VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND – STATE OF TENNESSEE
Victims injured as the result of a criminal act can file for payment or reimbursement of their out-of-pocket medical and/or mental health bills. In some cases, the victim compensation fund will reimburse for unpaid lost wages.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (“Fund”) provides financial assistance to crime victims through two programs (http://www.treasury.state.tn.us/injury).
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program (CIC/Criminal Injuries Program): The purpose of this program is to assist victims of crimes or, in the case of the victim’s death, their dependent relatives. Payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program are intended to defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs, and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE): In 2007, the General Assembly amended the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to provide payment for services related to sexual assault forensic examinations. The Fund provides reimbursement to a facility that performs sexual assault forensic exams on victims of certain sexually-oriented crimes. Facilities must bill the Fund (not the victim) and cannot seek any additional payment from the victim after payment by the victim compensation fund.
Generally, a claimant should be the individual who is legally responsible for payment of expenses not covered by other resources. If the eligible victim or dependent is under 18 years of age (or the eligible victim is proven to be physically/mentally incapable of filing on his own behalf), the person or agency that has legal guardianship would file as the claimant.
After a claim for compensation is filed with the Division of Claims Administration, a copy is forwarded to the appropriate United States Attorney or District Attorney (prosecutor) who provides information concerning the circumstances surrounding the crime. The Division reviews the claim and may ask the claimant to provide additional information. Upon receipt of a completed claim form and documentation, as well as receipt of the prosecutor’s report, the Division determines whether the claim is compensable and, if so, issues payment as allowed by statute.
If a minor child is awarded compensation victim compensation fund the , the Division of Claims Administration may pay the minor’s funds to a juvenile court to be deposited into an interest-bearing account until the child turns 18 years of age.
