- Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund Intro
- Filing a Claim
- How Do I?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund ("Fund") provides financial assistance to crime victims through two programs: Criminal Injuries Compensation Program (CIC/Criminal Injuries Program) and the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE).
To receive assistance or reimbursement for allowed expenses, a claim must be filed with the Division of Claims Administration within a specific time period. The filing deadline and filing procedure varies for each of the programs mentioned below:
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program (CIC/Criminal Injuries Program)
The purpose of this program is to assist victims of crimes or, in the case of the victim's death, their dependent relatives. Payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program are intended to defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs, and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
CIC Program General Information and Eligibility
CIC Program Application (English)
Español (Spanish)
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)
In 2007, the General Assembly amended the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to provide payment for services related to sexual assault forensic examinations. The Fund provides reimbursement to a facility that performs sexual assault forensic exams on victims of certain sexually-oriented crimes. Facilities must bill the Fund (not the victim) and cannot seek any additional payment from the victim after payment by the Fund.
SAFE Program - General Information and Forms (For medical providers)
Answers to most questions are available in the "How Do I?" section in the tab above. If you cannot find the information you need on this website, please contact us.
To receive assistance or reimbursement for allowed expenses, a claim must be filed with the Division of Claims Administration within a specific time period. The filing deadline and filing procedure varies for each of the programs mentioned above. If you are a victim, click here for further information about filing a claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation. If you are a medical provider of services for a sexual assault examination, click here for further information about filing for SAFE Program Reimbursement.
Answers to most questions are available in the "How Do I?" section in the tab above. If you cannot find the information you need on this website, please contact us.
Questions
- How do people find out about the programs and their benefits?
- How does the process work?
- How do I know whether I may qualify?
- How do I file a claim if the crime did not occur in Tennessee?
- How do I document a claim?
- What deems a claim filed?
- How do I confirm a claim was filed (received by the Division of Claims Administration)?
- How do I request the status of a claim that was filed?
- How are the programs funded?
- How many claims are received each year?
- How much is paid by the Fund each year?
Answers
How do people find out about the programs and their benefits?
This website contains the information someone may need to begin the claims process or find information about the benefits available through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. The Division of Claims Administration provides informative brochures and program materials to victims, their families, and victim advocates. In addition, victim assistance coordinators in each judicial district also provide information about the benefits provided through the Fund.
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How does the process work?
Program information, procedures and claims processing differs between the two programs operated by the Division of Claims Administration. Both begin when a party submits a claim form and documentation to the Division. Generally, the Division's staff reviews the claims submitted to our office, requests and/or obtains supporting information from various persons (including the person who filed the claim) and makes a determination. Once a determination is made, the party is notified in writing of the decision.
How do I know whether I may qualify?
This website contains general information to help you determine if you or someone you know may be eligible and wants to file a claim. This is general information, however, and no one can assume a claim will be deemed eligible. A determination is only made once a claim is filed and is based on laws that apply to the circumstances of the claim or incident in question. There are requirements and some claims are not eligible for payment. How do I file a Criminal Injuries claim if the crime did not occur in Tennessee?
Criminal Injuries Compensation claims filed that are based on a crime that did not occur in Tennessee will not be eligible. A person must file with the victims' compensation program in the state where the crime occurred.
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How do I document a claim?
Read the instructions on the claim form for the program with which you want to file a claim. Follow them the best you can as it applies to your situation. If you have questions, please contact our office at 615-741-2734.
What deems a claim filed?
A claim is only considered "filed" once it has been received by the Division of Claims Administration. Having something post-marked by the required deadline DOES NOT suffice. If a claim is not received by the required deadline, the claim may be denied. For filing information, see program information.
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How do I confirm a claim was filed (received by the Division of Claims Administration)?
You may contact us at (615) 741-2734 during normal business hours to confirm whether we have received the claim in question.
How do I request the status of a claim that was filed?
Contact the Division of Claims Administration. The office will provide status updates to the claimant (or his/her attorney that filed the claim) or others if permitted by law.
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How are the programs funded?
The payments made on claims filed with these programs are made from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. This includes privilege taxes assessed in courts against criminal defendants and other offenders upon conviction, fees levied against parolees and probationers, the proceeds of bond forfeitures in felony cases, and a federal grant. Jurors may also elect to donate their jury service reimbursement to the Fund.
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How many claims are received each year?
The Division of Claims Administration receives 2,500-3,000 Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims per year and over 3,000 forensic examination reimbursement claims per year. Click here for more information.
How much is paid by the Fund each year?
Each year the State Treasurer presents the Treasurer's Report to the Tennessee General Assembly. Annually, we update the Treasury Department's site with the current Treasurer's Report, as well as provide excerpts about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund on this program website. Click here for this information.