California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) (CalVCB)
California's crime victim compensation program. CalVCB can reimburse victims of violent crime for certain out-of-pocket costs not covered by other sources, including medical and dental treatment, mental health counseling, income loss, funeral and burial expenses, relocation, residential security, crime scene cleanup, and home or vehicle modifications. CalVCB is a payer of last resort and does not cover property loss.
Who it is for
Victims of violent crime in California, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking, and certain family members, who have crime-related expenses.
Good to know
CalVCB cannot cover expenses unrelated to the crime or property damage. Filing does not require the offender to be arrested or convicted.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
Apply directly to CalVCB online, by mail, or with help from a County Victim Witness Assistance Center.
How to apply
- Apply online through CalVCB Online, or request a paper application.
- Complete every section you can and include copies of crime reports, bills, and receipts.
- Mail paper applications to CalVCB, P.O. Box 3036, Sacramento, CA 95812-3036, or email info@victims.ca.gov.
- A County Victim Witness Assistance Center or a local advocate can help you complete and submit the claim.
- For help, call CalVCB at 1-800-777-9229.
Deadline: File within 7 years of the crime, 7 years after the victim turns 18, or 7 years after the victim or claimant knew or should have known of an injury or death from the crime, whichever is later. Victims age 21 or younger have until their 28th birthday to apply. Late applications may be considered for good cause. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Reimbursement amounts and caps vary by expense type and are set by California law. CalVCB pays only after insurance and other sources.
This is how California runs the national Crime Victim Compensation (VOCA). See the national program .
Verified as of 2026-06-17. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.