VCAP

1. VCAP Victims Compensation Assistance Program

2. “The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them by the crime. • You may be eligible to receive financial help from the Victims Compensation Assistance Program for a variety of expenses, such as, medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral, or crime scene cleanup. • The best way to file a claim is with the help of a victim advocate at your local Victim Service Program. (Such as CCCVS) • Or you may file a claim yourself online. “ • http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/available_services/14558/financial_assistance/600143 What is VCAP?

3. A victim • An intervener • A surviving spouse, parent or child of a deceased victim or intervener. • Any other person dependent for his/her principal support upon a deceases victim or intervener. • Any person who assumes the obligation or who pays for the crime-scene cleanup, funeral or burial expenses incurred as a direct result of the crime. Who Can Apply For VCAP

4. The Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund is the PAYOR OF LAST RESORT: • The Victim/ Claimant must utilize all other sources of insurance, public benefits, pensions, or settlements that could pay for expenses related to the injury before compensation can be considered. • Total Compensation will not exceed $35,000 • Maximum of $35,000 for MEDICAL EXPENSES • Maximum of $15,000 for LOSS OF WAGES • Maximum of $20,000 for LOSS OF SUPPORT • Maximum of $5,000 for FUNERAL EXPENSES • A claim must be filed no later than two years after the occurrence of the crime and the injuries must be as a result of the crime OR, no later than two years after the death of the victim or intervener as a result of the crime or the discovery and identification of the body of a murder victim. • Exceptions • When a victim is under the age of 18 at the time the crime occurred and the alleged offender if the victim’s parent, or a person responsible for the victim’s welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the victim, or a paramour of the victim’s parent, the time for filing is extended until the victim reaches the age of 23 or the statute of limitations expires, whichever is later. Stipulations

5. A claim cannot be paid for property loss or damage or for pain and suffering. • The crime was promptly reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours after the occurrence of the crime. Proper authorities refer to law enforcement agencies or the filing of a Protection From Abuse Order. • The victim/claimant cooperates with law enforcement agencies, the courts and the Victims Compensation Program. • The victim did not participate in illegal activity that caused their injuries. Stipulations (continued)

6. If the claim was filed with the assistance of a victim service program, a letter and checklist is prepared and sent to the claimant indicating what is needed in order to process the claim. The victim service program is sent a copy. • If the claim was filed by the claimant, a letter and a checklist is prepared and sent indicating what is needed in order to process the claim. • Claims Specialists in Harrisburg follow up with the claimant by telephone within the 60 days from the date the checklist was sent, to offer any explanations or assistance the victim/claimant may need concerning their applications. • If the requested information is not submitted within four months from the date the checklist was sent, a follow-up letter is sent to the claimant. • If the requested information is still not received, a final follow-up letter is sent 90 days before the claim file will be permanently closed. The Program sends this letter 90 days before three years have toiled from the date of the crime. • If the 90 days pass and the information is not received, a final letter is sent to the claimant closing the claim file with no further right of appeal. Process

7. Pay stubs for past 2 pay periods (Loss of Wages) • Medical Bills (Medical Expenses) • Funeral Bills: Burial, Luncheon/Meal, Flowers, etc. (Funeral Expenses) • Proof of Transportation • Copy of Police Report Types of Necessary Documentation