Law garden / Pennsylvania
If you're Jane Doe in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP), run by Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Office of Victims' Services.
Show the law for this line: PA.gov: Apply for Victims' Compensation (VCAP)
PA.gov: Apply for Victims' Compensation (VCAP)PA-S4
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $35,000the most you can ask for in total18 P.S. 11.707(b)(1)
- Exam can countin place of a police report18 P.S. 11.707(a)(3)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost you18 P.S. 11.707(h)(2)
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $35,000.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(b)(1)
18 P.S. 11.707(b)(1)PA-CAP-1
The total award is capped at $35,000, except that counseling, forensic rape exam costs, and crime scene cleanup are paid on top of that cap.
In no case shall the total amount of an award exceed $35,000 except for payment of the following
Medical care
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss" (1)and 1 more
18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss" (1)PA-MED-1
Unreimbursed medical care and treatment caused by the crime are covered.
expenses for unreimbursed and unreimbursable expenses or indebtedness incurred for medical care, nonmedical remedial care and treatment as approved by the Office of Victims' Services or other services
18 P.S. 11.708(b)PA-MED-2
Once the program accepts a claim, the hospital or provider must take the program's payment as payment in full and may not collect more from the survivor.
If the Office of Victims' Services accepts a claim, the hospital or other licensed health care provider shall accept such payment as payment in full and may not attempt to collect from the victim any amount exceeding the amount of reimbursement made by the Office of Victims' Services.
Counseling
- Counseling for an adult direct victim is capped at $5,000, and a minor direct victim at $10,000; counseling is paid on top of the total award cap.
- Counseling for a direct victim who was a minor is capped at $10,000.
- Sexual assault counseling claims are capped at $5,000 if the survivor was 18 or older at the time of the abuse, and $10,000 if under 18.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(b)(4)and 4 more
18 P.S. 11.707(b)(4)PA-COUNSEL-3
The program pays for counseling, and for the transportation to get to counseling, when done by or under a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or licensed social worker.
An award for counseling performed by or under the supervision of a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor or licensed social worker and reimbursement of associated transportation costs
18 P.S. 11.701.1(a)PA-COUNSEL-4
A direct victim of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania can get counseling paid through a separate sexual assault counseling claim, paid directly to the provider.
The Office of Victims' Services shall provide funding for counseling services related to sexual abuse for an individual who is a direct victim of sexual abuse. Payment shall be made directly to the health care provider that provides the services from funding provided for the implementation of this section.
18 P.S. 11.707(b)(4.1)(i)PA-COUNSEL-1
The amount of an award under paragraph (4)(i) shall not exceed $5,000 where the direct victim is an adult and shall not exceed $10,000 where the direct victim is a minor.
18 P.S. 11.707(b)(4.1)(i)PA-COUNSEL-2
The amount of an award under paragraph (4)(i) shall not exceed $5,000 where the direct victim is an adult and shall not exceed $10,000 where the direct victim is a minor.
18 P.S. 11.701.1(c)PA-COUNSEL-5
(1) Five thousand dollars if the individual was, at the time of the abuse, 18 years of age or older. (2) Ten thousand dollars if the individual was, at the time of the abuse, under 18 years of age.
Travel
- Car rental for crime-related travel (medical care, counseling, court) is reimbursed up to $30 per day.
- Meals are reimbursed up to $28 per day ($6 breakfast, $6 lunch, $16 dinner), but only when travel to a provider is 50 miles or more one way.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.42(g)and 2 more
37 Pa. Code 411.42(g)PA-TRANS-1
Travel to medical care or counseling, and to criminal justice or protection from abuse proceedings, is reimbursed.
OVS will reimburse expenses associated with travel necessary and reasonable as determined by OVS to obtain medical care or counseling, attend or participate in criminal justice or protection from abuse proceedings, and other circumstances when good cause is shown by the claimant.
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VCAP Manual 2025, Transportation (p. 88)PA-TRANS-2
Car rental, up to $30 a day.
VCAP Manual 2025, Transportation (p. 89)PA-TRANS-3
Additionally, if travel to a provider is 50 miles or more (one way) from the eligible person’s home, the following is eligible for reimbursement: • Meals. Up to $28 a day, with no more than $6 for breakfast, $6 for lunch and $16 for dinner.
Lost pay
- Lost earnings are capped at $15,000 in total, and this counts toward the overall award cap.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.43(b)and 1 more
37 Pa. Code 411.43(b)PA-WAGES-2
Lost earnings caused by the injury are covered, up to the state average weekly wage for each week, if not otherwise reimbursed.
OVS may make an award within the monetary limitations of the act to compensate a direct victim, intervenor or claimant for loss of earnings attributable to the injury not to exceed the average weekly wage if the claimant was not otherwise reimbursed for the loss.
