Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program Expanded to Better Serve Victims

Through the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Act, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Court of Claims administer financial assistance to qualifying victims of violent crime. The assistance is designed to offset certain costs that crime victims and their families face, including loss of earnings, medical expenses, and funeral expenses, among others. 

While CVC funds help many people each year, the application process can be burdensome and victims often experience significant delays before they are awarded much-needed funds. A new law updating the Crime Victims Compensation Act was approved by the Governor on August 9, 2024, which aims to help victims receive CVC funds easier and faster. 

Broadly, this new law expands the definitions of who qualifies for compensation and what can be covered by CVC funds, expanding accessibility and availability of these funds to additional victims. The law also empowers the Attorney General’s office to subpoena police records to help expedite the completion of CVC fund applications, which may help address a significant existing bottleneck in the application review process.

The law was supported by organizations like Ascend Justice and the Alliance for Safety and Justice. The Attorney General was also supportive of the bill, stating “I am committed to working with advocates to support survivors, and I will continue to push for increased services and resources for those affected by violent crime.” 

Another bill, HB3596, aimed at expanding the Crime Victims Compensation Act is also being reviewed by the state legislature. As proposed, HB3596 Aims to expand accessibility of CVC funds by creating new procedural requirements for the Attorney General’s office in its application review process. Specifically, the bill would require the Attorney General’s office to turn around determination letters within 90 days of complete application submission, implement an application tracking system for applicants, and create a formal process for applying for emergency awards. This bill is in preliminary stages, so likelihood of passage is unknown. However, its introduction indicates a commitment to improving CVC funds administration and continued attention to the needs of victims by lawmakers. 

More information about Crime Victims Compensation, including information about how to apply, can be found here.