Law garden / Minnesota
If you're Jane Doe in Minnesota
What Minnesota's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program, run by Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, Crime Victims Reimbursement Board.
Show the law for this line: Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program (DPS OJP page)
Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program (DPS OJP page)MN-S8
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $50,000the most you can ask for in totalMinn. Stat. 611A.54(3)
- 3 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedMinn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(5)
- Police reportthe program asks for one within 30 daysMinn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(1)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youMinn. Stat. 609.35(b)
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $50,000.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.54(3)
Minn. Stat. 611A.54(3)MN-TOTAL-1
Reimbursement to all claimants for one victim's injury or death may not exceed $50,000.
reimbursement paid to all claimants suffering economic loss as the result of the injury or death of any one victim shall not exceed $50,000.
Medical care
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(1)
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(1)MN-COV-MEDICAL
Necessary medical, hospital, dental, and related expenses, including ambulance and drugs, count as economic loss.
reasonable expenses incurred for necessary medical, chiropractic, hospital, rehabilitative, and dental products, services, or accommodations, including ambulance services, drugs, appliances, and prosthetic devices
Counseling
- The program's own staff training slides list a $7,500 limit for counseling with a licensed provider. The board sets this amount itself, so it can change.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(3)and 2 more
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(3)MN-CAP-COUNSELING-2
Psychological and psychiatric care needed for the victim's recovery counts as economic loss, up to an amount the board sets.
reasonable expenses incurred for psychological or psychiatric products, services, or accommodations, not to exceed an amount to be set by the board
Financial Help brochure (9/24), benefits listMN-COV-COUNSELING
Counseling by a licensed provider is covered for victims and their family members.
Counseling expenses by a licensed provider for victims and their family members
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 25MN-CAP-COUNSELING
Counseling with licensed provider$7,500
Travel
Show the law for this line: Mileage Reimbursement Request form
Mileage Reimbursement Request formMN-COV-TRANSPORT
Mileage to crime-related medical and counseling appointments is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.
The reparations program reimburses mileage to medical and counseling appointments that are related to the injury from the crime. Miles are calculated from your home address to the clinic/hospital address and are paid at the current federal mileage rate.
Lost pay
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(4)
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(4)MN-COV-WAGES
Income the victim would have earned had they not been injured counts as economic loss.
loss of income that the victim would have earned had the victim not been injured
Moving
- Moving expenses, storage fees, and phone and utility installation fees are covered up to $1,000 per claim when the move is needed because of a reasonable fear of danger related to the crime.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(7)
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(7)MN-CAP-RELOCATION
the claimant's moving expenses, storage fees, and phone and utility installation fees, up to a maximum of $1,000 per claim, if the move is necessary due to a reasonable fear of danger related to the crime for which the claim was filed
Child care
- Child care from a provider exempt from licensing is paid at no more than $3 an hour per child for daytime care or $4 an hour per child for evening care. Licensed facilities are paid up to their standard rate.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(5)and 1 more
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(5)MN-COV-CHILDCARE
Substitute child care or household services the victim would have provided count as economic loss.
reasonable expenses incurred for substitute child care or household services to replace those the victim or claimant would have performed had the victim or the claimant's child not been injured
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 8(b)(5)MN-CAP-CHILDCARE
Licensed facilities must be paid at a rate not to exceed their standard rate of payment. Facilities exempted from licensing requirements must be paid at a rate not to exceed $3 an hour per child for daytime child care or $4 an hour per child for evening child care
Crime scene cleanup
- The program's own staff training slides list crime scene cleanup with a $10,000 limit.
Show the law for this line: CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 32
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 32MN-CAP-CLEANUP
scene clean up - $10,000
What it does not pay for
Pain and suffering, stolen money, and property loss are not covered.
Show the law for this line: Financial Help brochure (9/24), benefits list
Financial Help brochure (9/24), benefits listMN-EXC-PROPERTY
Pain and suffering, stolen money and property loss are not covered.
Damaged or stolen property is not covered.
