Who is eligible?

Innocent victims who suffer personal, physical or emotional injury in a violent crime in Rhode Island Dependents and immediate family members of homicide victims.

What must I do to get help?

You must report the crime to law enforcement authorities within 10 days. You must apply for compensation within three years from the date of the crime. If you were under the age of 18 at the time of the crime, the application period is extended.

You must cooperate with reasonable requests of law enforcement authorities in their investigation and prosecution of the crime. You must NOT have contributed to the crime. You must NOT have been convicted of a violent criminal felony.

What expenses are covered?

The program can help with the following types of crime-related expenses, which are not covered by insurance or other resources, not to exceed $25,000.

• Medical, dental and hospital expenses
• Mental health counseling expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of earnings (victim only)
• Loss of support (dependents of homicide victim)

PROPERTY LOSSES ARE NOT COVERED

How do I apply?

Complete the application and return it to the Crime Victim Compensation Program. Please respond promptly to all requests for additional information or documentation. In general, you will receive a decision in 6 months. You may request that your claim be reopened for future medical and mental health counseling expenses.

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO FILE AN APPLICATION.

For more information, call or write to:
Crime Victim Compensation Program
Office of the Rhode Island General Treasurer
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-8590