Michigan
Victim Resources & Support Services

(last updated 7/13/98)

Michigan Victim Alliance
Serves the needs of victims of violence, trauma, and abuse in the state of Michigan.

Crime Victims Compensation Program

The Crime Victim Compensation program provides direct financial assistance to hundreds of injured victims of violent crime each year. The program is a last resort for injured crime victims with unpaid medical bills, loss of earnings or support, burial payments, and counseling needs. More than $2 million is available for victims who reporting the crime promptly, who are not responsible for their own injury, who cooperate with the police investigation, and who are suffering a financial hardship because of the crime. A maximum of $15,000 may be reimbursed to each injured victim or his or her family.

What compensation CAN help with:

  • Hospital, doctor, and ambulance bills
  • Medical tests and prescriptions
  • Counseling
  • Loss of a victim's wages and support
  • Funeral expenses

What compensation CANNOT help with:

  • Stolen or damaged personal property
  • Relocation or living expenses
  • Personal expenses of the victim's family members
  • Crime scene clean-up

    (These damages can be persued in civil court.)

How to Apply

Applications are available at the Commission's office in Lansing, at all County Prosecuting Attorney offices, and at many hospitals, crisis centers, funeral homes and other locations. If you need help getting a claim application, please call 517/373-7373 and ask that one be mailed to you.

Complete the application and follow the instructions about sending your bills and other papers to the Commission to establish your claim. Public Act 223 of 1976 requires that they conduct an investigation of your claim, to verify your eligibility. Depending on the facts of each case, the investigation can take from eight to 18 weeks. You will be notified in writing of the results, and any reimbursement ordered by the Commission will be paid at that time.