Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund ("Fund") provides financial assistance to crime victims through two programs.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program
The purpose of this program is to assist victims of crimes or, in the case of the victim’s death, their dependent relatives. Payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program are intended to defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs, and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)
In 2007, the General Assembly amended the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to provide payment for services related to sexual assault forensic examinations. The Fund provides reimbursement to a facility that performs sexual assault forensic exams on victims of certain sexually-oriented crimes. Facilities must bill the Fund (not the victim) and cannot seek any additional payment from the victim after payment by the Fund.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program
The purpose of this program is to assist victims of crimes or, in the case of the victim’s death, their dependent relatives. Payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program are intended to defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs, and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)
In 2007, the General Assembly amended the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to provide payment for services related to sexual assault forensic examinations. The Fund provides reimbursement to a facility that performs sexual assault forensic exams on victims of certain sexually-oriented crimes. Facilities must bill the Fund (not the victim) and cannot seek any additional payment from the victim after payment by the Fund.
Filing a Claim
To receive assistance or reimbursement for allowed expenses, a claim must be filed with the Division of Claims Administration within a specific time period. The filing deadline and filing procedure varies for each of the programs mentioned above. Click here for further information about filing a claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation. Click here for further information about filing for a SAFE Program Reimbursement.
Answers to most questions are available in the website’s “How Do I” section. If you cannot find the information you need on this website, contact the Division at one of the two locations listed below.
Answers to most questions are available in the website’s “How Do I” section. If you cannot find the information you need on this website, contact the Division at one of the two locations listed below.
How Do I?
- How do people find out about the programs and their benefits?
- How does the process work?
- How do I know whether I may qualify?
- How do I file a claim if the crime did not occur in Tennessee?
- How do I document a claim?
- What deems a claim filed?
- How do I confirm a claim was filed (received by the Division of Claims Administration)?
- How do I request the status of a claim that was filed?
- How are the programs funded?
- How many claims are received each year?
- How much is paid by the Fund each year?
Contact Information for Criminal
Injuries Compensation Program
Division of Claims Administration
Phone: (615) 741-2734
Fax: (615) 532-4979
Monday – Friday
8:00AM – 4:30PM
E-mail:
Criminal.Injury@tn.gov
Contact Information for Sexual Assault Exam Reimbursement
Division of Claims Administration
Phone: (615) 741-2734
Fax: (615) 532-4979
Monday – Friday
8:00AM – 4:30PM
You may also contact a specialist directly at:
(615) 741-9966
Sarah.Dickens@tn.gov
Related Links
