Law garden / New Hampshire
If you're Jane Doe in New Hampshire
What New Hampshire's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
New Hampshire Victims' Compensation Program, run by New Hampshire Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General (Victims' Assistance Commission).
Show the law for this line: New Hampshire DOJ, Victims' Compensation Program page and FAQ
New Hampshire DOJ, Victims' Compensation Program page and FAQNH-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $50,000the most you can ask for in totalRSA 21-M:8-h, V
- 2 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedRSA 21-M:8-h, II
- Exam can countin place of a police reportN.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.02(c)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youRSA 21-M:8-c
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: RSA 21-M:8-h, V
RSA 21-M:8-h, VNH-CAP-1
The statute caps recovery at $50,000 per claimant per incident. The program web page states a lower figure; the statute controls.
There shall be a $50,000 maximum recovery per claimant per incident.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
Medical care
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(1)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(1)NH-COV-1
Reasonable and necessary medical treatment by licensed providers is covered after insurance and other sources are applied.
The actual cost of reasonable and necessary medical treatment provided by licensed health-care personnel, after first applying any available insurance or other available collateral financial source
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(4)NH-COV-13
Under medical expenses, the program can replace lost or badly damaged assistive devices the survivor already had, such as hearing aids, dentures, wheelchairs, and prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Replacement of lost or badly damaged existing physically assistive devices such as: a. Hearing aids; b. Dentures; c. Prosthetic and other devices; d. Wheelchairs; e. Prescription eyeglasses and other corrective lenses, including contact lenses
Counseling
- Counseling is covered up to $4,000 or 40 visits, whichever comes first.
- Therapists who sign the program's treatment plan form agree to accept $75 per individual session and $35 per group session as payment in full.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.04(d)(1)and 2 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.04(d)(1)NH-COV-4
Individual or group therapy by licensed mental health providers is covered for issues directly caused by the crime, after insurance.
The actual cost of treatment, whether individual, group, or both, provided by licensed mental health personnel, after first applying any available insurance or other available collateral financial source, for mental health issues that were directly caused by the crime
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.04(e)(2)NH-CAP-2
The commission shall award compensation up to $4,000 in total expenses, or 40 visits, whichever comes first
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 604.08(c)(3)NH-CAP-3
I will accept the NH Victims' Compensation Program's reimbursement of $75 for an individual, crime-related, therapy session and $35 for a group, crime-related, therapy session as payment in full
Prescriptions
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(2)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(2)NH-COV-3
Prescription medications for the survivor's physical and mental health injuries are covered.
The portion of the cost of all prescription medications prescribed to treat the victim's physical and mental health injuries
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(f)NH-COV-12
If the examining provider finds the survivor may have been exposed to HIV, the survivor is given a voucher for preventive medication.
If it is determined by the examining health care provider that the victim may have been exposed to HIV/AIDS as a result of the assault, a voucher for prophylactic medication(s) shall be given to the victim.
Dental care
Show the law for this line: NH DOJ Victims' Compensation Program page, What Costs May Be Paid?
NH DOJ Victims' Compensation Program page, What Costs May Be Paid?NH-COV-2
The program lists medical and dental care among the costs it can pay.
Medical and dental care;
Travel
- Mileage for crime-related interviews, court proceedings, protective order hearings and parole is capped at $500.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(5)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(d)(5)NH-COV-9
Mileage to medical appointments is paid at the Medicaid rate for trips over 10 miles round trip, capped at 100 miles round trip.
Mileage to and from appointments with licensed health care providers, at the rate used by Medicaid to compensate mileage. Mileage shall be paid for trips over 10 miles round trip and is capped at 100 miles round trip
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.11(a)NH-CAP-6
A $500 cap for mileage reimbursement for travel to crime-related interviews, pre-trial, trial, sentencing, hearings for securing protective orders and parole.
Lost pay
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.05(e)(3)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.05(e)(3)NH-COV-5
Lost wages are covered at up to 75% of pre-crime wages for up to 3 months, counting any workers' compensation or disability benefits.
The total compensation paid for lost wages shall not exceed 75% of the claimant's pre-crime wages, not to exceed 3 months, including any workers' compensation or disability benefits received.
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.05(d)NH-COV-6
Lost wages can be paid even if the survivor used paid leave to cover the time off, including time for medical, counseling, police and court appointments.
Wages lost for any of the reasons listed under (c) above shall be compensable even if the claimant had leave time available from his or her employer and was paid by using such leave time.
Home security
- Safety and security expenses are capped at $3,000.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.10(c)(1)-(3)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.10(c)(1)-(3)NH-COV-8
Security costs are covered, including installing a home monitoring system, up to one year of monitoring, and locks for windows and doors.
