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STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
VICTIM COMPENSATION DIVISION
Victims of Violent Crime Compensation
Violent
crime impacts every aspect of a person’s life. The resulting physical
and psychological injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, go to
school, and meet their own individual goals and aspirations. Often
victims may require treatment to address the injuries caused by the
violent acts of another. The monetary expenses incurred – after
losing a loved one, for medical and dental care, for psychological
assistance, and by injuries resulting in an inability to work – should
not serve to further victimize those who are affected by violent
crime.
Through the Victim Compensation Division, the Attorney
General’s Office is able to provide financial assistance to eligible
victims of violent crime for uninsured medical and dental care, mental
health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and loss of income or
financial support as a result of crime-related injury. Our division
uses funds obtained from perpetrators, and can assist with expenses up
to a maximum of $25,000 per crime. Experienced staff within this
division will assist victims in understanding their rights as a crime
victim, determining what expenses may be eligible for compensation, and
assessing what other resources are available to assist them.
If
you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, please contact
the Victim Compensation staff at the Office of Attorney General Martha
Coakley for further assistance, at (617) 727-2200. For further
information about victim rights and victim services, visit the Reporting a Violent Crime section of our website.
Who is eligible?
- Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts
- Dependents and family members of homicide victims
- Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim
What are the requirements?
- The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.
- You
must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and
prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to
cooperate. - You must apply for compensation within three years
of the crime. Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may
apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.
What expenses are covered?
To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover your expenses, you may be reimbursed for:
- Medical and dental expenses (including equipment, supplies and medications)
- Counseling
expenses (for victims, for family members of homicide victims, and for
children who witness violence against a family member) - Funeral/burial costs up to $4,000
- Lost wages (for victims only)
- Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)
- Homemaker expenses
- Expenses not covered: property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and all other losses
To Apply
Complete
the "Application For Crime Victim Compensation" and return it to the
Victim Compensation and Assistance Division for verification.
Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley
Victim Compensation & Assistance Division
One Ashburton Place, 19th floor
Boston, MA 02108-1698
(617) 727-2200
(617) 742-6262 fax
In general, you will receive a decision 4 to 6 months later. Your claim can be reopened for future expenses.
- Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (PDF)
- Compensación Para Víctimas: Asistencia Financiera Para Víctimas del Crimen en el Estado de Massachusetts (PDF) (Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Spanish)
National Association of
Crime Victim Compensation Boards
Crime
Victim Compensation Programs