Victim Compensation

Victims Compensation Assistance Program

• Medical expenses  
• Counseling  
• Lost work earnings because you were injured and unable to work.
• Home care/ childcare, and replacement services  
• Stolen cash of social security, SSI or retirement benefits
• Relocation  
• Crime scene clean-up
• Funeral expenses, loss of support and travel costs in homicide cases  

To Receive Compensation, You Have To:

• Be a victim of a crime that happened in Pennsylvania.
• Report the crime or file a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA)
• Cooperate with the police, courts and the Victims Compensation Assistance Program.
• File the Claim within five years of the crime.
• Not be involved in illegal activity that caused the crime to happen.
• Have a loss of at least $50.00 because of the crime (if you are less than 60 years old) (If over 60 = $0.00).

This program will not reimburse you for: 

• Pain and suffering.
• Stolen or damaged property.

The best way to file a claim is with the help of a victim advocate.  Call 717-337-9844 for assistance. Or go to www.pccd.state.pa.us.  There is no cost to file a claim!   

Vs.

Restitution

Restitution is court ordered, which means that the judge will order the offender at the time of sentencing to pay restitution to you for your losses. It is your right as a victim of crime to receive restitution for your losses. It may include bills from doctors, hospital, dentists or counseling.  It can pay for medicine, funeral costs and loss wages due to an injury.  It can also pay for damages to your property or stolen items.  You will receive paperwork prior to court asking for your restitution request.  Please keep all of your bills and receipts for documentation of your request.   If you have any questions, please call and speak to an advocate. 

See Forms for restitution document.