Victims’ Compensation

Who Is Eligible To Apply?

• Victims of violent crimes (including OUI) occurring in Maine
• Dependents and family members of homicide victims
• Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim

What Are the Requirements?

• The crime must have occurred on or after January 1, 1993
• Unless the crime is a sexual assault, the victim must have suffered some bodily injury or a psychological injury resulting from a threat of bodily injury from the crime
• The crime must have been reported to the police within five days unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause for delay
• The claimant must cooperate with the reasonable requests of law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime
• The claimant must apply for compensation within three years of injury or crime related loss, unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause for late filing
• If a victim has insurance and other coverage or eligibility for free care or a sliding scale, that must be applied to an expense or loss before Victims' Compensation pays

What Expenses Are Covered?

To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover crime related expenses, the claimant may be reimbursed for:

• Medical (including equipment, supplies and medications) limited to 75% of actual charges in most cases
• Dental charges and replacement of dentures
• Counseling expenses (for victims, family and household members of homicide victims, sexual assault victims, victims of catastrophic injury, and family/household members who witness the crime)
• Funeral/ burial costs up to $4,500, costs of a marker up to $500
• Lost income (for victims and limited coverage when care of dependents is necessary)
• Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)
• Crime scene cleaning costs (bio-matter)
• Repair or replacement of locks or other security devices
• Expenses NOT covered: property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and other losses not medically related.