The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC covers crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources.

How the CVC Program Works

1. Victims of violent crime, their families, or others who have taken on crime-related costs on behalf of a victim, apply for compensation. 

2. CVC staff review the application and other information to ensure it meets eligibility criteria. 

3. CVC verifies a crime occurred and the crime was reported to law enforcement. 

4. CVC asks applicants to provide information about crime-related costs. 

5. CVC staff review information to see what crime-related costs can be paid according to program rules.

Eligibility Requirements

You may apply for compensation for all eligible crime-related costs, including payment of medical costs from a sexual assault exam. To receive compensation for these costs, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

1. The crime must occur in Texas to a U.S. resident; or the victim is a Texas resident and the crime occurred in a country that does not offer crime victims’ compensation. 

2. The crime must be reported to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

 3. The victim or claimant must cooperate with the law enforcement investigation. 

4. You must apply within three (3) years from the date of the crime unless good cause is shown e.g., age of the victim, mental or physical capacity of the victim, etc. 

5. You are either a victim or a claimant. 

6. You did not: 

• Participate in the crime 
• Commit illegal activity at the time of the crime. Does not apply to a person who seeks compensation if the illegal activity the person engaged in was the result of human trafficking. 
• Share responsibility for the crime due to your behavior 
• Give false information to the program 

7. You were not incarcerated at the time of the crime

Covered Crimes 

Crimes or attempted crimes that caused physical or mental injury or death.

CVC Application-English             CVC Application-Spanish

Call CVC at (800) 983-9933 to request an application or Apply Online