Program Directory

Michigan

Crime Victims Services Commission

320 S. Walnut St.
Lansing, MI 48913
(517) 373-7373
FAX: (517) 334-9462

Acting Director: John Hubinger
Commission: Jan Praefke, Kym Worthy, Dr. Frank Ochberg, Frank Rhodes, Martin G. Bandemer, Kevin Rynbrandt

Web site: www.michigan.gov/crimevictim

Created in 1977, the program is responsible for compensation claims and state and federal victim-assistance funding. The commission consists of five persons appointed to three-year staggered terms by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. The commission must include an attorney, a county prosecutor, a peace officer, a member of the medical profession, and a community-based victim advocate.

FUNDING
The program receives an appropriation from a special fund financed through offender assessments of $60 per felon, $50 per misdemeanant, and $20 per juvenile offender. (The fund also supports victims rights services and the state victim notification network.) The compensation program also receives an annual VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Law enforcement reporting period: 48 hours
Filing period: 1 year

Exceptions: Good-cause extension for reporting period. Child victims have one year from their majority or, if a minor, from the report of the crime to file application; discretion to extend indefinitely for good cause
Minimum loss: $200 or 2 weeks' lost wages

PROCEDURES
The claims specialist investigates and reviews application and makes a recommendation for a decision to the program director. If approved, a copy of the award is sent to the claimant, noting the amounts paid to providers.

Appeals: Applicant has 30 days to appeal to the commission in writing. The appellant has the option of an evidentiary hearing or a review of the file. A further appeal can be taken to the court of appeals.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $15,000
Compensable Costs (with limits)

Medical expenses
Mental health counseling: 26 sessions
Lost wages/support: up to $200 weekly
Funerals: $2,000, including $500 of grief counseling
Replacement services: housekeeping and child care
Rehabilitation
Travel: non-local travel costs
Attorney fees: attorney can collect 15% from the victim's award
Emergency: $500




	Program Directory Michigan Crime Victims Services Commission 320 S. Walnut St. Lansing, MI 48913 (517) 373-7373 FAX: (517) 334-9462 Acting Director: John Hubinger Commission: Jan Praefke, Kym Worthy, Dr. Frank Ochberg, Frank Rhodes, Martin G. Bandemer, Kevin Rynbrandt Web site: www.michigan.gov/crimevictim Created in 1977, the program is responsible for compensation claims and state and federal victim-assistance funding. The commission consists of five persons appointed to three-year staggered terms by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. The commission must include an attorney, a county prosecutor, a peace officer, a member of the medical profession, and a community-based victim advocate. FUNDING The program receives an appropriation from a special fund financed through offender assessments of $60 per felon, $50 per misdemeanant, and $20 per juvenile offender. (The fund also supports victims rights services and the state victim notification network.) The compensation program also receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Law enforcement reporting period: 48 hours Filing period: 1 year Exceptions: Good-cause extension for reporting period. Child victims have one year from their majority or, if a minor, from the report of the crime to file application; discretion to extend indefinitely for good cause Minimum loss: $200 or 2 weeks' lost wages PROCEDURES The claims specialist investigates and reviews application and makes a recommendation for a decision to the program director. If approved, a copy of the award is sent to the claimant, noting the amounts paid to providers. Appeals: Applicant has 30 days to appeal to the commission in writing. The appellant has the option of an evidentiary hearing or a review of the file. A further appeal can be taken to the court of appeals. BENEFITS Maximum award: $15,000 Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: 26 sessions Lost wages/support: up to $200 weekly Funerals: $2,000, including $500 of grief counseling Replacement services: housekeeping and child care Rehabilitation Travel: non-local travel costs Attorney fees: attorney can collect 15% from the victim's award Emergency: $500