Connecticut Victim Compensation Program (OVS Compensation)
Connecticut's crime victim compensation program reimburses victims of crime in Connecticut for certain crime-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Covered costs can include medical, dental, and counseling expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses (up to $6,000), and crime scene cleanup (up to $1,000). It does not cover property damage, pain and suffering, or attorney fees.
Who it is for
Victims of crime in Connecticut, dependents of homicide victims, certain relatives of sexual assault or domestic violence victims, witnesses to domestic violence, and people who paid funeral or cleanup expenses. Most crimes must be reported to police within five days to qualify, but victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or human trafficking do not need a police report; disclosure to a certified counselor or a protective or restraining order can be used instead.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply through your state.
Apply directly to the Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services using a Physical Injury, Emotional Injury, or Survivor Benefits application. A victim advocate can help you file at no cost.
How to apply
- Report the crime to the police, generally within five days. Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or human trafficking can instead show disclosure to a certified counselor or a protective or restraining order.
- Gather documentation of your crime-related expenses, such as bills, receipts, and proof of lost wages.
- Complete and sign the appropriate application (Physical Injury, Emotional Injury, or Survivor Benefits) and mail it to the Office of Victim Services.
- Call the Office of Victim Services Compensation unit at 1-888-286-7347 if you have questions about eligibility or your claim.
Deadline: You must generally file the application within 3 years of the date of the personal or emotional injury or death. A waiver application is available for crimes that occurred more than 3 years before filing. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Reimbursement varies by expense type, with category caps including funeral expenses up to $6,000 and crime scene cleanup up to $1,000. Compensation is a payer of last resort, paid after insurance and other sources.
This is how Connecticut 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.