Victim Compensation Program

Support When the
Unexpected Happens.

Financial Support After a Crime.

If you have been injured as a result of a violent crime in Tennessee, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program.

The program can help eligible victims and families with certain crime-related expenses that are not covered by other sources. Depending on eligibility and circumstances, compensation may be available for expenses such as medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral and burial costs, crime scene cleanup, loss of financial support, and certain other costs related to the crime.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals may be eligible for financial assistance if they are:

The Victim

The victim of the crime (the individual who received personal injury)

Family Members

A dependent family member of a deceased victim and anyone residing in the deceased victim’s household
The family member of a homicide victim and anyone residing in the homicide victim’s household who received mental health counsel
The family member and anyone residing in the victim’s household responsible for funeral/burial costs
A sibling or parent of a victim of child sexual abuse who has received counseling
A victim’s child who witnessed domestic violence against the parent and received counseling

Administrator

The administrator of a deceased victim’s estate

Preventing Crime

Someone who was injured trying to prevent a crime or apprehend a criminal

A victim needs to meet the following conditions to be eligible for compensation:

The crime must be reported to authorities within 15 days unless victim is a minor or there is good cause.
The crime must have happened in Tennessee.
The victim’s actions cannot contribute to the crime.
The victim/claimant must fully cooperate with law enforcement and efforts to prosecute.
A claim must be filed within two years of the crime unless there is good cause.

Apply for compensation

In most cases, a claimant, the individual applying for compensation, is the individual responsible for payment of expenses associated with the crime. Legal guardians must file claims for those under 18 or those incapable of filing on their own behalf.

Complete and submit your claim online at Treasury.tn.gov/injury. Please be prepared to attach any available relevant documents, such as a police report, death certificate, copies of bills and receipts, and other documentation if available. Our office will contact you to obtain any necessary documents not submitted with the application.

Eligible versus ineligible

Covered

Based on state law, some restrictions apply.

Not Covered

Costs Covered by: Health Insurance, Auto Insurance, Life/Burial Insurance, Sick/Vacation Pay, Workers’ Comp, Court-Ordered Restitution, Donations, Home-Owner’s Insurance, ANY other public or private resource

Need Help

We are here to help, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for additional information and a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses.

treasury.tn.gov/injury

(833) 867-3891

Support When the Unexpected Happens.