| ILLINOIS CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The Illinois General Assembly adopted the Crime Victims' Compensation Act to reduce the financial burden imposed on innocent victims of violent crime and their families.
The Act provides for up to $27,000 in compensation to crime victims and their families for justified expenses incurred as a result of crime. Compensation for psychological counseling only is available to individuals who personally witnessed a violent crime.
Eligibility for financial assistance is determined by statutory requirements. These include the applicant's relationship to the victim, notification of law enforcement within 72 hours of the crime, cooperation with prosecution and claim investigation, full exhaustion of additional available resources and remedies, and lack of contributory misconduct on the victim's behalf.
The Attorney General's Crime Victims Compensation Bureau processes and investigates all claims filed under the Act to ensure all eligibility requirements have been met. Once the investigation has been completed, the Office of the Attorney General submits a detailed investigatory report and recommendation to the Court of Claims.
The Court of Claims issues orders awarding or denying compensation based on these reports. An applicant may request an appeal hearing with the Court of Claims if he or she is dissatisfied with the Court's decision or wants to reopen a claim.
Go to Violent Crime Victims' Assistance Listings
Go to Crime Victims Services Main Page
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