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18 P.S. 11.707(b)(2)(ii)PA-WAGES-1
Except as set forth in subparagraph (iii), the aggregate award for the loss shall not exceed $15,000.
Moving
- Relocation for safety is capped at $1,000 per household for each direct victim.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss" (4)and 2 more
18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss" (4)PA-RELOC-2
Temporary or permanent relocation is covered when there is an immediate need to protect the safety and health of the victim and household, verified by a medical provider, human services provider, or law enforcement.
expenses resulting from the temporary or permanent relocation of a direct victim and individuals residing in the household of the direct victim due to the incident forming the basis of the victim's claim when there is an immediate need to protect the safety and health of the victim and individuals residing in the household, as verified by a medical provider, human services provider or law enforcement
VCAP Relocation Expenses flyer (11/2023)PA-RELOC-3
The move must happen within 120 days of the crime, or within 120 days of a new threat or sign of danger.
Relocation must occur within 120 days from the date of crime, or 120 days from the date the victim is threatened by any change of circumstance or indicator of danger.
37 Pa. Code 411.42(f)PA-RELOC-1
This reimbursement will not exceed $1,000 per household for each direct victim for the following:
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Temporary housing
- Lodging while relocating for safety is reimbursed up to $75 per day, inside the $1,000 relocation limit.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.42(f)(1)(i)
37 Pa. Code 411.42(f)(1)(i)PA-RELOC-4
This reimbursement will not exceed $1,000 per household for each direct victim for the following: (1) Relocation expenses to be reimbursed are as follows: (i) Lodging to a daily maximum of $75.
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Child care
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.42(i)(2)
37 Pa. Code 411.42(i)(2)PA-CHILD-1
Services needed because of the crime, such as child care, cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation, can be reimbursed.
The cost of obtaining services needed as a result of the crime such as laundering, cleaning, child care, administration of medication, food shopping and meal preparation.
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Replacing belongings
- Replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental devices, prescription medications and similar health items stolen or damaged in the crime is capped at $1,000, with eyeglass frames limited to $200. This is not a cap on ordinary medical bills.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.42(d)
37 Pa. Code 411.42(d)PA-MED-3
OVS will reimburse a claimant for costs for the replacement of each prosthetic device, wheelchair, cane, walker, hearing aid, eyeglasses or other corrective lenses, dental device or prescription medications. Reimbursement will not exceed $1,000 and will be subject to the following limitations: (1) Two hundred dollars for eyeglass frames.
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Crime scene cleanup
- Cleaning a crime scene at a private residence or privately owned vehicle is capped at $500, paid on top of the total award cap.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(b)(1)(iii)
18 P.S. 11.707(b)(1)(iii)PA-CLEAN-1
reasonable and necessary costs of cleaning the crime scene of a private residence or privately owned motor vehicle, the amount of which shall not exceed $500.
What it does not pay for
Property damage and pain and suffering are not covered.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss"
18 P.S. 11.103, "Out-of-pocket loss"PA-EXCL-1
Except as otherwise provided, the term does not include property damage or pain and suffering.
Lost or damaged property is not paid, except certain medical equipment and supplies and, case by case, certain official documents such as a driver's license or passport.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Manual 2025, Miscellaneous Eligibility Information (p. 10 to 11)
VCAP Manual 2025, Miscellaneous Eligibility Information (p. 10 to 11)PA-EXCL-2
Property - A claim cannot be paid for property loss or damage (except certain medical equipment and supplies; or certain official documents, i.e., driver's license, passport, etc. on case by case basis).
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(h)(2)and 2 more
18 P.S. 11.707(h)(2)PA-EXAM-1
The cost of a forensic rape exam and the medications prescribed to the survivor may not be charged to the survivor. Insurance is billed first unless the survivor asks that it not be.
The cost of a forensic rape examination and the cost of medications prescribed to the direct victim shall not be charged to the victim.
FRE FAQ, Question 7PA-EXAM-4
If the program pays the maximum and a balance remains, the provider still may not bill the survivor; the program payment is payment in full.
No. A health care provider must accept the payment in full for the costs of the forensic rape examination.
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, A.4PA-EXAM-5
The provider must file the exam claim within one year of the crime or its discovery; if the provider misses that deadline, the survivor still cannot be billed.
The claim must be filed by a hospital or other licensed health care provider, within one year of the date of the crime or discovery of the crime. Failure to file within the prescribed time frame will result in non-payment of the claim and the victim cannot be billed for those costs.
The provider may bill your insurance, but not you.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(h)(2)and 2 more
18 P.S. 11.707(h)(2)PA-EXAM-1
The cost of a forensic rape exam and the medications prescribed to the survivor may not be charged to the survivor. Insurance is billed first unless the survivor asks that it not be.