Show the law for this line: Application form (Rev. 5/24), page 1
Application form (Rev. 5/24), page 1MN-EXC-PROPERTY-2
Expenses for damaged/stolen property are not covered.
The program's own staff training slides list security systems as not covered.
Show the law for this line: CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33MN-EXC-SECURITY
Non-Covered Expenses Pain and suffering Property Loss /stolen money Security systems
The program's own staff training slides list clothing and bedding taken as evidence as not covered.
Show the law for this line: CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33MN-EXC-CLOTHING
Non-Covered Expenses Pain and suffering Property Loss /stolen money Security systems Clothing /Bedding taken as evidence
The program's own staff training slides list attorney's fees as not covered.
Show the law for this line: CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 33MN-EXC-LEGAL
Non-Covered Expenses Pain and suffering Property Loss /stolen money Security systems Clothing /Bedding taken as evidence Attorney's fees
The board does not reimburse lost tuition, scholarship, or student loan funds, or income lost from delayed schooling.
Show the law for this line: Minn. R. 3050.3200, subp. 8
Minn. R. 3050.3200, subp. 8MN-EXC-TUITION
The board must not reimburse a claimant for loss of tuition, scholarship, or student loan funds or loss of income due to a delay in completion of schooling related to the crime.
Wages already covered by the claimant's paid leave are not paid.
Show the law for this line: Minn. R. 3050.3200, subp. 4
Minn. R. 3050.3200, subp. 4MN-EXC-LEAVE
The board must not pay for lost wages covered by a claimant's accumulated sick leave, vacation leave, compensatory time, or holiday pay.
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)and 1 more
Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)MN-EXAM-1
A provider may bill the survivor's insurer for a sexual assault exam only if the survivor authorizes it, and may ask for that authorization only after the exam.
The hospital or other licensed health care provider performing the examination may seek insurance reimbursement from the victim's insurer only if authorized by the victim. This authorization may only be sought after the examination is performed.
Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)MN-EXAM-2
When asking for that consent, the provider must tell the survivor that the state is required to pay and that the survivor owes nothing and does not have to authorize insurance billing.
the state is required by law to pay for the examination and that the victim is in no way liable for these costs or obligated to authorize the reimbursement
The provider can bill your insurance for it only if you agree.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)and 1 more
Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)MN-EXAM-1
A provider may bill the survivor's insurer for a sexual assault exam only if the survivor authorizes it, and may ask for that authorization only after the exam.
The hospital or other licensed health care provider performing the examination may seek insurance reimbursement from the victim's insurer only if authorized by the victim. This authorization may only be sought after the examination is performed.
Minn. Stat. 609.35(b)MN-EXAM-2
When asking for that consent, the provider must tell the survivor that the state is required to pay and that the survivor owes nothing and does not have to authorize insurance billing.
the state is required by law to pay for the examination and that the victim is in no way liable for these costs or obligated to authorize the reimbursement
The state pays for the exam of a victim of criminal sexual conduct that occurred in Minnesota, including STI tests and treatment and emergency contraception. Providers send the costs to the Office of Justice Programs.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 609.35(a)
Minn. Stat. 609.35(a)MN-EXAM-3
for the examination of a victim of criminal sexual conduct that occurred in the state shall be paid by the state. These costs include, but are not limited to, the cost of the medical forensic examination, associated tests and treatments relating to sexually transmitted infection, and pregnancy status, including emergency contraception. A hospital, emergency medical facility, or health care provider shall submit the costs for examination and any associated tests and treatment to the Office of Justice Programs for payment.
State payment for the exam does not depend on reporting to police or on any investigation or prosecution.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 609.35(c)
Minn. Stat. 609.35(c)MN-EXAM-4
The applicability of this section does not depend upon whether the victim reports the offense to law enforcement or the existence or status of any investigation or prosecution.
