Victims of Crime


Ohio Victims of Crime Program


The Ohio Victims of Crime Program provides a way for victims to recover their economic losses resulting from injuries suffered during a violent crime. The goal of the program is to make sure that every innocent victim of crime receives all the compensation allowed under the law. The following information explains who is eligible for compensation and how victims can receive compensation. If more information is needed, please call the Ohio Attorney General's Office at the following numbers:

 

Receptionist

(614) 466-5610

Toll Free

(800) 582-2877

Hotline

(877) 584-2846

or visit the Attorney General Web Page

 

or download their information book here

 

WHEN TO ACT

 

The crime MUST be reported to police within 72 hours, and your claim MUST be filed within 2 years after the crime happened.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

 

A Victim who:

 

(1) suffers a direct personal injury resulting from a crime or who is injured while trying to stop a crime or apprehend a criminal in Ohio, and

 

(2) is a resident of the United states or of a country which has a reciprocal victims program,

 

---or who---

 

(1) suffers a direct personal injury resulting from a crime or who is injured while trying to stop a crime or apprehend a criminal outside Ohio, and

 

(2) has a permanent place of residence in Ohio, and

 

(3) at the time of the crime, was a full-time student, was a member of the armed forces, was 60 years of age or older, or meets any of the other qualifications listed in R.C. 2743.51(A)(2)(a).

 

---or---  

A dependent of a deceased victim.

 

---or---

Another person who voluntarily pays the expenses of a victim or victim's dependents.

 

WHERE TO FILE

 

You should file your claims with:

 

Ohio Attorney General's Office

Crime Victim Services

150 East Gay Street, 25th Floor

Columbus OH  43215

E-mail:  CV@ag.state.oh.us

Phone:  (614) 466-5610

Fax:  (614) 752-2732

Ohio Toll Free Hotline:  (800) 582-2877

TTY Available

 

This form is also available on line and can be filed electronically at:

Ohio Attorney Generals Web Page

 

 COST OF FILING

 

There is no cost to file and return postage is part of the application.

 

AN AWARD MAY COVER

  • Medical expenses

  • Work loss

  • Replacement services loss

  • Dependent's economic loss

  • Limited funeral expenses

You claim is good only for out-of-pocket losses as a result of personal injuries caused by the crime. Future expenses may also be awarded. Lost, stolen or damaged property is not covered. Also, you are not required to have a lawyer, but you may pick your own if you think you need legal help. Lawyer fees will be paid by the State.

 

AN AWARD WILL NOT COVER

  • Benefits received or available from:

  • The offender

  • Private insurance

  • Disability insurance or programs

  • Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

  • Benefits from other government programs

  • Workers' Compensation