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Victims of Crime Compensation Program

In 1976, the Ohio Legislature enacted the Crime Victims Compensation Act.  This law helps innocent victims of violent crime to recover their economic losses suffered as a result of the crime.  In 2000, SB 153 expanded benefits for some crime victims, and streamlined the application process.  Victims of violent crime must apply for compensation and meet certain eligibility requirements. 

In Ohio, the Victims of Crime Act (ORC §§ 2743.51 to 2743.7) allows certain crime victims to apply for an award of reparations for economic loss suffered as a result of the criminal act.

Since its inception in 1976 the Ohio Crime Victims Compensation Fund has paid out over $257 million dollars to victims and their providers.  The compensation fund provides applicants up to $50,000 for their economic losses resulting from having suffered personal injury as a result of a violent crime.

Once a claim is filed, the statute requires that a decision be rendered on a claim within 120 days (although it provides that extensions may be taken when additional time is needed).

During the 120-day period, a field specialist collects information about the underlying crime.  A criminal history specialist works with the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to determine if the victim, or any of the applicants, has a disqualifying conviction or has engaged in any disqualifying acts of criminal conduct. Also, an economic loss specialist reviews the claimed losses, identifies other available sources of benefits, and performs the economic loss calculations on the claim.

After the reviews are completed, the claim is assigned to an assistant Attorney General who prepares the Finding of Fact and Decision. If an award is granted, payment is rendered to the applicant and/or providers of service to the victim as appropriate.

If an applicant does not agree with a Finding of Fact and Decision, the applicant, within 30 days of the decision, may file a Request for Reconsideration to have the claim reviewed once again by the office.  The Attorney General has 60 days to conduct the additional review and render a Final Decision on the claim. If the applicant does not agree with the Final Decision, the applicant, within 30 days, may file an appeal to have the claim heard before a three-commissioner panel of the Court of Claims of Ohio.  Arguments and new evidence, including testimony, may be presented at the hearing.  The commissioners render a written decision, which may be appealed to a judge of the Court of Claims.  No new evidence can be presented at the hearing before the judge, and the judge may overturn a panel’s decision only in those instances where the panel’s decision is against the manifest weight of the evidence, or is contrary to law.

Attorney Information

Printable Application Form

Applications may be filled out in Acrobat Reader to print and mail to the address below.

Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program
150 E. Gay St., 25th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 800-582-2877 or 614-466-5610