Victims of crime in New Jersey may be able to get monetary assistance from the NJ Victims of Crime Compensation Board (VCCB). The VCCB can pay for lost wages, medical expenses, counseling expenses, nursing care, child care, and funeral expenses to the degree that they are not covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, Workers Compensation, or Charity Care. In other words, other sources of compensation must be used before VCCB can help. The kinds of crime that VCCB generally covers include assault, homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and other violent crimes.

A victim cannot receive assistance if he or she were engaged in the crime, doing something illegal at the time of the crime, or in prison at the time of the crime. The victim must also fully cooperate with the police and prosecutor's office, and must file the claim within two years after the date of the crime. If the case is not prosecuted or the defendant is found not guilty, the victim can sometimes still receive assistance.

A qualifying victim of crime can receive a lifetime benefit of up to $25,000 from VCCB. In the case of death of the victim, funeral expenses of up to $5,000 may be paid by VCCB. Compensation for catastrophic injuries resulting from crime may be paid by VCCB up to $25,000, in addition to the $25,000 lifetime benefit. Catastrophic benefits can include: occupational rehabilitation, prescription drugs, home health assistance, vehicle and home modifications, dependent care and psychological counseling. In some cases, a related individual can also apply for benefits, such as a dependent of a victim of a homicide or a spouse or immediate relative who requires counseling because of the crime.

A qualifying victim may be eligible for emergency financial assistance. If the victim cannot afford to buy food or pay rent because of a crime, the VCCB may be able to provide immediate assistance. If the victim is over 60 years old or is disabled, they may be eligible for reimbursement of stolen cash of up to $200 for an assault or robbery. VCCB can also provide counseling from mental health professionals who accept payment directly from VCCB.

Information and applications for VCCB assistance are available at the Essex County Victim-Witness Advocacy Office, at other county prosecutors' offices, at municipal police departments, and at local hospitals.

Local VCCB Office: 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102, (973)-648-2107.
VCCB Hotline: 1-800-242-0804
Web Site: www.state.nj.us/victims

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