California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

How to Apply for Victim Compensation

The Victim Compensation Program (VCP) can help victims of violent crimes that occur in California as well as California residents who become victims while visiting other states or outside the country. Additionally, people such as family members who need assistance because of death or injury to a crime victim may also be eligible for compensation. For more information, visit the Victim Compensation page.

Each person seeking assistance must complete a separate application

  • Section 1 of the application is for information about the person who has expenses or is seeking assistance.
  • Section 2 is for information on the crime victim.
  • Section 3 is for parents, guardians or others who are legally responsible for the person seeking assistance and who are filling out the application on their behalf.

Complete an Application

BY COMPUTER

BY HAND


    1. TYPE/SELECT INFORMATION FIRST
    2. PRINT
    3. SIGN AND DATE

Application for Crime Victim Compensation PDF

Solicitud Para Recibir Compensación Por un Delito PDF

This version of the application has helpful pull-down lists and choices provided for you. It is filled out completely using your computer, then printed and signed in ink. Do not print this form empty and fill it out by hand.



    1. PRINT FIRST
    2. FILL OUT USING PEN
    3. SIGN AND DATE

Application for Crime Victim Compensation PDF

Solicitud Para Recibir Compensación Por un Delito PDF

This version of the application is printed first and then completed by hand using a pen. It does not contain helpful pull-down lists and choices.

 

Additional forms and/or verification documents may be required, including when requesting an emergency award, relocation assistance or compensation for income loss.

Eligibility of all applications and payment of every bill is subject to legal requirements and review by the Victim Compensation Program.

The completed application must be signed and dated where indicated and mailed to:

Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board
P.O. Box 3036
Sacramento, CA 95812-3036

To protect your privacy, do not transmit applications or other confidential Victim Compensation Program information via e-mail.

Tips that will help expedite the claim:

  • Complete every section of the application possible.
  • Include copies of available crime reports, bills, receipts and supporting documentation with the application.
  • Send bills to the insurance company, workers' compensation carrier, or Medi-Cal right away. The VCP corresponds with such providers as needed to verify benefits and coordinate payment of bills.

If you need assistance with your application, don't have a printer and need an application mailed to you, or have questions regarding victim compensation, please contact your local county Victim Witness Assistance Program or call our Customer Service Section toll free at 1-800-777-9229.

These application forms are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use the PDF files you need Adobe Reader version 6 or later. If you don't already have free Adobe Reader software, you can download Adobe's Acrobat Reader here.