The cost of a forensic rape examination and the cost of medications prescribed to the direct victim shall not be charged to the victim.
FRE FAQ, Question 7PA-EXAM-4
If the program pays the maximum and a balance remains, the provider still may not bill the survivor; the program payment is payment in full.
No. A health care provider must accept the payment in full for the costs of the forensic rape examination.
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, A.4PA-EXAM-5
The provider must file the exam claim within one year of the crime or its discovery; if the provider misses that deadline, the survivor still cannot be billed.
The claim must be filed by a hospital or other licensed health care provider, within one year of the date of the crime or discovery of the crime. Failure to file within the prescribed time frame will result in non-payment of the claim and the victim cannot be billed for those costs.
The hospital or provider bills the state compensation program (Office of Victims' Services) for the exam when insurance does not cover it, or when the survivor asks that their insurance not be billed.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(h)(1)
18 P.S. 11.707(h)(1)PA-EXAM-2
A hospital or other licensed health care provider may submit a claim for reimbursement for the cost of a forensic rape examination if the cost is not covered by insurance or if the victim requests that the insurance carrier not be billed.
The survivor does not have to report to police or talk to law enforcement for the program to pay for the exam.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introduction
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introductionPA-EXAM-3
The victim of a sexual offense does not need to 'report' the sexual offense or 'talk' to law enforcement in order for the costs to be paid by the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP).
The no-bill rule covers only the forensic rape exam costs and related medications. Providers must tell the survivor they may be billed for other care, such as x-rays or other medical treatment, which can be submitted on a standard VCAP claim.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introduction
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introductionPA-EXAM-8
They must inform the victim that they may be billed for services in instances where they have additional expenses beyond the forensic rape examination costs, such as x-rays or other medical treatment not associated with a forensic rape examination.
A survivor who was billed by mistake and paid for the forensic rape exam or related medications can be reimbursed, up to $1,000.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.42(b)(3)(iv)
37 Pa. Code 411.42(b)(3)(iv)PA-EXAM-6
OVS will reimburse a direct victim who is erroneously billed and subsequently pays the cost of the forensic rape examination or medications directly related to the sexual offense. The reimbursement will be subject to the $1,000 monetary limitation.
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Police report
The program asks for a police report. The rules below say when other records can count instead, like a forensic exam or a protective order.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(a)(3)and 2 more
18 P.S. 11.707(a)(3)PA-REPORT-1
The crime must have been promptly reported to the proper authorities; the statute sets no fixed number of hours. A protection order filing (statute) or a forensic rape exam (program policy) also counts.
The crime was promptly reported to the proper authorities.
18 P.S. 11.707(a.2)PA-REPORT-2
Filing for a sexual violence or intimidation protection order satisfies the reporting requirement, even without a police report.
may satisfy the eligibility requirement under subsection (a)(3) for reporting a crime to the proper authorities by commencing an action brought in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 62A (relating to protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation)
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introductionPA-REPORT-3
Having a forensic rape exam counts as reporting to the proper authorities, so a survivor who had the exam can file a standard claim without going to police.
Effective for crimes occurring on or after 9/8/2022, a forensic rape exam is considered acceptable for reporting to proper authorities. This change allows victims who have the FRE completed to be eligible for a standard claim without having to report the crime to law enforcement.
The crime must have been promptly reported to the proper authorities; the statute sets no fixed number of hours. A protection order filing (statute) or a forensic rape exam (program policy) also counts.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(a)(3)
18 P.S. 11.707(a)(3)PA-REPORT-1
The crime was promptly reported to the proper authorities.
Filing for a sexual violence or intimidation protection order satisfies the reporting requirement, even without a police report.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(a.2)
18 P.S. 11.707(a.2)PA-REPORT-2
may satisfy the eligibility requirement under subsection (a)(3) for reporting a crime to the proper authorities by commencing an action brought in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 62A (relating to protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation)
Having a forensic rape exam counts as reporting to the proper authorities, so a survivor who had the exam can file a standard claim without going to police.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introduction
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, introductionPA-REPORT-3
Effective for crimes occurring on or after 9/8/2022, a forensic rape exam is considered acceptable for reporting to proper authorities. This change allows victims who have the FRE completed to be eligible for a standard claim without having to report the crime to law enforcement.
A survivor of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania who did not or does not want to report can still file a counseling-only claim.
Show the law for this line: PA.gov VCAP page, Sexual Assault Counseling Claims
PA.gov VCAP page, Sexual Assault Counseling ClaimsPA-REPORT-4
A direct victim of sexual abuse which occurred in Pennsylvania, who did not report or does not want to report the crime to authorities, is eligible to submit a claim for counseling services related to their abuse.
