Application

Fill out an application (en Español | form in English with guided help) and submit it along with a copy of your DC police report or DC civil protection order (the program does not accept temporary restraining orders), any bills or receipts that you would like to have reimbursed by the program. You may submit the application in one of the following ways:

• Court Building A, 515 5th Street NW, Suite 109, Washington, DC 20001  
• Email: CVCPapplications [at] dcsc.gov (CVCPapplications[at]dcsc[dot]gov) (Please note that you may need to use a PDF reader to save information and submit your form directly; otherwise, please scan and use the email address to send the form and related documents). 
• Fax: 202-879-4230
• One of the Court’s Balanced and Restorative Justice Centers (BARJs) in the District of Columbia. Click here for the locations and hours of the community sites.

 

Review Process

Completed applications are reviewed by claims examiners. All information in the application is verified by contacting the related law enforcement agency, employer, hospital, or other related agency or organization. Claims examiners make recommendations on the approval of applications to the program director who determines the outcome. The claimant is notified by mail of the determination and informed of the appeal process and the availability of pro bono legal services. If there is new or previously unavailable information, the claimant may file a Request for Reconsideration within 30 days of the initial determination. If the applicant disagrees with the determination, an Appeal must be filed within 30 days. The Appeals Board reviews the application, all supporting documents in the file, and the determination made by the Director. The Appeals Board may recommend a hearing if additional information is needed. A further appeal for judicial review may be made to the chief judge of the Superior Court within 30 days of an appeals board decision. All Requests for Reconsideration and Appeals are filed in the Crime Victims Compensation Program Office.

Information, records, and transcripts of hearings contained in the claims files are confidential and not open to public inspection. The claimant, his authorized representative, or a physician treating or examining the claimant are exceptions. Other persons may inspect the claimant's files and records only when rendering assistance to the court on a matter pertaining to the administration of the claim.

Information on Attorneys

It is not necessary to have an attorney to file a claim with the Crime Victims Compensation Program. The Crime Victims Compensation Program cannot pay attorney's fees for assisting a victim with the filing of a compensation application.

The claimant may have an attorney or other representative present at any appeals proceeding. In addition to the amount of compensation awarded to a successful claimant, a reasonable fee may be awarded to the claimant's attorney for services rendered in connection with an appeals proceeding. Pursuant to DC Code §4-512(g), except for necessary costs, an attorney shall not charge, demand, receive, or collect a fee for services rendered in connection with a claim for compensation in excess of 10 percent of the claimant's award or $500, whichever is less.