If you have medical bills resulting from a crime, have had cash stolen from you or you are responsible for paying funeral expenses for a loved one as a result of a homicide, you may be eligible for reimbursement by the state through the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP).
You may be eligible for compensation if you meet the following criteria:
- The crime occurred in Pennsylvania
- The crime occurred within the last two (2) years
- The crime was reported to police within 72 hours OR a Protection From Abuse order was filed within 72 hours, unless good cause is shown or the victim is a minor, and
- The amount of the loss is at least $100.00 (no minimum amount is required for victims over 60 years of age)
The following expenses may be eligible for reimbursement:
- Loss of earnings due to physical disability resulting from the crime or to attend court proceedings
- Loss of support for financial dependents of a deceased victim
- Funeral expenses
- Crime-scene clean-up
- Stolen benefit cash (social security, pension/retirement, disability)
- Replacement of medically necessary devices
- Out-of-pocket medical or counseling expenses
- Relocation expenses
- Childcare expenses
If you think you may qualify, you are encouraged to apply for Crime Victims’ Compensation through the VCAP program.
Claim forms and assistance are available through the Victim/Witness Coordinator at (570)-253-4912, or VCAP (1-800-233-2339). You can also file a claim on-line by visiting the VCAP website @ www.pccd.state.pa.us and click on the link to DAVE on-line services.