Installation costs of a residential monitoring system; (2) Up to one year of residential monitoring; (3) Installation of locks and other devices to secure windows and doors in the residence
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.10(c)(5)NH-CAP-5
Safety and security expenses shall be capped at $3,000.
Moving
- Relocation expenses are capped at $5,000, as a one-time benefit per claim.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(a)(2)b.and 2 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(a)(2)b.NH-COV-7
Relocation can be paid when the offender poses a continuing threat; without a restraining order, a letter from a victim's advocate explaining why can stand in.
If the claimant does not have a restraining order against the abuser, the claimant shall present a letter from a victim's advocate setting forth the basis for not obtaining a protective order, which may include, among other reasons, safety concerns for the claimant
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(d)(8)NH-COV-11
As part of a relocation award, the cost of changing a cell phone number is covered.
The cost, as billed by the cellular provider, for changing a cell phone number.
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(e)(3)NH-CAP-4
Relocation expenses shall be capped at $5,000
Temporary housing
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(d)(3)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(d)(3)NH-COV-10
Shelter for the survivor and family is one of the goods a crisis center can pay for from emergency funds, which the commission then reimburses to the crisis center.
The cost of shelter for the victim and the victim's family
What it does not pay for
The program cannot pay for property loss or for pain and suffering.
Show the law for this line: NH DOJ Victims' Compensation Program page, What Costs May Be Paid?
NH DOJ Victims' Compensation Program page, What Costs May Be Paid?NH-EXC-1
The program does not have authority to award money for property loss or pain and suffering.
Relocation awards do not pay for cable television, long-distance phone service or internet service.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(e)(5)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.07(e)(5)NH-EXC-2
No compensation shall be awarded for cable television, long-distance telephone, internet service
Hospital care is not paid if the victim had health insurance and the hospital has not denied free or reduced-fee care.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(e)(2)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.03(e)(2)NH-EXC-3
The commission shall not award compensation for hospital care if: a. The victim had health insurance at the time of treatment for injuries sustained as a direct result of the crime; and b. Free or reduced fee care has not been denied by the hospital
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-cand 3 more
RSA 21-M:8-cNH-EXAM-1
A physician or hospital that examines a survivor to gather evidence must provide the exam without charge to the survivor. Private insurance is billed only if the survivor chooses to use it.
If a physician or a hospital provides any physical examination of a victim of an alleged sexual offense to gather information and evidence of the alleged crime, these services shall be provided without charge to the individual.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
RSA 21-M:8-cNH-EXAM-2
The bill for a sexual assault medical exam may not be sent or given to the survivor or the survivor's family.
The bill for the medical examination of a sexual assault victim shall not be sent or given to the victim or the family of the victim.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(2)NH-EXAM-3
If a survivor with insurance chooses to bill it, the provider bills the insurer, and neither the survivor nor the department may be billed for anything above the coverage limit. Survivors on Medicaid or Medicare whose kit is not anonymous are billed to Medicaid or Medicare under a separate rule.
If the victim of a felonious sexual assault has insurance, and chooses to bill their healthcare insurance, the health provider shall seek payment from the patient's healthcare insurer. Neither the patient nor the department shall be billed for anything above the coverage limit
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(a)NH-EXAM-7
A person examined by a physician or hospital after a felonious sexual assault, for treatment or to gather evidence, may not be charged for services related to the assault or other crime-related injuries. Payments are at the fee for service Medicaid rate.
a person who claims to be a victim of a felonious sexual assault who is examined by a physician or hospital for the purpose of treatment, gathering information or evidence shall not be charged for such services or examination that relate to the sexual assault and any other crime-related injuries
The provider can bill your insurance for it only if you agree.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-cand 3 more
RSA 21-M:8-cNH-EXAM-1
A physician or hospital that examines a survivor to gather evidence must provide the exam without charge to the survivor. Private insurance is billed only if the survivor chooses to use it.
If a physician or a hospital provides any physical examination of a victim of an alleged sexual offense to gather information and evidence of the alleged crime, these services shall be provided without charge to the individual.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
RSA 21-M:8-cNH-EXAM-2
The bill for a sexual assault medical exam may not be sent or given to the survivor or the survivor's family.
The bill for the medical examination of a sexual assault victim shall not be sent or given to the victim or the family of the victim.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(2)NH-EXAM-3
If a survivor with insurance chooses to bill it, the provider bills the insurer, and neither the survivor nor the department may be billed for anything above the coverage limit. Survivors on Medicaid or Medicare whose kit is not anonymous are billed to Medicaid or Medicare under a separate rule.
