The Victims Compensation Program provides limited financial assistance to victims of crime who have experienced a financial loss as the direct result of the crime, as long as the loss is not reimbursable through other sources, such as insurance.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The crime has been reported to a law enforcement officer, who must conclude that a crime was committed.

• Thevictimhassufferedphysicalinjuryoremotionalharmasadirectresultofacrime.

• The crime was committed in Vermont, or was committed against a Vermont resident in a state or country that does not have a Compensation Program.

• The crime was committed after July 1, 1987.

• The victim did not violate a criminal law of this state that caused or contributed to his or her injuries or death.

• Family members of a homicide victim also are eligible.

  Where appropriate, money is available to pay for the following expenses, as long as they have not been paid already by other sources:

• Medical and dental care.

• Counseling for victims and family members.

• Funeral expenses.

• Lost wages due to time missed from work

• Other expenses such as prescriptions, eyeglasses and limited transportation costs.

• If death occurs as a result of the crime, legal dependents may receive temporary living expenses.

• Limited relocation assistance.

• Property losses generally not covered.