Claim Process for Crime Victims
- File a police report.
- Complete the Application for Benefits - Crime Victims (F800‑042‑000) form. This form is also available from victim witness offices and health-care providers.
- Provide all information requested, sign, date, and mail or fax the form. Incomplete information could delay the decision on your claim.
Mail to
Crime Victims Compensation Program
PO Box 44520
Olympia WA 98504
Fax to 360-902-5333. - You should receive notice within 60 days after we receive your application. You may call 800‑762‑3716 to check the status of your application.
Benefits
You may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical/dental benefits.
- Wage replacement.
- Prescription coverage.
- Mental health treatment.
- Death benefits, including but not limited to:
- Grief counseling.
- Funeral expenses.
Payer of last resort
The Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) is the "payer of last resort". A set fee schedule is used to determine the medical reimbursement amount. This amount is reduced by any public or private insurance payments.
Examples of public or private insurance are:
- Your own medical insurance.
- Public health care such as medical coupons or VA.
- Auto, life, or homeowner's insurance policies.
Reimbursement rate
The Crime Victims Comp Program Fee Schedule is used to reimburse providers.
Bills
What do I have to pay?
For claims costs less than $50,000 you should not pay any expenses relating to an allowed open claim. Providers must bill your public or private insurance first then bill CVCP.
By law, you aren't responsible for the difference between the amount the provider charges and the rate we pay.
For claims costs more than $50,000 you are responsible for expenses not previously processed under your claim.
Know your rights
You can protest or appeal any decision of the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) within 90 days of the date of the decision.
Common reasons we deny a claim:
- No police report filed.
- No signature on application.
- Qualified felonies with unpaid legal financial obligations.
What to do if your claim is denied
Protest to CVCP
You may file a written request for reconsideration with CVCP. If you file for reconsideration, you should include the reasons you believe the decision is wrong and mail or fax it to:
- Crime Victims Compensation
PO Box 44520
Olympia WA 98504-4520. - Fax 360-902-5333.
CVCP will review your request and advise you of their decision.
Appeal to the Board
You may file a written appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). If you file an appeal, send it to:
- Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals
PO Box 42401
Olympia WA 98504-2401.
Or submit your appeal online at Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) (www.biia.wa.gov).
The Crime Victims Compensation Program is the "payer of last resort." A set fee schedule is used to determine the medical reimbursement amount. This amount is reduced by any public or private insurance payments.
Examples of public or private insurance:
- Your own medical insurance.
- Public health care such as medical coupons or VA.
- Auto, life, or homeowner's insurance policies.
If you receive any money from a settlement with an insurance company or from a lawsuit, you must reimburse the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) for expenses we paid.
For example, a settlement could come from:
- Auto, life, or homeowner insurance.
- Legal action such as civil or criminal suit, including third-party liability.
You are entitled to 25% of the net amount you receive (after attorney fees and other costs). Then, the CVCP will be reimbursed for benefits paid.
Depending on the amount you receive, payment of your benefits may stop after you receive a settlement. If this happens, your benefits could resume later, depending on how long your claim remains open.
You have the right to request restitution for crime-related losses from the offender. The court can also order the offender to reimburse the Crime Victims Compensation Program for benefits paid on your behalf.
Contact your local victim witness office (www.waprosecutors.org) for more information about restitution.
