The Easiest Way To Apply for Crime Victim Compensation in Illinois
Whether random or planned, violent crimes are becoming more common each day. The physical and psychological trauma they cause are sometimes irreversible, but there is a way to cover the financial loss they bring by applying to a victim fund for violent crimes that every U.S. local government has.
If you are a victim of a violent crime that happened in the Prairie State, DoNotPay will help you file for crime victim compensation in Illinois.
Crime Victim Compensation Act Explained
The General Illinois Assembly passed the Crime Victim Compensation Act as a way to provide financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and their families. The purpose of the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program is to reimburse victims for the crime-related expenses.
The amount of compensation the victim can get depends on the state and its victim compensation program. The State of Illinois can provide up to $27,000 for expenses that the victim had to pay as a result of a crime.
What Expenses Does the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program Cover?
The Illinois Crime Victim Compensation program reimburses eligible victims of violent crimes for the following expenses:
- Dental, medical, and hospital bills
- Mental health counseling
- Transportation and relocation costs
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of accessibility
- Tuition loss
- Loss of support
- Crime scene cleanup
- Replacement costs and service loss
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Dependent replacement service loss
The program does not compensate victims for pain and suffering or stolen and damaged property.
Crime Victim Programs and Services in Illinois
In the table below, you can find a brief overview of the crime victim programs and services that the Illinois crime victim division regulates:
| Program |
What Does It Provide? |
| The Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program | Direct monetary compensation for violent crime victims and their families |
| The Domestic Violence Fund | Financial aid to victims of domestic violence for legal advocacy, assistance, and other legal services |
| The Violent Crime Victim Assistance (VCVA) Program | Subventions to every victim and witness protection program in the state |
| The Automated Victim Notification (AVN) System | A toll-free number for victims to check the offender’s case status or get information about the custody |
| The Statewide Victim Assistance Program | Assistance to victims and witnesses for cases that the Office of the Attorney General prosecutes |
| The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program | Training for registered nurses and other professionals who work with sexual assault victims that should:
|
| The Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | Substitute home, work, and school addresses to victims of stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault and their household members |
Who Is Eligible To File for Crime Victim Compensation in IL?
The following categories are eligible to apply for crime victim compensation in Illinois:
- Survivors of violent crimes
- Family members of deceased victims
- Parents or legal guardians of child victims
- Personal representatives of incapable adult victims
The Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program requirements that you or your loved one have to meet to apply for reimbursement are:
- Being an innocent victim of a crime in Illinois
- Reporting the crime within 72h of the crime or filing an Order of Protection
- Cooperating with the courts, police, and the Crime Victim Compensation Program
- Applying within two years of the date of the crime
Depending on the case, there can be some exceptions to these requirements, usually when the victim is under 18 years old. If that is the case, it is best to check with a crime victim compensation board or the Illinois Attorney General.
Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Application Process
To file a claim with the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program, you can:
- Submit the form online
- Send the form via mail
How To Submit the Form Online
To apply for victim compensation online, you should:
- Go to the Illinois Attorney General website
- Open the Helping Crime Victims tab
- Find the Applying for Crime Victim Compensation section
- Click on the Submit Online option
- Watch the instructional video
- Read the written instructions
- Complete and submit the online form
How To Send the Form via Mail
If you prefer the traditional mailing method, you should follow these steps:
- Go to the Illinois Attorney General website
- Locate the Helping Crime Victims tab
- Scroll down to the Applying for Crime Victim Compensation section
- Download the form
- Fill out the form
- Provide copies of documents and police reports
You can send the filled-out form and attached documents to:
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
Crime Victims Compensation Bureau
100 West Randolph Street, 13th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
File for Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Hastly With DoNotPay
Surviving a vicious crime, experiencing physical injuries, and suffering severe emotional trauma is damaging enough—you should be able to cover the financial aspect of it without hassle.
DoNotPay offers a solution! Our Compensation for Crime Victims product allows victims and their families to apply for crime victim compensation without paperwork and in no time.
If you want to file a claim with the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program, access DoNotPay from a web browser and follow these steps:
- Open the Compensation for Crime Victims service
- State whether you are the victim or a representative
- Answer several questions about the crime and the costs you need to cover
- Confirm your signature
We will finish and submit your application to the Office of the Attorney General in Illinois. With our service, you can apply for any state’s victim compensation program or learn more about the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
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