| Homicide Victim's Family Benefits | in Spanish |  |
Benefits may be available to assist you for the loss of your loved one. This section will explain the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) and what benefits can be provided to family members of homicide victims. Some assistance may be available to help meet expenses incurred as a result of a homicide.
Benefits available
- Payment of funeral costs up to a maximum based on the date of the homicide. Funeral expenses include such costs as burial, cremation, cemetery plots, headstones, and funeral services.
- CVCP will reimburse these expenses to the family member who paid for the services, or the person who is responsible for payment.
- Payment can be made directly to the service provider if we receive written authorization from the family member.
- As with other CVCP benefits, payment is secondary to other insurance benefits. However, the first $40,000.00 of life insurance proceeds are exempt from the provision.
- Counseling for immediate family members of the homicide victim if started within one year. Insurance coverage for counseling must be used if available.
- Limited pension payments to the spouse or dependent children/parents of a deceased victim. Payments are based on a percentage of the victim’s wages, or a lump sum amount if the victim was not employed.
Program requirements
- The CVCP must receive an application for benefits within two years of the date the crime was reported to police, or within five years in certain extenuating circumstances.
- The following information will be needed to determine eligibility for benefits. The information does not need to be submitted at the same time as the application, but payment of benefits can occur sooner if the following is sent in along with the application.
- Copy of marriage certificate
- Copies of birth certificates for any dependent children
- Documentation of the victim’s wages if employed. CVCP can obtain the documentation needed if the name, address and phone number of the victim’s employer is provided.
- Documentation of social security benefit eligibility for surviving spouse and children.
- Information regarding any life insurance available
- Copies of bills or receipts for funeral and burial expenses incurred
Application procedure
- Applications are available from the CVCP. Call the telephone number below to have an application mailed to you, or if we can assist you in completing the application or answering any questions. Applications can also be obtained at Victim Witness Offices at each county prosecutor’s office.
- For more information, you can write to us at the address below. Please mail the completed and signed application to:
- You will be notified in writing within 60 days regarding a determination on the application.
Call between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
1‑800‑762‑3716
360‑902‑5333 (fax)
360‑902‑4974 (TTD users)
Interpreters available.
Crime Victims Compensation Program
Dept of Labor and Industries
P O Box 44520
Olympia WA 98504‑4520
Related resources
For more information on families of homocide victim's and crime victim's in general, see our Resource page.
