Some of the people eligible for help include victims of drunk driving, victims who have been physically or emotionally injured by violent crime, survivors of a homicide victim and family members of victims. The program pays for crime-related expenses such as medical care, counseling, lost wages and funeral expenses (if costs are not covered by insurance or other sources). The program can also pay for clean-up of a homicide scene and replacement of clothing held as evidence.
The application process is simple. Iowa is the only state that accepts applications by telephone. The program has cut the average claim processing time from 24 weeks to 6 weeks over the past 8 years. The Crime Victim Compensation Program cannot erase the painful memories of a crime, but it may help in your recovery and ease the financial burdens you face.
The Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program helps victims with costs related to crime injuries. Program costs are paid entirely by criminal fines and fees, and not by Iowa's taxpayers.
WHO IS ELLIGIBLE?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
It can take 6 to 8 weeks to determine if you are eligible for compensation. Payments will be made when all required information is received. You can request an emergency award for your lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses.
WHAT IS COVERED?
The program can pay your crime related bills not covered by insurance or other sources. You may be helped with costs for:
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: CAN THE VICTIM RECEIVE COMPENSATION IF THE OFFENDER HAS BEEN ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION?
Yes, the victim can apply for compensation if restitution has been ordered. Once an application is approved the program will ask the county attorney to amend the restitution order to include repayment to the program. If the victim has additional expenses not covered by the Compensation Program, such as property damage, the victim would continue to receive restitution until fully reimbursed. Any restitution payments received by the victim for the same expenses submitted to the Compensation Program will be deducted from the total compensation payment.
Q: CAN A VICTIM WHO RECEIVES COMPENSATION SUE THE OFFENDER FOR THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRIME?
Yes, the victim may still sue the offender or other liable third party for the damages caused by the crime. The Compensation Program is entitled to repayment if the civil settlement includes payment for the expenses paid by the Compensation Program.
Q: DOES THE COMPENSATION PROGRAM PAY FOR STOLEN OR DAMAGED PROPERTY?
The victim may submit additional crime related bills to the program until the maximum benefit has been paid. A victim who needs treatment after the claim has been approved should contact the program to find out how to submit the additional bills.
Q: CAN THE COMPENSATION PROGRAM PAY FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING?
No, the Compensation Program can not pay for pain and suffering. A victim wanting payment for pain and suffering should contact a private attorney to initiate a civil action.
Q: SHOULD THE VICTIM WAIT TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION UNTIL THE OFFENDER HAS BEEN ARRESTED OR CONVICTED OF THE CRIME?
No, the victim should apply for compensation as soon as possible after the crime. Compensation is not based upon the arrest or conviction of the offender.
Q: CAN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM RECEIVE COMPENSATION IF HE/SHE STILL LIVES WITH THE OFFENDER?
Yes, domestic violence victims who live with the offender are still eligible to receive compensation, if the other eligibility requirements are met, such as filing a report with law enforcement within 72 hours of the crime.
Q: CAN A VICTIM RECEIVE LOSS OF SUPPORT BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN THAT DO NOT LIVE WITH THEM?
Yes, loss of support can be awarded for dependents who do not live with the victim if the victim is contributing to the care or support of the dependent. The Compensation Program would ask for verification of the support, such as child support receipts, income tax verification of the dependency or child care expenses.
Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION?
It takes approximately six weeks for a victim to receive compensation once an application has been received. Some applications may take longer if the program is waiting for on-going law enforcement information, or insurance determinations. If the victim is in need of compensation sooner than six weeks an emergency award should be requested.
Q:WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY AWARD?
An emergency award is partial payment or an advance of the total compensation payment. Emergency awards are generally processed quicker than the total award. However, the program must still review the law enforcement verification and documentation of the victim's losses. The maximum emergency award is $500.
Q: CAN A VICTIM WHO WAS INTOXICATED AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME RECEIVE COMPENSATION?
Intoxicated victims are not automatically disqualified from receiving compensation. The program will, however, determine if there was a causal connection between the intoxication and the resulting victimization.
Q: WHAT IS CONSENT, PROVOCATION AND INCITEMENT?
Consent, provocation and incitement is conduct on the part of the victim which may have caused their injuries or death. When reviewing information regarding consent, provocation and incitement the program considers whether charges are filed against the victim or the suspect, comparable or reasonable force, age of the victim, the extent of the injuries suffered, and issues of mutual combat.
Q: CAN A VICTIM WHO DOES NOT WISH TO PRESS CRIMINAL CHARGES STILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION?
Yes, a victim who chooses not to press criminal charges is still eligible to receive compensation if it is deemed that the crime was timely reported to law enforcement and the victim cooperated with the reasonable requests of law enforcement and the county attorney.
For more information contact :[email protected]
: Crime Victim Compensation Program
Attorney General's Office
Old Historical Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: (515)-281-5044
1-800-373-5044
Fax: (515) 281-8199