Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
Published: January 2022
Revised: October 2023 (due to legislative change)
Purpose of this Publication
This information addresses answers to common questions from crime survivors with disabilities who may need financial compensation. The purpose of this publication is to provide general information to individuals regarding their rights and protections under the law. This publication is not a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. Contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you need additional help.
What is the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program?
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program is a state program created to support you and your family if you have financial loss because of a compensable crime.
A compensable crime is a crime committed against you by another person that results in injury or death. It includes hit and run, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, armed robbery, stalking, human trafficking, torture, and homicide.
Am I eligible for the Victims’ Compensation Program?
You are eligible for the program if you have financial loss due to a compensable crime you experienced in Oregon. The crime must have caused you physical, emotional, or mental injury.
In addition, unless you have a good reason for not doing so, you must do the following:
Notify law enforcement, a health provider, or a mental health provider of the crime. The notification requirement may be met if you did one of the following:
Obtained a stalking protective order, an abuse prevention order, or a no-contact order.
Obtained a medical assessment for certain types of crimes.
Apply for compensation within one year of the crime.
What kind of expenses are covered by the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program?
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program only covers expenses associated with the crime, up to a total of $47,000. These include:
Medical expenses, including medically necessary devices like eyeglasses and hearing aids, up to $20,000.
Counseling and prescription medications prescribed with counseling for family members or witnesses in certain types of crimes, up to $20,000.
Transportation to and from medical and counseling appointments, up to $3,000.
Loss of wages by a parent or legal guardian of a minor victim when providing care for the victim, up to $5,000.
Loss of earnings by an adult victim, up to $20,000.
Loss of financial support (only available to dependents of deceased victims), up to $20,000.
Rehabilitation expenses, up to $4,000.
Crime scene clean-up, up to $2,500.
Funeral expenses, up to $5,000.
If you are unable to report the crime but had an exam for sexual assault or strangulation or obtained a protective order, you may qualify for counseling, up to $5,000.
How does the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program make decisions?
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program reviews police reports, medical reports, etc. Your individual benefits, like health and car insurance, sick leave from work, medical disability, Social Security, and more are considered resources that must be used before Crime Victims’ Compensation dollars.
Are there conditions that can disqualify me from compensation?
You must have used up your resources such as medical insurance, car insurance, disability insurance, sick pay, etc. before billing Crime Victims’ Compensation.
If you are currently incarcerated, your application will be deferred. This means that your claim will remain open, but you cannot receive compensation until you are released from custody.
How do I show proof of financial loss?
You need documentation (e.g. receipts) for each expense you are seeking compensation.
How long will it take to make a decision on my application?
The Crime Victims’ Compensation program is not immediate, emergency financial assistance. It may take up to seventy (70) days or more for them to make a decision. They receive applications from across the state and take time to process. You can check your application status on their portal or contact them for an update regarding your application.
How do I submit my application
You can apply directly to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program Portal
You can mail your application to:
Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Telephone: (503) 378-5348
Fax: (503) 378-5738
You can contact your county District Attorney Victim Assistance Program office for assistance.
How to request help
If you are a victim with a disability who experienced a violent crime in Oregon, you can ask for application assistance from Disability Rights Oregon’s Crime Survivor Project.
Call us at 503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694 ext. 243
Send us an email at csp@droregon.org
Send us a letter at Disability Rights Oregon 511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite 200 Portland, Oregon 97205
Civil rights statement
Disability Rights Oregon operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.
For more information about our Crime Survivor Project, visit droregon.org/survivor.
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Fax: 503-243-1738
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Disability Rights Oregon is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible and will be used to promote the rights of Oregonians with disabilities.
Portions of this document may be reproduced without permission, provided that Disability Rights Oregon is appropriately credited.
NOTICE: This document is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. You may wish to contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you require further information.
