Function

The Crime Victims’ Compensation program is administered by the attorney general's office and is dedicated to ensuring that crime victims receive every possible form of assistance provided by law. The program is available after primary sources of payment - such as health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, auto insurance, or Texas workers’ compensation - have been exhausted. View program eligibility information.

If the court orders the offender to pay restitution to the victim for an expense that Crime Victims’ Compensation has already paid, the victim may be required to reimburse the fund. If the victim or claimant recovers money through the settlement of a civil suit against the offender or a third party, he or she may also have to reimburse the fund.

Crimes Covered

Crimes covered by Crime Victims’ Compensation are those in which the victim suffers substantial threat of physical / emotional harm or death. These may include sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, assault, homicide, and other violent crimes. Vehicular crimes that are covered include failure to stop and render aid, driving while intoxicated, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated assault, intoxication manslaughter, and intoxication assault.

Applications

Every law enforcement agency and prosecutor’s office in Texas is mandated to provide victims of crime with information about the Crime Victims’ Compensation program. When contacting these agencies, please ask for the victim assistance coordinator or liaison, who can provide assistance in completing the application. Hospitals and medical centers may also have applications and materials.

Applications for benefits can also be obtained directly from the Crime Victims’ Compensation program by calling (800) 983-9933. Professional staff at the division are also available to answer any questions and provide assistance in completing the application.