State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Wyoming

Created in 1985, the program is administered within the Office of Attorney General. The director of the program has decision-making authority Director: Sharon Montagnino FUNDING Funding comes from a court-ordered assessment of $100 for each felony or high misdemeanor conviction and $50 for low misdemeanors. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: Reasonable period of time after crime Filing period: 1 year Exceptions: Children are given 1 year after the report of the crime to file PROCEDURES Staff claim specialists prepare files and make recommendations to the director for disposition. Losses within one year of crime date (or report by children can be considered. In cases involving children, medical costs can be considered for an extra year (2 years after crime or report). Appeals (reconsideration): Applicants are informed that they may ask for the application to be reconsidered, and should send any new information to the division. Reconsideration is completed within 30 days, with the division determination being final. BENEFITS Maximum award: $10,000 (beginning 7/1/99, maximum increases to $15,000, with additional $10,000 available for catastrophic injuries) Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling; limit of $1,500 for associated victim Lost wages/support: figured on current minimum wage; in homicides, includes lost wages of 1 family member to clean crime scene, make funeral arrangements, handle other matters Funerals: $3,000 Crime-scene cleanup: $500 Relocation expenses: may include $100 shelter costs Replacement services: $500 per month for housekeeping and child care Travel: emergency/medical necessity for extraordinary transportation to medical providers Evidence: $100 in personal belongings kept as evidence Emergency: $1,000 Wyoming