State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Iowa

The Crime Victim Assistance Division operates the state's compensation program, reimburses costs for forensic examinations in sex assaults, and administers federal and state victim services grants. A Crime Victim Assistance Board adopts rules and hears appeals. The program began in 1983. Division Director: Marti Anderson Compensation Director: Kelly Brodie Board Members: Patricia Beaird, Ron Bonnet, Kathy Dolan, Paul Fitzgerald, Rich Joens, Ruth Mosher, Ed Origer, Margaret Sanders, Fred Scaletta, Mark Smith FUNDING The program receives income from a $100 civil penalty charged each person convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, for reinstatement of driver's license. The program also receives 16.67% of a 30% surcharge on all criminal fines. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 2 years Exceptions: Intrafamilial child victims have 2 years to file a claim after a report is filed with the Department of Human Services (there is no time limit for reporting to DHS); after July 1, 1999, adults allowed good-cause exception to filing requirement PROCEDURES Investigator analyzes the claim and prepares a recommendation to the compensation director for final decision. The investigator calls the applicant in every case to inform the applicant of the decision, and a written notice is sent. Denial letters are sent to all medical providers. Appeals: Applicant has 30 days to appeal to the division director. If still dissatisfied, the applicant has 30 days to appeal to the board, which then has 60 days to hear the appeal and render a decision. The board meets approximately 8 times a year. A further appeal can be taken to the district court. BENEFITS Maximum award: No established maximum; each benefit has its own limit. Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: $10,500 for primary victims, increasing to $15,000 after July 1, 1999; $3,000 for survivors of homicide victims Mental health counseling: Primary victims: $3,000 limit for nonmedical therapy; may use medical category for therapy provided under psychiatrists's supervision. Secondary victims: $3,000 per family member of homicide victim; $1,000 per family member of non-homicide victims Lost wages/support: $2,000 for disability; $2,000 per dependent in homicide or disability of greater than 60 days Funerals: $7,500 Crime-scene cleanup: $1,000 in homicide; limit of $100 for clothing Travel: payment allowed for medical emergencies, as well as for non-emergency medical or mental health care provided outside of the victim's county of residence Attorney fees: program pays pro rata share of attorney fees if victim wins civil suit and reimburses program Emergency: $500 Iowa