Police report
The program asks that the crime be reported to police.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(1)and 2 more
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(1)MN-REPORT-1
The crime must be reported to police within 30 days, but a victim of criminal sexual conduct who reports later is treated as having been unable to report sooner.
the crime was not reported to the police within 30 days of its occurrence or, if it could not reasonably have been reported within that period, within 30 days of the time when a report could reasonably have been made. A victim of criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or fourth degree who does not report the crime within 30 days of its occurrence is deemed to have been unable to have reported it within that period
Financial Help brochure (9/24), eligibility requirementsMN-REPORT-2
The program says there is no time limit to report for sexual assault victims, but the crime must still be reported to police.
Crime must have been reported to police within 30 days (no time limit for sexual assault and child abuse victims, but crime must be reported)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(2)MN-REPORT-3
The victim must cooperate fully with police. Cooperation can be shown by police or prosecutor records, or by a signed document from a victim service, counseling, or medical professional involved in the case. This shows cooperation; it does not replace the police report.
Cooperation is determined through law enforcement reports, prosecutor records, or corroboration memorialized in a signed document submitted by a victim service, counseling, or medical professional involved in the case
The crime must be reported to police within 30 days, but a victim of criminal sexual conduct who reports later is treated as having been unable to report sooner.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(1)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(1)MN-REPORT-1
the crime was not reported to the police within 30 days of its occurrence or, if it could not reasonably have been reported within that period, within 30 days of the time when a report could reasonably have been made. A victim of criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or fourth degree who does not report the crime within 30 days of its occurrence is deemed to have been unable to have reported it within that period
The program says there is no time limit to report for sexual assault victims, but the crime must still be reported to police.
Show the law for this line: Financial Help brochure (9/24), eligibility requirements
Financial Help brochure (9/24), eligibility requirementsMN-REPORT-2
Crime must have been reported to police within 30 days (no time limit for sexual assault and child abuse victims, but crime must be reported)
The victim must cooperate fully with police. Cooperation can be shown by police or prosecutor records, or by a signed document from a victim service, counseling, or medical professional involved in the case. This shows cooperation; it does not replace the police report.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(2)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(2)MN-REPORT-3
Cooperation is determined through law enforcement reports, prosecutor records, or corroboration memorialized in a signed document submitted by a victim service, counseling, or medical professional involved in the case
Deadline to apply
Apply within 3 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(5)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(5)MN-DEADLINE-1
A claim must be filed within three years of the victim's injury, with extensions when the claimant was unable to file or the injury was not reasonably discoverable.
no claim was filed with the board within three years of victim's injury or death; except that (i) if the claimant was unable to file a claim within that period, then the claim can be made within three years of the time when a claim could have been filed; and (ii) if the victim's injury or death was not reasonably discoverable within three years of the injury or death, then the claim can be made within three years of the time when the injury or death is reasonably discoverable.
For victims of child abuse, the police report time limit and the minimum claim amount do not apply, and the three-year filing period starts when the crime is reported to police.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2MN-DEADLINE-2
The limitations contained in clauses (1) and (6) do not apply to victims of child abuse. In those cases the three-year limitation period commences running with the report of the crime to the police.
Keeping your name and address private
Safe at Home, run by the Minnesota Secretary of State, gives survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and others who fear for their safety a PO Box address and forwards their mail to their real address, so the home address stays confidential.
Show the law for this line: Secretary of State, Safe at Home page, program description
Secretary of State, Safe at Home page, program descriptionMN-ACP-1
Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It is designed to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or others who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address.
Reimbursement claims and their supporting documents and reports are investigative data while the claim is open, and private data on individuals once it is paid, denied, withdrawn, or abandoned; the board may still forward them to local law enforcement for restitution purposes.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.57, subd. 6
Minn. Stat. 611A.57, subd. 6MN-RECORDS-1
Following the payment, denial, withdrawal, or abandonment of a claim, the claim and supporting documents and reports are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12
How to apply
Online https://svcportal.dps.mn.gov/vsp/Account/Login
Show the law for this line: DPS OJP program page, Apply for reimbursement
DPS OJP program page, Apply for reimbursementMN-SUBMIT-ONLINE
A survivor can apply online through the Victim Services Portal.
