Massachusetts Victims of Violent Crime Compensation (MA Victim Compensation)
Massachusetts provides financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime for costs not covered by other sources, including uninsured medical and dental care, mental health counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and income lost because of the inability to work. Compensation can cover expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 per crime. In 2025 the program was transferred from the Attorney General's Office to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA).
Who it is for
Victims of violent crime in Massachusetts, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking, who have crime-related expenses not paid by insurance or other sources. Certain family members of victims may also be eligible.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply through your state.
Apply directly to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance by completing the Application for Crime Victim Compensation. A District Attorney victim witness advocate or a local victim service program can help you file at no cost.
How to apply
- Report the crime to the police, generally within five days unless there is good cause for a delay.
- Gather documentation of your crime-related expenses, such as bills, receipts, and proof of lost wages.
- Complete the Application for Crime Victim Compensation and return it to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance.
- Ask a District Attorney victim witness advocate or a local victim service program to help you prepare and submit the claim, free of charge.
- Call MOVA at 617-586-1340 or email VCCorrespondence@mass.gov with questions about eligibility or your claim.
Deadline: You generally must apply within three years of the crime, and the crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for the delay. Decisions typically take about four to six months. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Up to a maximum of $25,000 per crime. Compensation is a payer of last resort, after insurance and other available sources.
This is how Massachusetts 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.