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Victim compensation program goes online; director outlines benefits, eligibility and reporting requirements
Summary
Diane Barber, director of the North Carolina Office of Victim Compensation Services, described a new online application portal, the two program streams (crime victim compensation and RVAP), eligible expenses including funeral and medical assistance, and requirements for law-enforcement reporting or good-cause exceptions.
Diane Barber, director of the North Carolina Office of Victim Compensation Services, briefed the advisory board on the agency's role reimbursing survivors of violent crime and their families. Barber said the program's application process moved online in November and now uses a portal where claimants set up an account and upload supporting documentation.
Barber described two components of the program: the crime victim compensation fund, which reimburses survivors for eligible out-of-pocket medical bills, counseling and lost wages and can provide up to $45,000 in total benefits (including up to $10,000 for funeral and burial costs for homicide victims); and the RVAP program, a state program that pays certain hospital costs for sexual-assault care and pays medical providers (Barber said RVAP pays up to $1,500 for sexual-assault nursing-examiner and emergency-room services).
On documentation and timing, Barber explained that applicants must upload at least one supporting document (for example an unpaid bill or funeral contract) and a law-enforcement report, or they must show good cause for not having worked with law enforcement. She said North Carolina extended the reporting window from 72 hours to six months to allow victims more time to report and that staff can reopen claims as additional bills arrive.
Barber clarified that eligibility does not depend on a victim's financial means; victims with insurance are eligible for reimbursement of unpaid balances, while uninsured claimants may have more bills eligible for compensation. She also said suicide is not covered because the program reimburses victims of violent crime.
Barber provided the program website (ncdps.gov/forvictims) and encouraged members to share information with families and providers who may need assistance.
