Montana Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVC)
Montana's crime victim compensation program, administered by the Montana Department of Justice Office of Victim Services. It can help pay certain crime-related out-of-pocket costs from a personal injury crime, including medical and dental care, mental health treatment, lost wages, physical therapy, and funeral expenses. It does not cover property damage, pain and suffering, or legal fees. The program can pay up to 25,000 dollars in benefits, with funeral expenses capped at 10,000 dollars.
Who it is for
Victims injured as a result of a personal injury crime in Montana, a parent or legal guardian of a minor victim, and the spouse or next of kin of a deceased victim, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking, who have crime-related costs not covered by other sources.
Good to know
Compensation is generally a payer of last resort, after insurance and other sources.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
Apply directly to the Office of Victim Services. A claim form is available from law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and victim assistance programs, or by contacting the program directly. A local victim advocate can help you complete the claim.
How to apply
- Report the crime to law enforcement, generally within 72 hours, or document good cause for a delay.
- Obtain a claim form from a law enforcement agency, hospital, victim assistance program, or the Crime Victim Compensation Program directly.
- Complete the form and include bills, receipts, and documentation for your crime-related costs.
- Cooperate fully with law enforcement and prosecutors in the case.
- Call the program at 406-444-3653 or toll-free 1-800-498-6455 with questions.
Deadline: File a claim within one year of the date of the crime, or provide good cause why it was not filed on time. The crime generally must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours. Confirm current rules with the program before you apply. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Up to 25,000 dollars in benefits, with funeral expenses capped at 10,000 dollars. Covers crime-related costs such as medical and dental care, mental health treatment, lost wages, and physical therapy. It does not cover property damage, pain and suffering, or legal fees. Check the official page for current limits.
This is how Montana 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.