Law garden / Arkansas
If you're Jane Doe in Arkansas
What Arkansas's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program, run by Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Crime Victims Reparations Board.
Show the law for this line: Arkansas DPS, Crime Victims Reparations Board home page
Arkansas DPS, Crime Victims Reparations Board home pageAR-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $10,000the most you can ask for in totalA.C.A. 16-90-716(a)(1)
- 5 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedA.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(1)(A), as amended by Act 666 of 2025
- Police reportthe program asks for oneA.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(6)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youA.C.A. 12-12-403(b)(1)
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $10,000.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-716(a)(1)
A.C.A. 16-90-716(a)(1)AR-CAP-1
The most the program pays for one victim, across all claimants, is $10,000.
Reparations payable to a victim and to all other claimants sustaining economic loss because of injury to or death of that victim may not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
For catastrophic injuries that cause total and permanent disability, the maximum rises to $25,000.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-716(a)(2)
A.C.A. 16-90-716(a)(2)AR-CAP-2
However, for those victims whose injuries are catastrophic and result in a total and permanent disability, the maximum reparations amount shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
Medical care
- For medical bills not covered by insurance, the board pays up to 65% of the bills, with total reimbursement capped at $10,000.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-703(1)(A)(i)and 1 more
A.C.A. 16-90-703(1)(A)(i)AR-COV-1
Medical care is an allowable expense.
“Allowable expense” means charges incurred for needed products, services, and accommodations, including, but not limited to: (i) Medical care;
16 CAR 60-210(a)(1)AR-CAP-4
the Crime Victims Reparations Board will award up to sixty-five percent (65%) of medical bills, not to exceed a total reimbursement of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
Counseling
- Mental health counseling not covered by insurance is paid up to $2,500 or six months, whichever comes first, if a treatment plan is sent within 30 days. The board's rules let it waive this maximum for a documented special need.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-202(2)(A)and 1 more
16 CAR 60-202(2)(A)AR-COV-2
Mental health expenses caused by the crime are compensable.
Mental health expenses incurred as a result of the criminally injurious conduct of another.
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
16 CAR 60-211(a)(1)AR-CAP-3
the Crime Victims Reparations Board will pay a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or provide for six (6) months, whichever occurs first, provided the treatment plan is submitted within thirty (30) days of:
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
Prescriptions
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section C
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section CAR-COV-7
The application asks for medical expenses including hospital and doctor charges, counseling, ambulance fees, and prescription medication costs.
List all medical expenses incurred as a result of crime related injuries, including hospital and doctor charges, counseling expenses, ambulance fees, and prescription medication costs.
Dental care
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section C
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section CAR-COV-8
Dental care is one of the treatment types a victim can request on the application.
Dental Care
Travel
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section H
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section HAR-COV-5
The application lists travel and lodging for a criminal justice proceeding related to the crime as an expense that may be eligible.
Travel and lodging resulting from a criminal justice proceeding related to the victimization.
Lost pay
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-703(12)
A.C.A. 16-90-703(12)AR-COV-3
Lost income (work loss) is part of compensable economic loss. The board's rules and the application require proof that the victim was employed.
“Work loss” means loss of income from work the victim or claimant would have performed if the victim had not been injured or died
Home security
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section H
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section HAR-COV-4
The application lists buying and installing locks and windows after a sexual assault in the victim's home as an expense that may be eligible.
Purchase and installation of locks and windows following a sexual assault or act of domestic abuse occurring within the victim's primary residence.
Child care
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section C
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section CAR-COV-6
The application lets a victim request replacement service loss, such as child care or convalescent care.
Replacement Service Loss (child care, convalescent care, etc.)
Funeral costs
- Funeral expenses are capped at $7,500.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-205(b)(1)
16 CAR 60-205(b)(1)AR-CAP-5
Compensation for funeral expenses of deceased victims may not exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500).
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
What it does not pay for
The program says it does not cover property crimes or pain and suffering. No source lists replacing stolen or damaged personal property as covered.
Show the law for this line: CVRB home page
CVRB home pageAR-EXCL-1
This program does not cover property crimes nor pain and suffering.
Compensable economic loss does not include noneconomic detriment such as pain, suffering, or inconvenience.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-703(7)
A.C.A. 16-90-703(7)AR-EXCL-2
“Economic loss” means monetary detriment consisting of allowable expense and work loss, but shall not include noneconomic detriment
In its crime scene cleanup section, the application says cleaning is different from replacing property, and property replacement is prohibited.
