Program Directory

Connecticut

Office of Victim Services

225 Spring Street, 4th floor
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 263-2761
FAX: (860) 263-2780
1-888-286-7347 (in-state)

Director: Linda J. Cimino, Claims Supervisor: Joanna Buikus
Commissioners: Joseph W. Bibisi (chief commissioner), Beth Bryan Critton, Seth D. Feigenbaum, Daniel E. Dilzer

Created in 1979, the program operates under the auspices of the judicial branch. The governor appoints five commissioners, all of whom must be attorneys, to review appealed claims. The Office of Victim Services also administers VOCA assistance grants and direct services programs.

FUNDING
The program receives $20 per felony, $15 per misdemeanor, and $15 per serious traffic offense, as well as assessments for DUI violations and for operating a boat under the influence. In addition, 3% of halfway house client wages are paid to the program. The assessments are mandatory. The program receives a VOCA compensation grant each year.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Law enforcement reporting period: Within 5 days of crime or within 5 days of when crime reasonably can be reported
Filing period: 2 years
Exceptions: Waiver possible for medical, emotional, and psychological reasons
Deductible: $100 (discretionary)
Minimum loss: $100

PROCEDURES
Claims are processed by staff within the program, and applicants are informed of the determination regarding eligibility and benefits.

Appeals: Applicants may appeal the program staffs decision to a commissioner. Applicants can appeal the commissioner's decision to Superior Court.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $15,000 personal injury claim; $25,000 homicide claim

Compensable Costs (with limits)

Medical expenses, including care for family members in homicide, child abuse, and sexual assault claims
Mental health counseling: While counseling is compensable for victims and family members through the regular compensation process, family of homicide victims also are eligible for six free sessions of counseling without submitting application; additional sessions are compensable with regular application.
Lost wages/support: can include economic loss for certain relatives for attending court proceedings in homicide claims
Funerals: 5,000
Attorney fees: may allow up to 15% from award
Emergency: $2,000
Certain expenses relating to injury to guide dog or assistance dog




	Program Directory Connecticut Office of Victim Services 225 Spring Street, 4th floor Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 263-2761 FAX: (860) 263-2780 1-888-286-7347 (in-state) Web site: www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim Director: Linda J. Cimino, Claims Supervisor: Joanna Buikus Commissioners: Joseph W. Bibisi (chief commissioner), Beth Bryan Critton, Seth D. Feigenbaum, Daniel E. Dilzer Created in 1979, the program operates under the auspices of the judicial branch. The governor appoints five commissioners, all of whom must be attorneys, to review appealed claims. The Office of Victim Services also administers VOCA assistance grants and direct services programs. FUNDING The program receives $20 per felony, $15 per misdemeanor, and $15 per serious traffic offense, as well as assessments for DUI violations and for operating a boat under the influence. In addition, 3% of halfway house client wages are paid to the program. The assessments are mandatory. The program receives a VOCA compensation grant each year. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Law enforcement reporting period: Within 5 days of crime or within 5 days of when crime reasonably can be reported Filing period: 2 years Exceptions: Waiver possible for medical, emotional, and psychological reasons Deductible: $100 (discretionary) Minimum loss: $100 PROCEDURES Claims are processed by staff within the program, and applicants are informed of the determination regarding eligibility and benefits. Appeals: Applicants may appeal the program staffs decision to a commissioner. Applicants can appeal the commissioner's decision to Superior Court. BENEFITS Maximum award: $15,000 personal injury claim; $25,000 homicide claim Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses, including care for family members in homicide, child abuse, and sexual assault claims Mental health counseling: While counseling is compensable for victims and family members through the regular compensation process, family of homicide victims also are eligible for six free sessions of counseling without submitting application; additional sessions are compensable with regular application. Lost wages/support: can include economic loss for certain relatives for attending court proceedings in homicide claims Funerals: 5,000 Attorney fees: may allow up to 15% from award Emergency: $2,000 Certain expenses relating to injury to guide dog or assistance dog