State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - South Carolina

Created in 1983, the program operates as a division of the Governor's Office. Appeals are heard by a three-member panel of an eleven-member Crime Victims Advisory Board. Along with compensation applications, the program handles approximately 2,500 payments for forensic examinations in sexual assault cases annually. The division also provides victim service training and coordination. Director: Mia McLeod Butler Compensation Program Manager: Larry Harris FUNDING The division receives a fluctuating percentage of fines, fees, and assessments levied from the courts for various offenses. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 48 hours Filing period: 180 days Exceptions: For good cause, applicants may file up to 4 years from the crime or the date of its discovery Minimum loss: $100, unless applicant is 65 or older PROCEDURES Two groups of claims staff work together on each claim. One group of investigators conducts claim-eligibility determinations, and another group of claims examiners prepares the awards, both with the help of support staff. A manager oversees this process and approves staff decisions. Only the director or deputy director is authorized to reopen a case after it has been inactive for over 18 months. Appeals: The applicant has 30 days to appeal in writing to the Crime Victims Advisory Board. The decision of the board is final. BENEFITS Maximum award: $15,000; up to $25,000 in catastrophic cases per Advisory Board approval Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: 20 sessions or 180 days of treatment, whichever is greater Lost wages/support: based on state worker's compensation rate Funerals: $4,000 Travel: to obtain medical assistance Rehabilitation Attorney fees: up to 10% of award in addition to award, only for appealed cases Emergency: $500 South Carolina