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Delaware Department of Justice
Attorney General
Kathy Jennings


Compensation Program


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Who can get help?

The Delaware Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program provides compensation to victims of violent crimes and their families for crime related expenses. Compensation is available for payment of medical and dental expenses, mental health counseling, prescription medication, lost wages, funeral/burial support, temporary housing and moving or relocation services, crime related expenses and other costs approved by the Agency. VCAP only pays expenses that are not covered by another source of funding, such as health or auto insurance. Property losses are not covered.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The crime must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours.
  • An application must be filed with VCAP within 1 year of the crime.
  • Victims must cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
  • Victims must cooperate with VCAP staff and provide all information requested.
  • The victim must not have caused or contributed to his/her injury or death.

What Losses may be paid?

  • Medical and/or dental expenses for the victim.
  • Mental health treatment or counseling.
  • Wage or income loss.
  • Funeral and/or burial expenses.
  • Crime scene clean-up.
  • Moving/Relocation Expenses.
  • Temporary Housing.
  • Change of locks.
  • Replace items seized as evidence.

The Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program may only pay crime-related losses not covered by insurance or other sources. No award will exceed $25,000.00. Limits have been set for certain types of losses. Please contact the VCAP office with any questions.

ALL LOSSES MUST BE SUPPORTED BY DOCUMENTATION PRIOR TO COMPENSATION BEING AWARDED.

YOU CANNOT BE PAID FOR LOST, DAMAGED OR STOLEN PROPERTY, OR FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST APPLY FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. VICTIMS WHO ARE UNABLE TO APPLY DUE TO PHYSICAL OR MENTAL LIMITATIONS, OR DEATH, SHOULD HAVE A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FILE ON THEIR BEHALF.

For Help Please Contact:

Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program
900 North King Street, Suite 4
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone 302.255.1770
Fax 302.577.1326

Delaware Victim Center
1-800-VICTIM-1 In-State Only

Delaware Department of Justice
Victim Service Unit
1-800-870-1790

Delaware Helpline
In State: 1-800-464-HELP (4357)
Out of State: 1-800-273-9500

Local Victim Resources





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