FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Individuals who are ineligible for assistance from the Indiana Victim Compensation program include the following:

• Victims who weren’t injured or killed as a result of the crime;
• Victims who are determined to have contributed to the crime that resulted in injury or death;
• Victims who were injured while committing, attempting to commit, participating or attempting to participate in a criminal act;
• Victims who were injured while being held in a correctional facility;
• Victims who didn’t report the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours of the date of the crime with the exception of victims of sexual assault.
• Victims who are injured or killed in a hit and run accident or by a driver who wasn’t found to be legally impaired or intoxicated;
• Claimants whose net worth is valued above $200,000;
• Victims who receive collateral source payments in excess of $15,000. Note that awards will be reduced based on any collateral source income victims receive;
• Claimants who fail to apply for the program within 180 days of the crime’s occurrence.

Read more about eligibility on our victim compensation page.

This program cannot be used to reimburse victims for the following:

• Property damage or replacement of items damaged or stolen during a violent crime;
• Damages relating to “pain and suffering”;
• Relocation expenses;
• Expenses to cover victims’ travel, food and lodging to attend trials, depositions, appeals, sentencings or parole hearings;
• Rent, utilities or food;
• Expenses relating to crime scene cleanup;
• Clothing, flowers, food, travel or lodging to attend funeral services.

The Indiana Victim Compensation Program staff will review your application to determine eligibility. If we need additional information to determine eligibility, applicants will receive an explanation of what’s required. The results of staff investigations and the decision regarding financial assistance will be sent by mail or email, if appropriate.

The Indiana Victim Compensation Program may make an award in full, in part, or deny an application altogether. In cases in which the approved expenses exceed the maximum award available through the program ($15,000), the division will divide the sum of money awarded among the providers.

The Indiana Victim Compensation Program is classified as a “payer of last resort,” which means awards will be made only in situations where the claimant has no other recourse, with the exception of forensic exams for sex crime victims. The final payment awarded by the program may be reduced by the amount of benefits covered by other parties, including insurance, unemployment compensation, Social Security, public funds (such as Medicare or Medicaid) or any other source.

Note: Victims who receive compensation through the fund and later receive an insurance settlement or court-ordered restitution covering the same loss paid by the fund are legally required to repay that amount to the state of Indiana.

Applicants who receive a denial notice have 30 days to send a written request for an administrative hearing. A hearing date will be scheduled, and the applicant will be notified of the time and location. Appeal hearings are held at the Indiana Government Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Individuals who apply for the Indiana Victim Compensation Program or appeal a decision made by the division do not need to hire an attorney. However, claimants may choose to hire an attorney to represent them at an appeal hearing. Please note that attorneys’ fees are only awarded in cases heard at an administrative hearing that receive a ruling in the claimant’s favor.

The amount of time required to review an application depends several factors, including complexity of the case, and how long it takes to gather information from law enforcement and other relevant parties. Once a decision has been made regarding a claim, applicants will receive written notice.

Yes, victim applications and testimony are protected by the Indiana Victim Compensation Program.

Plenty of assistance programs and resources are available to victims of crimes including human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, identity fraud and elder abuse. Visit our victim support page to learn about local, state and national programs available.