Program Directory

New Jersey

Victims of Crime Compensation Agency, Department of Law and Public Safety

50 Park Place, 6th fl.
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 648-2107
FAX: (973) 648-3937/7031
1-800-242-0804

Web site: www.njvictims.org
Application: www.njvictims.org/files/VCCB_Forms_Final.pdf

Director: Edward Werner

Created in 1971 as an independent executive branch agency, the VCCA is now administered by a program director and staff, after legislation to revamp the program was passed in 2007.

FUNDING
The program receives $50 per misdemeanor and juvenile offense; and $100 - $10,000 per felony where injury or death results. The program also receives $50 for DWI convictions and $50 for cases resolved by pretrial intervention. A 10% surcharge on all prison-canteen purchases is earmarked for the program. The program receives an annual appropriation for administrative expenses. The program also receives a VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Law enforcement reporting period: 90 days
Filing period: 2 years
Exceptions: Good cause waiver; child victims may have up to two years after age of 18.

PROCEDURES
Claims processors perform work on the application and make recommendations. The victim has 20 days following the recommendation to request a hearing.

Appeals: The applicant may request a hearing within 20 days of the claims processor's recommendation. The applicant may take a further appeal to the superior court appellate division within 45 days of the decision made as a result of the hearing.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $25,000; supplemental $35,000 for victims with catastrophic injuries, for all forms of rehabilitative assistance.

Compensable Costs (with limits)

Medical expenses
Mental health counseling: $12,500 maximum for direct victim; up to $7,000 for secondary victim
Lost wages/support: currently $600 per week; loss of victim/decedent and offender's support can be paid to dependent victims up to 48 months; reduced spousal earnings due to homicide or child victimization can be paid
Funerals: $5,000
Crime-scene cleanup: $1,500
Bedding and clothing replacement: $500
Moving expenses: $2,500
Domestic services: includes housekeeping, child care, day care, and pre-/after-school care) up to $50 per day, maximum $6,500 in aggregate
Stolen cash: up to $200 for disabled and senior citizens below poverty level
Travel: 31 cents per mile, up to $10 per day for medical visits; $300 per person up to $1,500 per claim for air/train travel
Rehabilitation
Attorney fees: up to 15% of award or $125 per hour, whichever is less
Emergency: $1,500




	Program Directory New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Agency, Department of Law and Public Safety 50 Park Place, 6th fl. Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 648-2107 FAX: (973) 648-3937/7031 1-800-242-0804 Web site: www.njvictims.org Application: www.njvictims.org/files/VCCB_Forms_Final.pdf Director: Edward Werner Created in 1971 as an independent executive branch agency, the VCCA is now administered by a program director and staff, after legislation to revamp the program was passed in 2007. FUNDING The program receives $50 per misdemeanor and juvenile offense; and $100 - $10,000 per felony where injury or death results. The program also receives $50 for DWI convictions and $50 for cases resolved by pretrial intervention. A 10% surcharge on all prison-canteen purchases is earmarked for the program. The program receives an annual appropriation for administrative expenses. The program also receives a VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Law enforcement reporting period: 90 days Filing period: 2 years Exceptions: Good cause waiver; child victims may have up to two years after age of 18. PROCEDURES Claims processors perform work on the application and make recommendations. The victim has 20 days following the recommendation to request a hearing. Appeals: The applicant may request a hearing within 20 days of the claims processor's recommendation. The applicant may take a further appeal to the superior court appellate division within 45 days of the decision made as a result of the hearing. BENEFITS Maximum award: $25,000; supplemental $35,000 for victims with catastrophic injuries, for all forms of rehabilitative assistance. Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: $12,500 maximum for direct victim; up to $7,000 for secondary victim Lost wages/support: currently $600 per week; loss of victim/decedent and offender's support can be paid to dependent victims up to 48 months; reduced spousal earnings due to homicide or child victimization can be paid Funerals: $5,000 Crime-scene cleanup: $1,500 Bedding and clothing replacement: $500 Moving expenses: $2,500 Domestic services: includes housekeeping, child care, day care, and pre-/after-school care) up to $50 per day, maximum $6,500 in aggregate Stolen cash: up to $200 for disabled and senior citizens below poverty level Travel: 31 cents per mile, up to $10 per day for medical visits; $300 per person up to $1,500 per claim for air/train travel Rehabilitation Attorney fees: up to 15% of award or $125 per hour, whichever is less Emergency: $1,500