Applying for Victims of Violent Crime Assistance

If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, please contact the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance.

The Victim Compensation Program at the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) is able to provide financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime for uninsured medical and dental care, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and income lost due to the inability to work.  Victims of crimes that occurred on or after July 1, 2013, may, in addition, be eligible to receive financial assistance relating to compensable expenses.

These funds are primarily obtained from perpetrators, and can assist with expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 per crime. 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, please contact MOVA for further assistance, at [phone]. Please note that victim compensation funds are funds of last resort and are to be rewarded only after all other forms of assistance have been exhausted. 

Who is eligible?

• Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts
• Dependents and family members of homicide victims
• Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim

What are the requirements?

• The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.
• You must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to cooperate.
• You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime.  Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.

What expenses are covered?

To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover your expenses, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for:

• Medical and dental expenses (including equipment, supplies and medications)
• Counseling expenses (for victims, for family members of homicide victims, and for children who witness violence against a family member)
• Funeral/burial costs (limits apply)
• Lost wages (for victims only)
• Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)
•  Homemaker expenses
• Ancillary funeral/burial
• Replacement bedding/clothing
• Crime scene cleanup
• Forensic Sexual Assault Exam
• Security measures
• Counseling for non-offending parents of a child victim

What expenses are not covered?

• Property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and all other losses

To apply

Complete the "Application For Crime Victim Compensation" and return it to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Victim Compensation Program
One Ashburton Place, Suite 1310
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 586 - 1340
[phone] fax

In general, you will receive a decision 4 to 6 months later. Your claim can be reopened for future expenses. To request this application in alternate form or another language, please email [e-mail] 

• Application and Brochure for Crime Victim's Compensation