Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation is legislation that provides a method of compensation and assistance to persons who are victims of criminal acts and who suffer physical or psychological injury or death as a result.
Eligible applicants are:
Victims
A dependent of a deceased victim
Persons authorized to act on behalf of the victim or dependent
To be eligible for Victims Compensation:
The crime must be reported to a law enforcement agency within 72 hours
The claim for compensation must be filed within one year of injury, death, or disclosure (if victim is a minor). The one-year deadline can be waived if there is good cause. Under no circumstances may a claim be eligible after two years from the injury or death.
The claimant must fully cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the offender
Compensation shall not benefit the offender or accomplice
Claimant could face a reduction or denial of a claim if there were any actions by the victim that may have contributed to the injury or death.
The type of assistance available includes:
Medical and dental care
Prescriptions
Counseling and rehabilitation
Work loss or loss of support
Caregiver work loss
Homicide crime scene clean-up
Funeral and burial expenses
*Property loss and pain and suffering are not covered.
*No attorney is needed to file a claim
*No arrest or conviction is required
To file a claim, contact your nearest District Attorneys Office or the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Program. Claim forms are also available at any Help-In-Crisis office.
Information provided by the District Attorneys Council