Show the law for this line: Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section G
Application for Crime Victim Compensation, Section GAR-EXCL-3
Property replacement is prohibited.
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 12-12-403(b)(1)and 1 more
A.C.A. 12-12-403(b)(1)AR-EXAM-1
Survivors are exempt from paying for a sexual assault medical-legal exam received within 96 hours of the attack. The 96-hour limit can be waived for a minor or when the board finds good cause.
(A) All victims shall be exempted from the payment of expenses incurred as a result of receiving a medical-legal examination if the victim receives the medical-legal examination within ninety-six (96) hours of the attack. (B) However, the time limitation of ninety-six (96) hours may be waived if the victim is a minor or if the Crime Victims Reparations Board finds that good cause exists for the failure to provide the medical-legal examination within the required time.
A.C.A. 12-12-403(c)(2)AR-EXAM-2
After the board pays, the exam provider may not send any remaining balance to the survivor.
The licensed healthcare provider shall not submit any remaining balance after reimbursement by the board to the victim.
The exam provider bills the Crime Victims Reparations Board directly, through the Sexual Assault Reimbursement Program, using a sexual assault reimbursement form.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 12-12-403(c)(1)
A.C.A. 12-12-403(c)(1)AR-EXAM-3
A licensed healthcare provider that performs a medical-legal examination shall submit a sexual assault reimbursement form, an itemized statement that meets the requirements of 45 C. F. R. § 164.512(d), as it existed on January 2, 2001, directly to the board for payment.
The board may pay a medical provider directly for a sexual assault testing kit even if the survivor never files an application, and those costs include testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-206(c)(2)-(3)
16 CAR 60-206(c)(2)-(3)AR-EXAM-6
The board may directly reimburse a medical care provider for costs associated with a sexual assault testing kit, even in the absence of a victim's application. (3) Such costs, which include those associated with testing for sexually transmitted diseases, may be reimbursed regardless of which fund or cost center is used to make the reimbursement.
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
The Sexual Assault Reimbursement Program pays for evidence collection after a sexual assault, including ambulance services and medical or legal exams, so the survivor does not bear the expense.
Show the law for this line: About CVRB page
About CVRB pageAR-EXAM-7
the Sexual Assault Reimbursement Program allows evidence to be collected after a sexual assault has been committed without the victim bearing the burden of the expense, and it pays for ambulance services and medical or legal examinations.
Police report
The program asks that the crime be reported to police.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(6)and 1 more
A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(6)AR-REPORT-1
The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours, unless the board finds good cause for the delay. No separate alternative for sexual assault survivors appears in the statute or rules.
Unless the criminally injurious conduct resulting in injury or death was reported to the proper authorities within seventy-two (72) hours after its occurrence, or the board finds there was good cause for the failure to report within that time
16 CAR 60-203(c)(2)AR-REPORT-2
Under the board's rules, good cause for missing the police report window includes the victim's age, physical incapacity, mental incompetence, or an injury that was not reasonably discoverable. The DPS criteria page says minors are excluded from the report window.
Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, the: (A) Physical incapacity of a victim; (B) Mental incompetence of a victim; (C) Age of the victim; and (D) Injury was not reasonably discoverable.
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
A survivor does not have to report to police or cooperate with law enforcement to get a forensic exam or have its charges reimbursed.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 12-12-403(b)(2)(A)
A.C.A. 12-12-403(b)(2)(A)AR-EXAM-4
This subsection does not require a victim of sexual assault to participate in the criminal justice system or to cooperate with law enforcement in order to be provided with a forensic medical exam or reimbursement for charges incurred on account of a forensic medical exam, or both.
The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours, unless the board finds good cause for the delay. No separate alternative for sexual assault survivors appears in the statute or rules.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(6)
A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(6)AR-REPORT-1
Unless the criminally injurious conduct resulting in injury or death was reported to the proper authorities within seventy-two (72) hours after its occurrence, or the board finds there was good cause for the failure to report within that time
Under the board's rules, good cause for missing the police report window includes the victim's age, physical incapacity, mental incompetence, or an injury that was not reasonably discoverable. The DPS criteria page says minors are excluded from the report window.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-203(c)(2)
16 CAR 60-203(c)(2)AR-REPORT-2
Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, the: (A) Physical incapacity of a victim; (B) Mental incompetence of a victim; (C) Age of the victim; and (D) Injury was not reasonably discoverable.
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
Deadline to apply
Apply within 5 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(1)(A), as amended by Act 666 of 2025
A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(1)(A), as amended by Act 666 of 2025AR-DEAD-1
A claim must be filed within 5 years after the injury, unless the board finds good cause for filing late.
