s primary source of income is social security and/or pension