Crime Victim's Compensation Program

About the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program

• The Crime Victim Compensation Act was enacted in 1982 to help victims of crime and their families obtain financial assistance for losses incurred as a direct result of the crime.
• The District Attorney appoints 3 local citizens to the Crime Victim Compensation Board who make all funding decisions.
• The victim must apply for compensation by completing an application in the jurisdiction where the crime took place. Residents of Boulder County are also eligible here if the crime took place in another location that does not have a Victim Compensation program.
• The total maximum considered for each claim is $30,000. However, there may be additional limitations for individual categories.
• If denied, the victim can request a reconsideration by submitting a written request to the Victim Compensation Board within 30 days of the denial.
• Crime Victim Compensation is a payer of last resort per Colorado statute. All other sources of compensation (i.e. private insurance, worker’s compensation, Medicaid…..) must be utilized first.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a victim of crime, the relative of the victim or a witness at the scene of a compensable crime.
• Compensable crimes include any crime that falls under Colorado’s Victim Rights Act and/or a crime in which an intentional, knowing, reckless and/or criminally negligent act of a person of full legal capacity, results in residential property damage or physical/psychological injury to another entity and is punishable by Colorado law.
• The crime was committed on or after July 1, 1982 in Boulder County. Exceptions considered for crimes that occur in locations without a similar program.
• The victim must reasonably cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the prosecutions for the duration of the case.
• The injury or death of the victim cannot be the result the victim’s own wrongful act or substantial provocation.
• The Victim’s insurance benefits must be used and documented prior to any consideration for funding.

Compensable Losses Include

• Medical/Dental Expenses
• Mental Health Counseling
• Security Modifications/Devices
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Support
• Funeral/Burial Expenses
• Self Defense/Empowerment Courses
• Crime Scene Clean-Up
• Replacement Services
• Travel for Funeral/Burial/Medical/Therapy/Critical Court Events
• Relocation

Compensation does NOT cover

• Loss of money or personal property (i.e. electronics, clothing….)
• Stolen vehicles
• Non-residential doors/locks/windows
• Pain and suffering

Application Process

If you would like to be considered for Crime Victim Compensation, you must complete and submit an application. Once the application is received it will be processed, and you will be informed of any additional documentation required.

Please apply through the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Portal website.

For more information, questions or to get a paper copy of the application, please email victimcomp@bouldercounty.gov or call 720-564-2835.