The CVC Program is here to help you recover financially after a crime. The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program can help cover costs related to the crime, including medical bills, counseling, and lost wages.

What you need to know:

  • The application is free
  • Free help from advocates is available from local law enforcement agencies
  • You can apply now and add documents later

Note: If you're under 18 or applying for a deceased victim, a parent or legal guardian must apply on your behalf as a claimant.

How to apply for compensation

Step 1: Before you begin your application

  1. Check your eligibility to see if you qualify
  2. Review what costs the program covers to understand available help
  3. Gather any documents you have about the crime and expenses (but don't worry if you don't have everything yet) including:
    1. Basic information about the crime
    2. Police report number (if you have it)
    3. Information about your injuries or losses
    4. Copies of bills (if you have them)

Note: Don't wait to apply if you're missing documents. You can submit them later.

Step 2: Get help with your application

This step is optional but recommended. A trained advocate can:

  • Explain your options
  • Help gather documents
  • Guide you through the application
  • Answer your questions

We recommend you contact:

  • Your local victim advocate
  • Family violence center
  • Rape crisis center
  • Crime Victim Liaison at your police department

If you don’t want to connect with an advocate, please proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Apply

Choose one of these options

A. Apply online (most common method)
  • Create an account in the CVC portal
  • Upload your documents
  • Check your application status and approved bill status anytime

Apply through the CVC portal

B. Apply by mail
  • Download the application: [English PDF] | [Español PDF]
    • Or call CVC at (800) 983-9933 to request an application
  • Fill out the application
  • Mail to:
    • Mailing Address:
      Crime Victim Services
      P.O. Box 12198
      Austin, Texas 78711-2198

What happens after you apply

Here's what you can expect after submitting your application:

  1. Initial review
    • Intake staff check that your application is complete
    • Intake staff request the crime report from law enforcement (for CVC application)
    • Intake staff lets you know if we need any additional information
  2. Eligibility review
    • Once we have all the needed information, your claim goes to the eligibility team
    • The eligibility team carefully reviews everything based on program requirements
    • Processing time varies for each case, but we work as quickly as possible
  3. Decision and next steps
    • The program sends the decision to you by mail
    • If approved, if you’ll be assigned a case manager and we'll explain what costs can be covered
    • If denied, we'll explain why and how you can appeal within 30 days

Learn more about the appeals process

Note:

  • Keep your mailing address up to date with our office
  • The sooner you respond to requests for more information, the sooner we can process your payment
  • Save all crime-related bills and receipts
  • Contact us if you have any questions during the process
  • You can check your claim status anytime by going to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Portal or by calling our hotline.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you during this challenging time.

You can contact us online
or
You can reach us by phone:
Mon. – Fri., 8:00am - 5:00pm CT
Toll Free: (800) 983-9933
In Austin: (512) 936-1200