State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Minnesota

Created in 1974, the board consists of five members appointed by the executive director of the Center for Crime Victim Services. One board member must be a physician and one member must have been a victim. Executive Director, Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services: Marie Bibus Director, Crime Victims Reparations Board: Richard Anderson Board: John Harringtort, Jr. (chair), William Mclntyre, Dr. Phillip Eckman, Mary Beirmaier, Robert Goodell FUNDING The program receives funding from a general-revenue appropriation and inmate wage deductions. The program also receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 30 days Filing period: 2 years; 3 years for crimes committed after 8/1/99 Exceptions: Reporting requirement waived for sexual assault victims. Domestic child abuse victim must file claim within two years of report of crime. Filing requirement also may be waived where injury not "reasonably discoverable." For crimes committed after 8/1/99, all child victims are excepted from reporting requirement. Minimum loss: $50 PROCEDURES All claims that the board's staff recommends for payment are reviewed and approved by the board director. Only cases with substantial eligibility questions are considered by the full board. Appeals: Applicant has 30 days to request in writing a reconsideration by the board. If the applicant is still dissatisfied after the board reconsiders, the applicant has 30 days to appeal. An administrative law judge in an administrative hearing will hear the appeal and make a recommendation to the board, which may accept or reject it. An appeal to the court of appeals must be filed within 30 days of the board's final decision. BENEFITS Maximum award: $50,000 Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: paid at 80% of bill Mental health counseling: $5,000; up to $105 per hour for individual therapy depending on licensure, and $40 per hour for group therapy group session. In claims arising from a homicide, the victim's parents, siblings, spouse or partner, children and grandparents are eligible for 20 sessions; in claims arising from other crimes, parents, spouse, partner, or witnesses arc eligible for 20 sessions. Lost wages/support: up to 52 weeks for lost wages. Parents who are primary caregivers for an injured child may receive up to $2,000 in lost wages. Immediate family members may receive lost wages to attend funeral. No cap for lost support, but verification of financial need required after 3 years. Funerals: $6,000 Moving expenses: Up to $1,000 due to a reasonable fear of safety from crime o Replacement services: $250 per week for child care for one child; $350 per week for 2 or more children Travel: to obtain medical assistance and to attend funeral (immediate family members) Rehabilitation: physical therapy Return of abducted child: airfare, meals, and lodging for parent and child Emergency: $1,500