CALIFORNIA
Victims of Crime Program
State Board of Control
P.O. Box 3036
Sacramento, CA 95812-3036
1-800-777-9229 FAX: (916) 327-2933
www.boc.cahwnet.gov/victims.htm
The California program was created in 1965 as the first compensation program in the country. It is the
nation's largest program by far, paying out close to one-third of all amounts awarded in the U..S. The program
operates with staff in a central office, and through contracts with 20 victim/witness centers throughout the state.
Interim Executive Officer: Curt Soderlund; Deputy Executive Officer,
Victims of Crime Program: David Shaw;
Deputy Executive Officer, Revenue Recovery & Compliance: Jody Patel
FUNDING
The program has several important
revenue sources: a court-imposed "restitution fine"
ranging from $200 - $10,000 for felonies and $100
- $1,000 for misdemeanors; 13% of a 170%
surcharge on criminal fines; and the first $20 of
DUI fines. The program receives a VOCA grant.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Reporting period: no set limit, but must be
reported timely
Filing period: adults, 1 year; children until age 19
Exceptions: additional 2 years with good cause
(additional time may be allowed under
circumstances set forth in statute)
PROCEDURES
Applications are submitted by victims in
two ways: directly to the central office in
Sacramento, or through 20 local victim/witness
centers contracted to verify claims prior to
submitting them to the central office. Claims must
be processed within an average of 90 days
according to statute and regulation, starting when
the claim is accepted as complete. Program staff
review all applications and expenses submitted
and make recommendations for approval or denial
to the State Board of Control. Uncontested
recommendations are handled weekly on a
"consent agenda."
Appeals: If an application or expense is
recommended for denial, applicants may request
a hearing before the board before a final decision
is made. A reconsideration process can be
requested of a board denial if made within 60
days. Applicant may appeal into the court system.
BENEFITS
Maximum award: $46,000
Compensable Costs (with limits)
- Medical expenses: workers compensation fee
schedule is used to set limits
- Mental health counseling: limit of 50 sessions,
unless justification for further treatment is
provided and approved. $10,000 cap for direct
victims, family of homicide victims, and
custodial parents or primary caretakers of
minor victims; $3,000 for other derivative
victims. Session limits for individual therapy
of $90 for physicians and licensed
psychologists, $70 for licensed clinical social
workers and licensed marriage, family, and
child counselors; group/family therapy
reimbursement is limited to a maximum of
40% per session of the provider's individual
hourly session rate, per individual victim, not
to exceed maximum.
- Lost wages/support: generally limited to 3
years after crime; may pay up to 5 days for 1
person to arrange funeral
- Funerals: $5,000
- Moving expenses: allowed as one-time cost
when recommended by a doctor or police
- Rehabilitation
- Attorney fees: lesser of 10% of award or $500
- Emergency: $2,000; $5,000 for funeral/burial
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