Find out if you qualify for Illinois Crime Victims Compensation (ICVC) and estimate how much you may receive for medical bills, lost wages, counseling, and more.
What type of crime were you a victim of?
Select the category that best describes what happened. All crimes listed are eligible under 740 ILCS 45.
About the ICVC Program
The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation (ICVC) program is administered by the Illinois Court of Claims under 740 ILCS 45. It provides financial assistance to innocent victims of violent crime who have suffered physical injury or death. Awards cover medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral costs, and relocation expenses — up to $79,500 total.
Official ICVC Program WebsiteWhat is the maximum ICVC award in Illinois?
The maximum total award under 740 ILCS 45 is $27,000 for most expenses. However, lost wages can add up to $52,000 (up to $1,000/week for 52 weeks), and funeral expenses up to $7,500 are separate. Mental health counseling has no cap. Total awards can reach $79,500 or more in some cases.
Do I need a police report to file an ICVC claim?
Generally yes — the crime must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours under 740 ILCS 45/6.1. However, exceptions exist for domestic violence victims, human trafficking victims, and child abuse cases. An attorney can help you navigate the exception process.
How long does an ICVC claim take to process?
Standard ICVC claims typically take 6–12 months to process through the Illinois Court of Claims. Emergency awards are available for immediate needs like medical bills and housing. An attorney can help expedite the process.
Can I file an ICVC claim and also sue the offender?
Yes. ICVC compensation does not prevent you from filing a civil lawsuit against the offender. However, any civil recovery may be used to reimburse the ICVC program under 740 ILCS 45/10.1. An attorney can coordinate both claims.
What if the offender was never caught or convicted?
A conviction is not required to receive ICVC compensation. You only need to show that a crime occurred and that you were a victim. A police report documenting the crime is typically sufficient.