Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program is more widely available to crime victims and their family members thanks to legislative changes that took effect on Saturday.
Expansions to Crime Victim Compensation were signed last year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to broaden program eligibility requirements and help ensure equitable access to financial benefits.
Under the new legislation, the maximum award limit has been increased from $25,000 to $45,000, and more people impacted by crime physically, emotionally, psychologically or mentally may be eligible for compensation.
In addition to medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and replacement services, compensation will now be available for items such as residential security, bereavement and relocation-related expenses.
“We want victims of violent crime to know that they are not alone,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Our division of victim services is here to advocate for crime victims and their survivors and to help them deal with the physical and emotional toll that crime can take.”
Whitmer’s recent fiscal year 2024 budget approved $30 million for victim services, marking one of Michigan’s largest and most historic investments in services for crime victims and survivors.
In addition to funding other direct services, this investment will help maintain victim rights services required by Michigan’s Crime Victim Rights Act and Constitution through grants to prosecutor’s offices and direct compensation to victims through Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program.
The investment is particularly crucial given the recent expansions and will help ensure a smooth transition as new benefits and eligibility requirements are added to the program.
“These expansions reduce barriers and create greater accessibility to financial benefits for victims and their loved ones,” said Robin Hornbuckle, chair of the Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission. “We look forward to connecting more crime victims with financial assistance and thank our state lawmakers for enacting the changes necessary to make these benefits more broadly available.”
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