Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program (Crime Victim Compensation)
Iowa's crime victim compensation program helps victims who are physically or emotionally injured by violent crime in Iowa, along with secondary victims and homicide survivors, with out-of-pocket expenses not paid by other sources. It is the payer of last resort after insurance and other programs. Covered costs include medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, loss of support, funeral and burial, emergency relocation, crime scene cleanup, and replacing items held as evidence. The program does not cover property crime or loss, legal fees, or pain and suffering, and it is funded by fines and penalties paid by offenders rather than taxpayer dollars.
Who it is for
Victims physically or emotionally injured by violent crime in Iowa, secondary victims such as close family or household members, and homicide survivors, who have unreimbursed expenses.
Focus: Domestic and intimate partner violence, Sexual assault
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Get help from a local victim service advocate or county attorney victim assistance staff, who can guide you through the application.
- Apply online through the Crime Victim Compensation application at https://ccvcia.org/, or download the printable application in English or Spanish from the Attorney General page.
- Sign all required release forms so the program can verify expenses with insurers and providers.
- Submit the application and releases to the Crime Victim Compensation Program, or call 1-800-373-5044 or 515-281-5044 with questions about the program or your claim.
Deadline: You must apply within two years of the date of the crime, or show good cause for the delay. Confirm timing with the program at 1-800-373-5044. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Benefit caps include up to $25,000 for victim medical care, up to $5,000 for victim and survivor counseling, up to $6,000 for lost wages, up to $7,500 for funeral and burial, and up to $1,000 each for emergency relocation, crime scene cleanup, and crime-related travel. Confirm current limits with the program.
This is how Iowa 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.