If the victim of a felonious sexual assault has insurance, and chooses to bill their healthcare insurance, the health provider shall seek payment from the patient's healthcare insurer. Neither the patient nor the department shall be billed for anything above the coverage limit
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(a)NH-EXAM-7
A person examined by a physician or hospital after a felonious sexual assault, for treatment or to gather evidence, may not be charged for services related to the assault or other crime-related injuries. Payments are at the fee for service Medicaid rate.
a person who claims to be a victim of a felonious sexual assault who is examined by a physician or hospital for the purpose of treatment, gathering information or evidence shall not be charged for such services or examination that relate to the sexual assault and any other crime-related injuries
If a survivor chooses to remain anonymous, the provider bills the Department of Justice or writes off the charges, even when the survivor has insurance.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(1)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(1)NH-EXAM-4
If the victim of a felonious sexual assault chooses to remain anonymous, even if they have healthcare insurance, the health provider shall seek payment directly from the department or shall write off such charges
The Department of Justice reimburses the physician or hospital for the exam to the extent the cost is not covered by health insurance or a similar third party.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-c
RSA 21-M:8-cNH-EXAM-5
Upon submission of appropriate documentation, the physician or hospital shall be reimbursed for the cost of such examination by the department of justice to the extent such costs are not the responsibility of a third party under a health insurance policy or similar third party obligation.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
If a survivor uses insurance for the exam, the Department of Justice pays or reimburses any deductible or co-payment.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(d)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(d)NH-EXAM-6
If a person who claims to be a victim of a felonious sexual assault has health insurance, and opts to use their insurance, which requires the payment of a deductible or a co-payment for such services or examination, the department shall either reimburse the victim for such payment made or pay such deductible or co-payment directly.
If the survivor is covered by Medicaid or Medicare and the kit is not anonymous, the provider bills Medicaid or Medicare directly. This is an exception to billing insurance only by choice.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(3)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(c)(3)NH-EXAM-8
If the victim of a felonious sexual assault is covered by Medicaid or Medicare and the reporting kit is not anonymous, the health provider shall seek payment directly from Medicaid or Medicare.
The Department of Justice also pays for follow-up services and exams related to the sexual assault, but not for other crime-related injuries under this rule.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(a)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(a)NH-EXAM-9
The department shall also pay for follow-up services and examination related to the sexual assault only and shall not pay for such services or examinations for other crime-related injuries or expenses.
Police report
The program asks for a police report. The rules below say when other records can count instead, like a forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.02(c)and 1 more
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.02(c)NH-REP-1
A claim is denied if the crime was not reported within 5 days, unless good cause is shown, such as a medical condition, fear for safety, fear of retribution, or the survivor's emotional state or mental health.
The crime was not reported within 5 days of the crime unless good cause, which shall include but not be limited to the following, is shown
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(h)NH-REP-2
A sexual assault survivor who sought a medical exam or treatment is treated as having reported to law enforcement and as having shown credible evidence of the crime.
A victim who has sought medical treatment pursuant to (a) and (d) above shall be deemed to: (1) Have made a report to law enforcement in compliance with Jus 605.02(c); and (2) Have presented credible evidence that an eligible crime has occurred
A claim is denied if the crime was not reported within 5 days, unless good cause is shown, such as a medical condition, fear for safety, fear of retribution, or the survivor's emotional state or mental health.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.02(c)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.02(c)NH-REP-1
The crime was not reported within 5 days of the crime unless good cause, which shall include but not be limited to the following, is shown
A sexual assault survivor who sought a medical exam or treatment is treated as having reported to law enforcement and as having shown credible evidence of the crime.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(h)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.13(h)NH-REP-2
A victim who has sought medical treatment pursuant to (a) and (d) above shall be deemed to: (1) Have made a report to law enforcement in compliance with Jus 605.02(c); and (2) Have presented credible evidence that an eligible crime has occurred
Deadline to apply
Apply within 2 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-h, II
RSA 21-M:8-h, IINH-DEAD-1
A claim must be filed within 2 years of the crime unless good cause is shown. A survivor of sexual abuse that happened when they were a minor may file at any time.
The claimant, guardian ad litem or child advocate, or parent may file a claim for compensation within 2 years of the crime, unless good cause is shown. A claimant who was the victim of sexual abuse or human trafficking under subparagraph I(a)(3), or a guardian ad litem, child advocate, or parent on behalf of such claimant, may file a claim at any time.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
Keeping your name and address private
New Hampshire's Address Confidentiality Program, run by the Attorney General, gives survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking a substitute address to use on state and local records, with first class mail forwarded to their real address. Survivors apply through a crisis center advocate, and no police report or restraining order is needed.
