Law garden / Tennessee
If you're Jane Doe in Tennessee
What Tennessee's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund), run by Tennessee Department of Treasury, Division of Claims and Risk Management.
Show the law for this line: Tennessee Treasury, Criminal Injuries Compensation resource guide (brochure)
Tennessee Treasury, Criminal Injuries Compensation resource guide (brochure)TN-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $34,100the most you can ask for in totalTreasury Maximum Expense Amounts (June 2025); set under T.C.A. 29-13-106(h)
- 2 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedT.C.A. 29-13-108(a)
- Police reportthe program asks for one within 15 daysT.C.A. 29-13-108(a)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youT.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(1)
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $34,100.
Show the law for this line: Treasury Maximum Expense Amounts (June 2025); set under T.C.A. 29-13-106(h)
Treasury Maximum Expense Amounts (June 2025); set under T.C.A. 29-13-106(h)TN-CAP-1
For crimes on or after July 1, 2025, the Treasury lists an overall maximum of $34,100 for all expenses on claims from the crime. The cap depends on the crime date.
For crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2025: $34,100
Medical care
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(1)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(1)TN-MED-1
Expenses actually and reasonably incurred because of the injury, including medical and hospital services, are covered.
Expenses actually and reasonably incurred as a result of the personal injury or death of the victim, including, but not limited to, actual expenditures of moneys for or indebtedness resulting from medical services, hospital services, funeral and burial expenses
Travel
- Travel to and from the offender's trial (and later appeals) is capped at a cumulative $1,250. This cap is only for court travel.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(3)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(3)TN-TRAVEL-1
Any award made under the preceding sentence to a claimant shall not exceed a cumulative total of one thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($1,250) for all such travel.
Lost pay
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-107(1)
T.C.A. 29-13-107(1)TN-WAGE-1
Lost wages caused by the crime are paid on the workers' compensation temporary total disability schedule, but at 85 percent of the claimant's average weekly wage.
Any award made for lost wages proximately caused by a violent crime is to be based upon those schedules of compensation for temporary total disability allowable by the workers' compensation statutes, found in § 50-6-207, in effect at the time of the commission of the crime giving rise to such claim; provided, however, that the sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) rate prescribed in the workers' compensation statutes shall not be used in determining the amount of any award hereunder. Instead, such rate shall be eighty-five percent (85%) of the claimant's average weekly wage.
Moving
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(7)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(7)TN-MOVE-1
If the assault happened at the victim's home, reasonable moving costs, storage fees, and utility transfer fees are covered, for no more than 2 moves.
The victim's reasonable moving expenses, storage fees and fees for transfer of utility service if the move is a direct result of an assault committed upon such victim at the victim's residence, provided that the victim shall not receive compensation for more than two (2) moves resulting from the assault
Replacing belongings
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(8)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(8)TN-PROP-2
Reasonable costs to clean, repair, or replace the victim's eyeglasses and hearing aids damaged by the crime are covered, as is property damaged while processing a sexual assault scene at the home of the victim or a relative.
Reasonable costs of cleaning, repairing or replacing eyeglasses and hearing aids owned by the victim that were damaged or destroyed by the crime or the processing of the crime scene
Crime scene cleanup
- Crime scene cleanup is capped at $3,000.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(4)and 1 more
T.C.A. 29-13-106(a)(4)TN-CLEAN-1
Reasonable costs to clean the scene of a sexual assault are covered when the scene was the home of the victim or a relative.
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred for cleaning supplies, equipment rental and labor needed to clean the scene of a homicide, sexual assault or aggravated assault, if the scene was the residence of the victim or a relative of the victim
T.C.A. 29-13-107(5)TN-CLEAN-2
Any award made for expenses under § 29-13-106(a)(4) shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000)
Funeral costs
- Funeral and burial expenses are capped at $6,000.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-107(4)
T.C.A. 29-13-107(4)TN-FUN-1
Any award made for funeral and burial expenses shall not exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000)
What it does not pay for
The Treasury lists travel to doctor appointments as not covered.
Show the law for this line: Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus Ineligible
Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus IneligibleTN-TRAVEL-2
Travel to Doctor Appointments
Damage to real or personal property is not paid. The narrow exception covers eyeglasses and hearing aids damaged in the crime and property damaged while police processed a sexual assault scene at the victim's or a relative's home. A phone taken or broken in the assault is not covered.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(b)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(b)TN-PROP-1
In no case will any compensation be awarded for any damage to real or personal property, except as provided in subdivision (a)(8).
