OHIO VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

The Ohio Victim of Crime Compensation Program provides reimbursement for certain out-of-
pocket expenses that result when innocent victims are physically, emotionally harmed or killed by violent criminal acts.

The program was created in 1976 by the Ohio Legislation, which recognized that because the
effects of violent crime can be so devastating, victims or their dependents should have access to
financial assistance to pay bills for medical treatment or burial.

But victims can use the program only as a "payer of last resort," which means they must first exhaust
all other available sources of financial assistance before becoming eligible for compensation. Other
sources may include but are not limited to medical or dental insurance, Social Security, Medicare,
Medicaid, welfare, workers' compensation, civil recovery and restitution from the offender.

The Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program does not provide emergency assistance for crime victims. Victims in need of immediate assistance should contact the victims assistance program in their area.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

1.  Someone who is personally injured during a violent crime or who is injured while trying to stop
     a crime, assist a law enforcement officer or apprehend a criminal;
2.  A dependent of a deceased victim;
3.  Someone who has paid the expenses of a victim;
4.  A person who is legally authorized to act on behalf of the victim.

TO BE ELIGIBLE

A victim MUST report the crime to a law enforcement officer within 72 hours and MUST cooperate
fully in the investigation and any prosecution of the crime. However,the offender does not need to be caught or convicted for the victim to be eligible for compensation. The victim also MUST file a claim
for compensation within two years of the date of the crime. Minor victims have until their 20th
birthday to file a compensation claim.

PEOPLE EXCLUDED

1.  The offender;
2.  Anyone who committed a felony within 10 years prior to the crime that caused the injury;
3.  Anyone incarcerated while injured.

The program may deny or reduce compensation to:
1.  Anyone injured while committing a crime;
2.  Anyone who helped cause the crime that resulted in the injury.

EXPENSES THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED

1.  Medical expenses, including counseling and rehabilitation; prescriptions and co-pays; and
     Mileage for transportation to appointments;
2.  Wages lost from not being able to work;
3.  Replacement services, for services the victim normally would do, but must now pay someone
     else to do;
4.  Income that the victim can no longer provide to dependents because the victim is deceased;
5.  Funeral expenses for the deceased victim, up to $2,500.
     All expenses will be independently investigated and verified by the Attorney General of Ohio.
     Pain and suffering are not covered; however, if pain and suffering require the applicant to seek
     treatment, the cost of this treatment may be covered. Property damage or loss, including cash,
     is not covered.

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT

The maximum amount of compensation from the program is $50,000 per victim per incident. This
total amount includes the first amount awarded, plus any additional awards for expenses incurred
after the original application is filed.

Decisions on eligibility and compensation are made by the Court of Claims of Ohio. Applications
for compensation are available at victim assistance programs, prosecutor's offices, county
common pleas courts or by calling the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program's toll-free
number: 1-800-824-8263

For more information about the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program
(R.C. Chapter 2743) please call the toll-free victims' hotline: 1-800-824-8263.