Deadline to apply
A claim must be filed within five years after the crime is discovered, under the current law; the program may accept a late claim for good cause. Older crimes had a shorter deadline, so those survivors should call the program.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.702(b)(1)
18 P.S. 11.702(b)(1)PA-DEADLINE-1
a claim must be filed not later than five years after the discovery of the occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based
Keeping your name and address private
Pennsylvania's Address Confidentiality Program, run by the Office of Victim Advocate, gives survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, or child abduction an alternate mailing address to keep their address out of public records.
Show the law for this line: OVA Address Confidentiality Program page; statute: 23 Pa.C.S. 6703(a), 6704(2)
OVA Address Confidentiality Program page; statute: 23 Pa.C.S. 6703(a), 6704(2)PA-ACP-1
The ACP can provide you with an alternate mailing address to keep your address out of public records if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or child abduction.
Everything VCAP obtains or produces while processing a claim is confidential and privileged, is not subject to subpoena or discovery, and may be used only to process the claim; disclosure needs the victim's written consent except as the law provides.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.709(a)
18 P.S. 11.709(a)PA-RECCONF-1
All reports, records or other information obtained or produced by the Office of Victims' Services during the processing or investigation of a claim shall be confidential and privileged, shall not be subject to subpoena or discovery, shall be used for no purpose other than the processing of a claim
How to apply
Online https://www.dave.pa.gov
Show the law for this line: Claim form (July 2024), back page footer
Claim form (July 2024), back page footerPA-SUBMIT-2
File the claim online through the DAVE portal (the Crime Victims App also files online).
File online at https://www.dave.pa.gov
Email ra-davesupport@pa.gov
Show the law for this line: Claim form (July 2024), back page contact block; PA.gov apply page step 4: 'Mail or email your claim'
Claim form (July 2024), back page contact block; PA.gov apply page step 4: 'Mail or email your claim'PA-SUBMIT-3
Email the completed claim form to VCAP at ra-davesupport@pa.gov.
Email ra-davesupport@pa.gov
Mail PO Box 1167 Harrisburg, PA 17108-1167
Show the law for this line: Claim form (July 2024), back page contact block; PA.gov apply page step 4: 'Mail or email your claim'
Claim form (July 2024), back page contact block; PA.gov apply page step 4: 'Mail or email your claim'PA-SUBMIT-1
Mail the completed claim form to VCAP's mailing address, PO Box 1167, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1167.
Mailing Address PO Box 1167 Harrisburg, PA 17108-1167
Phone 800-233-2339
Show the law for this line: PA.gov: Apply for Victims' Compensation (VCAP)
PA.gov: Apply for Victims' Compensation (VCAP)PA-S4
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
An emergency award of up to $5,000 per claim is available for urgent financial need.
Show the law for this line: 37 Pa. Code 411.17(c)
37 Pa. Code 411.17(c)PA-EMERG-1
The total amount of an emergency award will not exceed $5,000 per claim.
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Good to know before you apply
The crime must have occurred in Pennsylvania, or be against a Pennsylvania resident in a foreign country with no compensation program, or be international terrorism.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Manual 2025, Requirements for receiving compensation, 1
VCAP Manual 2025, Requirements for receiving compensation, 1PA-RES-1
The crime occurred in Pennsylvania, or to a Pennsylvania resident who is injured or killed in a foreign country that does not have a compensation program, or by an act of international terrorism.
A Pennsylvania resident sexually assaulted in another state who comes back to Pennsylvania for the exam can have the exam paid by the Pennsylvania program.
Show the law for this line: VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, A.5
VCAP Protocol and Billing Procedures for FREs, A.5PA-RES-2
Any provider performing a forensic rape examination on a sexual assault victim may file a claim with VCAP if the crime occurred in Pennsylvania, OR if a Pennsylvania resident that is sexually assaulted in another state returns to Pennsylvania to have the exam done by a hospital or licensed health care provider as defined by the Crime Victims Act.
The award is reduced by insurance, public funds, offender payments, settlements and similar payments; the program pays last.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.707(e)
18 P.S. 11.707(e)PA-COLL-1
an award made under this chapter shall be reduced by the amount of any payments received or to be received by the claimant as a result of the injury
The claimant must have at least $50 in out-of-pocket loss or lost earnings, unless the victim or claimant was 60 or older.
Show the law for this line: 18 P.S. 11.703
18 P.S. 11.703PA-MIN-1
no award shall be made on a claim unless the claimant has incurred an aggregate minimum out-of-pocket loss, loss of earnings or loss of support of $50. (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply if the direct victim or claimant was 60 years of age or older at the time the crime occurred.
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If you're Jane Doe in Pennsylvania: you can ask for up to $35,000, and a forensic exam can count instead of a police report.
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