California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

How to Apply

The Victim Compensation Program (VCP) can help victims of crimes that occur in California as well as California residents who become victims while visiting other states or outside the country. Additionally, people who suffer a monetary loss because of death or injury to a crime victim may also be eligible for compensation. These “derivative” victims can include:

  • Spouses or Domestic Partners
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Legal Guardians
  • Brothers
  • Sisters
  • Grandparents
  • Grandchildren

The following forms and brochures are in Portable Document Format (PDF). To use the PDF files you need Adobe Acrobat version 6 or later (unless otherwise noted). If you don't already have a PDF Reader, you can download Adobe's Acrobat reader here.

The Victim Compensation application is available in English and Spanish. The completed application must be printed and mailed to the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board at P.O. Box 3036, Sacramento, CA. 95812-3036. To access this application, click on the link below.

Application for Crime Victim Compensation PDF*


Español: Solicitud Para Recibir Compensación por un Delito (Para la Víctima) PDF*
Family Member Application (Spanish): Solicitud Para Dependes o Miembros de la Familia PDF*

* Note, this application is intended to be filled out in Acrobat Adobe Reader, then printed and signed in ink. Please do not use a pen or pencil to complete the fill-in and drop-down fields. If you are unable to fill out this application in Acrobat or you do not have access to a printer, please contact our Customer Service Section at 1-800-777-9229 to request a printed application that can be filled out using a pen or pencil.

* To protect your privacy, do not transmit applications or other confidential Victim Compensation Program information via e-mail.


Tips that will help expedite the claim:

  • Include copies of crime reports, bills and receipts with the application.
  • Send bills to the insurance company, workers’ compensation carrier, or Medi-Cal right away. The VCP corresponds with such providers as needed to verify benefits and coordinate payment of bills.
If you need assistance with your application or have questions regarding victim compensation, please call our Customer Service Section toll free at 1-800-777-9229.

For additional information on the Victim Compensation Program, please visit our publications page.