The Treasury lists deposits, rent, and utility bills as not covered.
Show the law for this line: Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus Ineligible
Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus IneligibleTN-EXCL-1
Deposits, Rent and Utility Bills
The Treasury lists costs from identity theft or fraud as not covered.
Show the law for this line: Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus Ineligible
Treasury CIC resource guide, Eligible versus IneligibleTN-EXCL-2
Cost from Identity Theft or Fraud
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(1)and 1 more
T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(1)TN-EXAM-1
A victim of a covered sexually-oriented crime gets the forensic medical exam free. No bill may be sent to the victim and the facility may not hold the victim responsible for payment. The statute does not say whether the victim's insurance may be billed.
shall be entitled to forensic medical examinations without charge to the victim. No bill for the examination shall be submitted to the victim, nor shall the medical facility hold the victim responsible for payment.
T.C.A. 29-13-118(d)TN-EXAM-2
A provider paid by the fund for a forensic exam may not bill the victim for any additional cost of the exam.
No provider receiving compensation pursuant to this section shall bill the victim for any additional cost related to the forensic medical examination.
Forensic exam claims are paid from the state Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(1)
T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(1)TN-EXAM-3
All claims for forensic medical examinations are eligible for payment from the criminal injuries compensation fund, created under § 40-24-107.
The fund pays the provider up to $1,000 for a forensic exam, and that payment counts as full payment, so the provider cannot bill the victim for the rest.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-118(d)
T.C.A. 29-13-118(d)TN-EXAM-5
The amount of compensation that may be awarded under this section shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall constitute full compensation to the health care provider that provided the service.
Police report
The program asks that the crime be reported to police.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)and 1 more
T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)TN-REPORT-1
The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 15 days, but a late report can be excused for good cause, and being a victim of sexual assault is a listed reason for good cause.
A claim cannot be filed until the crime upon which the claim is based has been reported by the victim, or a member of the victim's family, to the proper authorities within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence of such crime unless, for good cause shown, it is found that the delay was justified. Good cause for the failure of a victim or a member of the victim's family to report a crime may be found if the victim is: (1) Physically unable; (2) A victim of sexual assault;
T.C.A. 29-13-103(b)(2)(B)TN-REPORT-2
Proof that the crime happened can come from documents other than a police report, such as medical records from a health care provider or a restraining order issued by a court. This is proof of the offense only; it does not replace the timely report to law enforcement that a compensation claim still needs.
(vii) Medical records from a healthcare provider, as those terms are defined in § 9-8-408; (viii) A written communication from a prosecuting attorney or investigating law enforcement officer who has personal involvement in the prosecution or investigation of any criminal case relative to the claim filed; (ix) A report from child protective services or another government agency; (x) A restraining order issued by a court;
A victim does not have to report to police or cooperate with prosecution for the forensic exam to be paid.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(2)
T.C.A. 29-13-118(b)(2)TN-EXAM-4
the victims shall not be required to report the incident to law enforcement officers or to cooperate in the prosecution of the crime in order to be eligible for payment of forensic medical examinations
The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 15 days, but a late report can be excused for good cause, and being a victim of sexual assault is a listed reason for good cause.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)
T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)TN-REPORT-1
A claim cannot be filed until the crime upon which the claim is based has been reported by the victim, or a member of the victim's family, to the proper authorities within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence of such crime unless, for good cause shown, it is found that the delay was justified. Good cause for the failure of a victim or a member of the victim's family to report a crime may be found if the victim is: (1) Physically unable; (2) A victim of sexual assault;
Proof that the crime happened can come from documents other than a police report, such as medical records from a health care provider or a restraining order issued by a court. This is proof of the offense only; it does not replace the timely report to law enforcement that a compensation claim still needs.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-103(b)(2)(B)
T.C.A. 29-13-103(b)(2)(B)TN-REPORT-2
(vii) Medical records from a healthcare provider, as those terms are defined in § 9-8-408; (viii) A written communication from a prosecuting attorney or investigating law enforcement officer who has personal involvement in the prosecution or investigation of any criminal case relative to the claim filed; (ix) A report from child protective services or another government agency; (x) A restraining order issued by a court;
Deadline to apply
Apply within 2 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)
T.C.A. 29-13-108(a)TN-FILE-1
A claim must be filed within 2 years after the crime. For listed sexual offenses against a minor, it can also be filed within 2 years after a resulting injury is diagnosed, and good cause can extend the time.