Unless the claim has been filed with the Crime Victims Reparations Board within five (5) years after the injury or death upon which the claim is based, except: (A) When the board finds good cause for the failure to file a timely claim
If the victim is a minor, the claim may be filed within 5 years after the victim turns 18.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(1)(B), as amended by Act 666 of 2025
A.C.A. 16-90-712(a)(1)(B), as amended by Act 666 of 2025AR-DEAD-2
If the victim is a minor, the claim is filed within five (5) years after the date the victim reaches eighteen (18) years of age
Keeping your name and address private
Arkansas's Address Confidentiality Program, run by the DFA Office of Driver Services, is free and puts a post office box on the driver's license or ID card instead of the home address. It is limited to domestic violence victims and their dependents, so most sexual assault survivors do not qualify unless the abuser was a family or household member or dating partner.
Show the law for this line: DFA Address Confidentiality Program page, Program Description
DFA Address Confidentiality Program page, Program DescriptionAR-ACP-1
The Address Confidentiality Program is a free program administered by the Office of Driver Services. Participants in tis program will be issued a driver’s license or identification card that displays a post office box in lieu of a residential address.
Medical treatment documents a claimant submits with a reparations application are confidential by statute, and so are law enforcement investigative reports if another law makes them confidential. The statute does not make the whole claim file or the applicant's identity confidential.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-711
A.C.A. 16-90-711AR-RECCONF-1
When submitted to the Crime Victims Reparations Board as part of an application, the following information shall be confidential: (1) Documents submitted by a claimant which relate to medical treatment; and (2) Law enforcement investigative reports, if confidential under any other law.
How to apply
Online https://crimevictims.dps.arkansas.gov/Forms/CVApplication
Show the law for this line: CVRB home page, Crime Victim Compensation Application
CVRB home page, Crime Victim Compensation ApplicationAR-SUBMIT-1
The program offers an online application, which its Documents and Forms page marks as the preferred way to apply.
We offer an ONLINE APPLICATION process for Victim Compensation! Access the Online Application
Mail 322 South Main Street, Suite 615 Little Rock, AR 72201
Show the law for this line: About CVRB page, applying and Contact CVRB
About CVRB page, applying and Contact CVRBAR-SUBMIT-2
A paper application can be sent to the Crime Victims Reparations office, listed on the DPS site at 322 South Main Street, Suite 615, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Victims may apply for compensation by submitting an application to the Arkansas Crime Victim's Reparations office. Applications are available from the Arkansas Crime Victim's Reparations office or from one of Arkansas's 28 elected prosecutors. These programs are funded by fees collected from criminal offenders and a federal grant through the Victims of Crime Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. Contact CVRB 322 South Main Street, Suite 615 Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone 501-682-1020
Show the law for this line: Arkansas DPS, Crime Victims Reparations Board home page
Arkansas DPS, Crime Victims Reparations Board home pageAR-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
An advance (emergency) award is available when compensation is probable and undue hardship would result; it is capped at $500 and deducted from the final award.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-207(b)(1)
16 CAR 60-207(b)(1)AR-EMER-1
The amount of such advance (emergency) award shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
Good to know before you apply
Covers anyone injured by a crime in Arkansas, plus Arkansas residents hurt in a state with no compensation program they qualify for.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-703(11)(A)
A.C.A. 16-90-703(11)(A)AR-RES-1
“Victim” means a person who suffers personal injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct committed either within the State of Arkansas or against any Arkansas resident who suffers personal injury as the result of criminally injurious conduct which occurs in states presently not having crime victims reparations programs for which the victim is eligible
Exam bills are denied or reduced to the extent the cost can be recovered from a collateral source, which the rules define to include insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Show the law for this line: 16 CAR 60-303
16 CAR 60-303AR-EXAM-5
Medical-legal examination bills will be denied or diminished to the extent that the expenses can be recuperated from a collateral source.
Open the source on webftp.blr.arkansas.gov (opens in a new tab)
Awards are reduced by any amount recovered from collateral sources such as insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, workers' compensation, or the offender.
Show the law for this line: A.C.A. 16-90-712(b)(1)
A.C.A. 16-90-712(b)(1)AR-COLL-1
Reparations otherwise payable to a claimant shall be diminished to the extent: (1) That the economic loss is recouped from collateral sources
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If you're Jane Doe in Arkansas: you can ask for up to $10,000, and you should never get a bill for a forensic exam.
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