What should I know about the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program?

Contents

• What is the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program?
• Who is eligible for Victims Compensation in Georgia?
• What are my rights and responsibilities?

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What is the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program?

The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program is designed to cover the costs of some expenses related to violent crimes. 

 

The program covers the following expenses up to $25,000 per victim:

• Medical Expenses: up to $15,000

• Funeral Expenses: up to $6,000

• Counseling Expenses: up to $3,000

• Lost Wages Expenses: up to $10,000

• Loss of Support Expenses: up to $10,000

• Crime Scene Sanitization: up to $1,500

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Who is eligible for Victims Compensation in Georgia?

You may be eligible for compensation if you:

• Were physically injured during a violent crime,

• Witnessed a violent crime,

• Have serious mental or emotional trauma after being threatened or being present during a violent crime,

• Were hurt while trying to help a victim of a crime,

• Are the parent, guardian or dependent of someone who was killed or injured by a violent crime,

• Are paying the bills of someone who was the victim of a violent crime,

• You are the victim of family violence or the parent of a victim and you relied on the offender for financial support. 

 

Violent crimes include:

• Homicide,

• Robbery,

• Assault/Battery,

• Sexual Offenses,

• Domestic Violence,

• Child Abuse,

• DUI Injuries

 

To be eligible: 

• You must have reported the crime within 72 hours of the crime. There is an exception if you can show good cause.

• You must file a claim within three years of the crime or the death of the victim. 

  • If you were a minor at the time, you must file an application within 3 years of your 18th birthday.

  • If you show a good reason why you could not file in time, you may be granted an extension. 

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What are my rights and responsibilities?

If you are eligible for the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, you have the right:

• To apply for compensation, and 

• To appeal a decision denying your application.

 

You are responsible for providing all the necessary documentation and information to the Board. If you do not file a complete application within the required time, your application will likely be denied.

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Contents

• How do I apply for compensation?
• What can I do if I am denied victims compensation? 

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How do I apply for compensation?

To apply for compensation:

• Download the application,

• Complete the application packet. 

  • Include a copy of the police report.

• Mail the packet to:

  • Georgia Crime Victims Compensation

104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 440

Atlanta, GA 30303

 

Once you submit your packet, the Victims Comp staff will research the claim and make sure your packet is complete. If it is not, you will have 30 days to submit all documents. If you don’t complete your packet after 30 days, your claim will be closed.

 

After all documents are in, you will be notified of the decision by mail. This may take up to 30 business days. 

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What can I do if I am denied victims compensation? 

If your application is denied, you can file an appeal. You must file within 30 days of getting the decision letter.

• Fill out the Appeal Request Document form. Include any additional documents you want the board to review. 

• Return the form by: 

  • fax (404) 463-7652

  • mail, or 

  • email.

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