Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes Court of Claims

Through the Illinois Crime Victim's Compensation Act, the Court of Claims administers funding to victims of violent crimes who have inadequate insurance or no source of funds to cover expenses resulting from the crime, including medical bills, counseling, lost wages and other expenses. The court also handles appeals of crime victim compensation determinations issued by the Illinois Attorney General.

To be eligible for assistance:

• You must report the crime within 72 hours to law enforcement or seven days for sexual violence, unless unable to do so. You must also cooperate with law enforcement and not provoke the crime.
• You must complete and file an application within five years of the crime or within one year of the criminal indictment. The application is available to download, or you may receive an application and assistance completing it through the Illinois Attorney General's office or your local police department.

The following are some of the crimes covered by the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act.

• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Homicide
• Involuntary manslaughter/reckless homicide
• Kidnapping
• Exploitation of a child including pornography
• Assault/battery
• Human trafficking
• Arson
• Driving under the influence
• Stalking

August 7, 2022, the award cap for claims increases from $27,000 to $45,000 for uncovered expenses, including:

• Medical, hospital, dental and prescription expenses
• Counseling for the victim and family
• Loss of earnings and/or support up to $2,400 per month.
• Funeral/burial expenses up to $10,000.
• Crime-scene cleanup, relocation, loss of clothing and/or bedding taken for evidence

If you are a victim of a violent crime, please contact the Illinois Attorney General's office at 800-228-3368 for assistance in completing your application.

Quick Links

• Crime Victim Compensation Application and Instructions
• Illinois Crime Victim's Compensation Act
• Crime Victim Compenstion FAQ (English, Spanish, Polish)
• Crime Victim Compenstion FAQ by Domestic Violence Victims (English, Spanish, Polish)
• Crime Victim Compenstion FAQ by Sexual Assualt Victims (English, Spanish, Polish)
• Crime Victim Compenstion FAQ by Relatives of Deceased Victims (English, Spanish, Polish)
• Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Request for Notification of Denial of Compensation Claim Form