Overview of the application process
There are three types of OVS victim compensation claims:
- Death claims
- Essential personal property claims
- Personal injury claims
It is important to know which type of claim you qualify for. The kind of reimbursement you can request depends on the claim type. Go to “What type of claim to apply for?” for more information.
Information needed for the application
Whether you apply online using OVS Compass or complete a paper application, you will be asked for the following information:
- Name and contact information
- Demographics of person applying for claim, victim of the crime (if different) and secondary victims, such as surviving family members
- Information about the crime and related documentation
- The expenses you are seeking compensation for
- Suspect or Perpetrator information if known
- Your financial information and insurance
Important to know
- Not everyone who applies for victim compensation receives it. There are rules that determine who can get compensation and what expenses can be reimbursed.
- OVS is a “payor of last resort.” This means that you may apply for victim compensation to help you with out of pocket costs related to a crime, but you may not be awarded these costs by OVS until other resources, such as insurance, have been exhausted. If you are later paid by the defendant in restitution or in a civil judgement, you will have to pay back OVS.
- If you don’t want anyone to see what you are doing and need to quickly exit the site, click on the EXIT SITE button on the top right-hand side of the screen at any time. This will bring you to a google search screen. NOTE: By simply hitting the back arrow on the navigation bar, it will return you to your application. Please clear browser history if you are concerned about someone finding your search history.
- Crime victims applying for compensation must report the crime to either a criminal justice agency OR a victim assistance program, or medical or mental health provider. Please go to our Criminal Justice Reports & Crime Verification Form page to learn more.
- Only people considered to be “innocent victims of crime” are eligible. After investigation, if OVS finds that you contributed to the crime happening, you may not be eligible for compensation or may only be eligible for a reduced amount.
- If you are eligible, it usually takes about 90 days to receive compensation, but it can take as much as 9 months. Don’t get discouraged. And remember, there are people who can help you.
- OVS may contact you for additional information, such as birth certificates and expense documentation. If you are working with a crime victim advocate at a victim assistance program, they will be able to upload these documents to the OVS online portal, OVS Compass.
- Once a case is open, the claim number is open for life. This means that if you have future expenses related to the crime, you can request compensation.
- If you move or change your phone number or email while waiting for a claim decision, please make sure you tell OVS so they know how to contact you.
- You can use this form or write a note that says what your old address was and what the new one will be.
- Make sure you sign the form or note and include your OVS claim number.
- You can fax, email, or upload it to the claim.