Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation (WI Crime Victim Compensation)
Wisconsin's Crime Victim Compensation program may help pay unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses that result from a violent crime, including medical and mental health treatment, lost wages, funeral expenses up to $5,000, crime scene cleanup up to $1,000, and certain caregiver services. The state pays up to $40,000 over as many as four years. Property loss is generally not covered, and compensation is a payer of last resort after insurance and other sources.
Who it is for
Victims of violent crime in Wisconsin, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking, who have crime-related expenses not paid by other sources. Surviving family members and certain others affected by the crime may also qualify.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply through your state.
Apply directly to the Wisconsin DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services. A local victim/witness advocate or victim service program can help you file at no cost.
How to apply
- Report the crime to law enforcement; the program generally requires the crime to be reported within five days, or within five days of when it could reasonably have been reported.
- Gather documentation of your crime-related expenses, such as bills, receipts, and proof of lost wages.
- Request and complete the Crime Victim Compensation application from the Office of Crime Victim Services page or by calling the program.
- Submit the application by mail to Crime Victim Compensation, PO Box 7951, Madison, WI 53707-7951, or as directed on the application.
- Call the Office of Crime Victim Services at 800-446-6564 with questions or for help with your claim.
Deadline: You must file a claim within one year of the date of the crime. This deadline may be waived in the interest of justice. The crime generally must be reported to law enforcement within five days of the crime or of when it could reasonably have been reported. Confirm current deadlines on the program page or by calling 800-446-6564. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: The State of Wisconsin pays up to $40,000 over as many as four years, including funeral expenses up to $5,000 and crime scene cleanup up to $1,000. Award amounts vary by expense type; confirm current limits with the program.
This is how Wisconsin 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.