Apply for reimbursement through the Victim Services Portal
Email dps.justiceprograms@state.mn.us
Show the law for this line: Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' box
Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' boxMN-SUBMIT-EMAIL
The signed paper application can be emailed to the Board.
Complete and submit to: Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300 St. Paul MN 55101-1515 651.201.7300 or 1.888.622.8799 (Toll-Free) 651.296.5787 (Fax) 651.205.4827 (TTY) dps.justiceprograms@state.mn.us
Mail Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300 St. Paul MN 55101-1515
Show the law for this line: Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' box
Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' boxMN-SUBMIT-MAIL
Mail the signed paper application to the Crime Victims Reimbursement Board in St. Paul.
Complete and submit to: Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300 St. Paul MN 55101-1515 651.201.7300 or 1.888.622.8799 (Toll-Free) 651.296.5787 (Fax) 651.205.4827 (TTY) dps.justiceprograms@state.mn.us
Fax 651.296.5787
Show the law for this line: Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' box
Application Form (Rev. 5/24), page 1, 'Complete and submit to' boxMN-SUBMIT-FAX
The signed paper application can be faxed to the Board.
Complete and submit to: Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300 St. Paul MN 55101-1515 651.201.7300 or 1.888.622.8799 (Toll-Free) 651.296.5787 (Fax) 651.205.4827 (TTY) dps.justiceprograms@state.mn.us
Phone 651-201-7300
Show the law for this line: Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program (DPS OJP page)
Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program (DPS OJP page)MN-S8
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
The board may grant emergency reimbursement before a final decision when an award is probable and waiting would cause undue hardship.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.56, subd. 2(7)
Minn. Stat. 611A.56, subd. 2(7)MN-EMERG-1
grant emergency reimbursement pending the final determination of a claim if it is one with respect to which an award will probably be made and undue hardship will result to the claimant if immediate payment is not made
Good to know before you apply
The crime must have occurred in Minnesota; residency and citizenship are not required.
Show the law for this line: CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 9
CVRB training slides (10/4/2025), slide 9MN-RES-1
Crime must have occurred in Minnesota (residency/citizenship not required)
A Minnesota resident hurt outside the state can apply if that place has no victim compensation law covering the injury.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 1b(a)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 1b(a)MN-RES-2
A Minnesota resident who is the victim of a crime committed outside the geographical boundaries of this state but who otherwise meets the requirements of this section shall have the same rights under this chapter as if the crime had occurred within this state upon a showing that the state, territory, United States possession, country, or political subdivision of a country in which the crime occurred does not have a crime victims reimbursement law covering the resident's injury or death.
By statute, a covered crime is one that occurs or is attempted within Minnesota, including Indian reservations and other trust lands.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 6(a)(1)
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 6(a)(1)MN-RES-3
occurs or is attempted anywhere within the geographical boundaries of this state, including Indian reservations and other trust lands
Reimbursement is reduced by what collateral sources such as insurance pay, and the claimant must try those sources first.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.54(1)
Minn. Stat. 611A.54(1)MN-COLL-1
reimbursement shall be reduced to the extent that economic loss is recouped from a collateral source or collateral sources. Where compensation is readily available to a claimant from a collateral source, the claimant must take reasonable steps to recoup from the collateral source before claiming reimbursement
Life insurance and voluntary donations or gifts are not counted as collateral sources.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 5
Minn. Stat. 611A.52, subd. 5MN-COLL-2
The term does not include a life insurance contract or benefits from any private source provided as a voluntary donation or gift.
No award is made if the claim is less than $50; this limit does not apply to child abuse victims.
Show the law for this line: Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(6)
Minn. Stat. 611A.53, subd. 2(6)MN-MIN-1
or (6) the claim is less than $50. The limitations contained in clauses (1) and (6) do not apply to victims of child abuse.
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If you're Jane Doe in Minnesota: you can ask for up to $50,000, and you should never get a bill for a forensic exam.
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