Show the law for this line: DOJ ACP page, FAQ: What are the eligibility guidelines?
DOJ ACP page, FAQ: What are the eligibility guidelines?NH-ACP-1
Any adult person, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, may apply to the program if they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and meet the eligibility guidelines.
Everything the compensation program receives or keeps about a claim is confidential and may not be released to anyone unless the claimant authorizes it or another law allows it.
Show the law for this line: Jus 603.02(i)
Jus 603.02(i)NH-REC-1
All information received, obtained, or maintained by the program in connection with any claim for victims' compensation shall be maintained as confidential material, and shall not be released or disclosed to any person or entity whatsoever, except as authorized by the claimant or as otherwise provided by law.
How to apply
Mail New Hampshire Victims' Compensation Program Department of Justice 33 Capitol Street Concord, N.H. 03301-6397
Show the law for this line: Application, page 7 (return address)
Application, page 7 (return address)NH-SUBMIT-1
Mail the completed paper application to the Victims' Compensation Program at the Department of Justice in Concord. This is the return address printed on the application form.
Please return completed application to: New Hampshire Victims' Compensation Program Department of Justice 33 Capitol Street Concord, N.H. 03301-6397
Mail New Hampshire Victims' Compensation Program Department of Justice 1 Granite Place South Concord, NH 03301
Show the law for this line: Program page, How To Contact Our Office
Program page, How To Contact Our OfficeNH-SUBMIT-2
The program page lists a newer office address in Concord (Granite Place South). The form still prints the Capitol Street address, so a survivor may want to call the program to confirm which address to use.
How To Contact Our Office New Hampshire Victims' Compensation Program Department of Justice 1 Granite Place South Concord, NH 03301
Phone 1-800-300-4500
Show the law for this line: New Hampshire DOJ, Victims' Compensation Program page and FAQ
New Hampshire DOJ, Victims' Compensation Program page and FAQNH-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
A crisis center can give a domestic violence or sexual assault victim 10-day emergency funds (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, locks, medications), and the commission reimburses the crisis center, not the victim. The crisis center must send a police report or a restraining order with its request.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(a)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(a)NH-EMG-1
the commission shall award compensation to a crisis center for payment of 10-day emergency funds by the crisis center to a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault
Emergency funds through a crisis center are limited to $1,000 per adult, not counting clothing.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(e)(2)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 605.09(e)(2)NH-EMG-2
The per-adult limit for the provision of all goods and services, except the purchase of clothing pursuant to (d)(2) and (e)(1) above, shall be $1,000
Good to know before you apply
Victims of crimes in New Hampshire are eligible regardless of where they live. New Hampshire residents hurt in a place without a qualifying compensation program are also covered.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 602.32(a)
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 602.32(a)NH-RES-1
Any person who suffered personal injury or death as a direct result of an eligible crime occurring in either: (1) New Hampshire; or (2) Any other state or jurisdiction that does not have a crime compensation program meeting the requirements of 34 U.S.C. 20102(b), and such person was domiciled in New Hampshire at the time of the crime
Immigration status does not bar eligibility: non-citizens, with or without legal status, are eligible.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-h, I(c)
RSA 21-M:8-h, I(c)NH-RES-2
an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or who is not a legal alien shall be considered victims eligible for compensation under this section.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
The program is a payer of last resort: insurance and other sources are applied first.
Show the law for this line: N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 603.01
N.H. Admin. Rules Jus 603.01NH-COL-1
help eligible victims of eligible crimes with the expenses that have been incurred as a direct result of the crime by acting as a payer of last resort
If expenses the fund paid are later covered by insurance, a civil settlement, restitution or another source, the claimant must pay the fund back for the amount recovered.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-h, V
RSA 21-M:8-h, VNH-COL-2
If expenses paid through the victims' assistance program fund are later covered by insurance settlements, civil suit settlements, or restitution, or through any other source, the claimant shall reimburse the fund for the amount of expenses recovered.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
No reimbursement is paid unless the claimant has at least $100 in reimbursable expenses.
Show the law for this line: RSA 21-M:8-h, V
RSA 21-M:8-h, VNH-MIN-1
No reimbursement shall be paid unless the claimant has incurred reimbursable expenses of at least $100.
Read this sentence on gencourt.state.nh.us (opens in a new tab)
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If you're Jane Doe in New Hampshire: you can ask for up to $50,000, and a forensic exam can count instead of a police report.
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