A claim for compensation must be filed not later than two (2) years after the occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based, two (2) years after the death of the victim, or two (2) years after any mental or physical manifestation or injury is diagnosed as a result of an act committed against a minor that would constitute a criminal offense under §§ 39-13-502 – 39-13-505, § 39-13-522, § 39-15-302, § 39-17-902, or §§ 39-17-1003 – 39-17-1005, or an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit such offenses; provided, that upon good cause shown, the time period for filing such claim may be extended either before or after the expiration of the filing period.
Keeping your name and address private
Safe at Home, run by the Tennessee Secretary of State, is free and open to survivors of rape, sexual battery, or any other sexual offense (plus domestic abuse, stalking, and human trafficking). An approved participant gets a substitute address to use as the official mailing address for state and local government purposes, with a few exceptions. Applying takes an application assistant at a partner agency.
Show the law for this line: Secretary of State, Safe at Home FAQ 'What is the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program?'; statute T.C.A. 40-38-601 to 40-38-604 (enroll text from 40-38-604(a))
Secretary of State, Safe at Home FAQ 'What is the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program?'; statute T.C.A. 40-38-601 to 40-38-604 (enroll text from 40-38-604(a))TN-ACP-1
The Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program is a statewide address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State. It is open to all victims of domestic abuse, stalking, human trafficking, rape, sexual battery, or any other sexual offense who satisfy eligibility and application requirements at no cost. Once a participant has been approved, they are provided with a 'substitute' address that can be used by them and their children as their official mailing address for all state and local government purposes
For victims who apply for compensation, Tennessee law makes the home address, home and personal cell phone numbers, Social Security number, and the crime the victim is being compensated for confidential and closed to public inspection. The statute does not list the victim's name or the rest of the claim file.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 10-7-504(k)
T.C.A. 10-7-504(k)TN-RECORDS-1
The following information regarding victims who apply for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, compiled in title 29, chapter 13, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be open for inspection by members of the public: (1) Residential information, including the street address, city, state and zip code; (2) Home telephone and personal cell phone numbers; (3) Social security number; and (4) The criminal offense from which the victim is receiving compensation.
How to apply
Online Treasury.tn.gov/injury
Show the law for this line: Resource guide, Apply for Compensation
Resource guide, Apply for CompensationTN-SUBMIT-ONLINE
File the claim online through the Treasury's Criminal Injuries Compensation page.
Complete and submit your claim online at Treasury.tn.gov/injury.
Phone 833-867-3891
Show the law for this line: Tennessee Treasury, Criminal Injuries Compensation resource guide (brochure)
Tennessee Treasury, Criminal Injuries Compensation resource guide (brochure)TN-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
The claims commission may make an emergency award of up to $500 before a final decision when an award is probable and waiting would cause undue hardship. It is deducted from the final award.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-114(b)
T.C.A. 29-13-114(b)TN-EMERG-1
The amount of such emergency award shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
Good to know before you apply
Covers crimes in Tennessee. A Tennessee resident victimized in another state can claim here only if that state's program does not honor the claim.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-104(4)
T.C.A. 29-13-104(4)TN-RES-1
Any of the foregoing acts committed or taken in another state if the victim was a resident of this state at the time the crime or act occurred and the claimant's request for compensation from the state in which the crime or act occurred is not honored.
Awards are reduced by money received or legally owed from the offender or any other public or private source, such as insurance.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(f)(1)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(f)(1)TN-COLL-1
Any award shall be reduced by the amounts of payment already received or any amounts which claimant is legally entitled to receive as a result of the injury: (A) From or on behalf of the offender; (B) From any other public or private source;
To qualify, the claimant needs at least $100 in out-of-pocket loss or at least 2 continuous weeks of lost earnings or support, unless the limit would not serve the interest of justice.
Show the law for this line: T.C.A. 29-13-106(d)
T.C.A. 29-13-106(d)TN-MIN-1
no award shall be made unless the claimant has incurred a minimum out of pocket loss of one hundred dollars ($100) or has lost at least two (2) continuous weeks earnings or support, unless it is determined that the interest of justice would not be served by such a limitation
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If you're Jane Doe in Tennessee: you can ask for up to $34,100, and you should never get a bill for a forensic exam.
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