After a crime, financial support can come from many directions: insurance, legal settlements, government programs, and other resources may cover the costs of your recovery.

These types of payments are called collateral sources. The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program works alongside them to ensure your crime-related expenses are covered fully and fairly, without duplicate payments. This coordination helps us support your healing while using public funds responsibly. 

What are collateral sources?

Collateral sources are any other payments you receive for the same expenses that CVC covers. These sources might include:

  • Auto or medical insurance
  • Medicaid or Medicare
  • Lawsuit settlements or judgments
  • Restitution from the offender
  • Disability or unemployment benefits
  • Burial or life insurance
  • Social Security Disability (SSDI)
  • Benefits from an employer or government program (such as teacher or law enforcement benefits)

Note: Receiving money from these sources does not make you ineligible for CVC. CVC simply reviews this information to make sure you are not paid twice for the same expenses.

How CVC works with collateral sources

CVC is designed to be the payer of last resort. If another source has already paid for an expense, CVC may adjust your compensation. If CVC pays first and you later receive funds for the same cost, you may still qualify for additional help, but repayment may be required for overlapping expenses.

There are two common situations:

If You Receive Other Funds Before CVC Pays

CVC may reduce or adjust your payment to prevent duplication.

We may need documentation about how the other payments were used.

What to Do: Submit documents like medical bills, benefit letters, or settlement breakdowns.

If You Receive Other Funds After CVC Pays

If the later payment covers an expense already paid by CVC, you may need to repay that amount.

You may still qualify for more help if your total losses are greater than what you received elsewhere.

What is subrogation?

Subrogation is the legal process where CVC may seek reimbursement from other sources that later pay for the same crime-related costs CVC has already covered.

This does not reduce the total amount of compensation you receive. It only applies to overlapping expenses. Subrogation allows CVC to recover public funds and continue helping other victims.

Subrogation may apply when:

  • You receive a settlement after CVC already paid for medical bills or lost wages
  • An insurance payout covers costs that CVC previously reimbursed
  • A lawsuit or restitution payment includes money for the same expenses

CVC will contact you or your representative if subrogation is necessary. A victim advocate can help you understand what this means and assist with paperwork or communication.

When subrogation does not apply

There are many cases where repayment is not required. CVC always considers your situation before taking action and only seeks repayment when it is required by law.

If you're filing or settling a lawsuit

If you are involved in a lawsuit related to the crime, you must notify CVC before filing or finalizing any settlement. This protects your eligibility and ensures your claim stays valid under state law.

What You Should Do
  • Notify CVC in writing before you file or settle a lawsuit.
  • Ask your attorney to coordinate with CVC.
  • Inform insurance companies or other parties about your legal obligation.
  • A victim advocate may be able to help guide you through this process.

Note: Not notifying CVC can delay your compensation or create legal issues later.

Serious injuries and high-cost claims

If your injuries are severe and result in high medical or financial needs, you may still qualify for help even after receiving other funds. Each case is reviewed individually. A victim advocate can help determine if this applies to your situation.

Questions?

We understand that dealing with expenses after a crime can be overwhelming. 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