The Indiana Code defines a violent crime as a felony or Class A misdemeanor that results in bodily injury or death to the victim. Persons eligible for assistance from this fund include:
Persons not eligible for assistance from this fund include:
A claim may be denied if the following requirements are not met:
A maximum award of $10,000 may be paid for any one injury or death, including:
Note: You are still legally responsible for payment of expenses in the event the provider of service will not wait for payment from this office.
This fund does not reimburse victims for: (These can be sought in a civil action.)
WHERE DO I GET AN APPLICATION?
Application forms are available by calling Victim Services at your County Prosecutor's Office, or the Violent Crime Compensation Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute in Indianapolis. For more information call (317) 232-7103.
THEN WHAT DO I DO?
Victim Services at your County Prosecutor's Office can help you fill out the form but you must sign and submit the application yourself.
The application must be sent to Indianapolis by certified mail with return receipt requested. (The signed return receipt is your proof that you filed the application.)
Or, you may file the application in person at the Violent Crime Compensation Division in Indianapolis.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Violent Crime Compensation Division reviews all applications and investigates to verify the information given and determine the extent of the loss.
If the application is not properly completed, or if additional information is required, the Division will send a written explanation tot he applicant of what is needed. If a claim is not complete within 30 days of filing, it may be denied.
You will be notified by mail of the results of Violent Crime Compensation's investigation and their decision.
WILL I GET THE MONEY?
The Division may make an award in full, or in part or deny a claim altogether. In the event that expenses exceed the maximum award of $10,000 the Division will divide the award among the providers. Violent Crime Compensation is a "payer of last resort." This means that all other sources must be exhausted before an award can be made. Therefore, the final award may be reduced by the amount of benefits covered by insurance, unemployment compensation, Social Security, public funds (including Medicare or Medicaid), or any other source.
Note: If you do receive Violent Crime Compensation funds, and later receive an insurance settlement or court-ordered restitution covering the same loss paid by the Division, YOU MUST REPAY THE STATE OF INDIANA.
WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION? You have 30 days from the date of the notice to write to the Division to request a hearing to appeal the decision. The Division will set a hearing date and notify you of the time and location. Appeal hearings are held at the Violent Crime Compensation Division in Indianapolis.
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
It is not necessary to hire an attorney to apply for violent crime compensation or to appeal a decision of the Division. However, if you choose to hire an attorney and receive an award from this fund, reasonable attorney fees may be paid by Violent Crime Compensation.
For a written copy of this document, please contact Gwen Allen at the Violent Crime Compensation Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute:
Violent Crime Compensation
Phone: (317) 232-7103
Violent Crime Compensation
Questions & Answers on Financial Assistance to Victims of Violent Crimes
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE?
WHAT OTHER REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE?
WHAT EXPENSES MAY BE PAID?
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
302 W. Washington St., E203
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: (317) 232-4979