More crime victims eligible for financial assistance
Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program is now more widely available to crime victims and their family members thanks to legislative changes that went into effect Saturday, August 12. Expansions to Crime Victim Compensation were signed last year by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to broaden program eligibility requirements and help ensure equitable access to financial benefits.
“This historic expansion in Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation and the investment in the bipartisan budget I just signed shows our shared commitment to supporting victims across the state,” Whitmer said. “Since I took office, we have invested $1.5 billion in public safety. As a former prosecutor, this is a top priority for me and I will work with anyone to ensure Michiganders feel safe at home, school, work, and in their neighborhoods.”
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.”
To learn more about Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program, visit Michigan.gov/CrimeVictim.
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