Program Directory

Mississippi

Crime Victim Compensation Program, Office of the Attorney General

P.O. Box 220
Jackson, MS 39205
(601) 359-6766
(800) 829-6766
FAX: (601) 576-4445

Web site: http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/sections/victims/victim_compensation

Director: Janet Kennedy

Created in 1991, the program operates within the Office of Attorney General.

FUNDING
The program receives $10 for each misdemeanor, felony, and drunk-driving offense. Additional assessments can be imposed on convicted felons at sentencing. The program also receives a $3 per month fee from offenders on probation or parole. The program receives an annual VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Law enforcement reporting period: 72 hours
Filing period: 36 months (24 months for crimes occurring before 7/1/07)
Exceptions: Reporting requirement may be waived for good cause. In cases of child sexual abuse; application must be filed within 36 months after report is made. Filing requirement may be extended for up to 12 additional months for good cause.

PROCEDURES
Program director makes eligibility decisions on applications.

Appeals: Applicant has 30 days (15 days for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to seek reconsideration from the program director. If denied, applicant has 30 days (15 days for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to seek a contested hearing before the deputy director. Applicant may appeal contested-hearing denial to circuit court.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $20,000 ($15,000 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07)

Compensable Costs (with limits)

Medical expenses: $15,000 ($10,000 for crimes ocurring before 7/1/07)
Mental health counseling: $3,500; maximum hourly rate of $120 for M.D., $100 for Ph.D., $80 for licensed professional counselors and licensed clinical social workers
Lost wages/support: $600 per week for a maximum of 52 weeks for the victim and for the claimant to assist the victim during the recovery of injuries; one week up to $600 lost wagesto attend criminal proceedings; one week up to $600 to make funeral arrangements
Funerals: $6,500 plus transportation costs up to $800 to arrange/attend services if services are at least 45 miles from the family members' residence (limits are $4,500 and $500 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07)
Crime-scene cleanup: $1,000; $500 for repair and replacement costs for damages to windows, doors, locks or security devices of a residence (crimes occurring on or after 7/1/07)
Relocation: $2,000 for domestic violence victims; $500 for temporary housing for domestic violence victims (crimes occurring on or after 7/1/07)
Travel: If at least 45 miles from applicant's residence, the following apply: $800 ($500 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to obtain medical or counseling services; $500 to make funeral arrangements or attend services; $1,000 for court-related travel (for crimes occurring after 7/1/07); $1,000 for travel to attend execution (for crimes occurring after 7/1/07)
Rehabilitation: medical and vocational
Emergency: $500




	Program Directory Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Program, Office of the Attorney General P.O. Box 220 Jackson, MS 39205 (601) 359-6766 (800) 829-6766 FAX: (601) 576-4445 Web site: http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/sections/victims/victim_compensation Director: Janet Kennedy Created in 1991, the program operates within the Office of Attorney General. FUNDING The program receives $10 for each misdemeanor, felony, and drunk-driving offense. Additional assessments can be imposed on convicted felons at sentencing. The program also receives a $3 per month fee from offenders on probation or parole. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Law enforcement reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 36 months (24 months for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) Exceptions: Reporting requirement may be waived for good cause. In cases of child sexual abuse; application must be filed within 36 months after report is made. Filing requirement may be extended for up to 12 additional months for good cause. PROCEDURES Program director makes eligibility decisions on applications. Appeals: Applicant has 30 days (15 days for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to seek reconsideration from the program director. If denied, applicant has 30 days (15 days for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to seek a contested hearing before the deputy director. Applicant may appeal contested-hearing denial to circuit court. BENEFITS Maximum award: $20,000 ($15,000 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: $15,000 ($10,000 for crimes ocurring before 7/1/07) Mental health counseling: $3,500; maximum hourly rate of $120 for M.D., $100 for Ph.D., $80 for licensed professional counselors and licensed clinical social workers Lost wages/support: $600 per week for a maximum of 52 weeks for the victim and for the claimant to assist the victim during the recovery of injuries; one week up to $600 lost wagesto attend criminal proceedings; one week up to $600 to make funeral arrangements Funerals: $6,500 plus transportation costs up to $800 to arrange/attend services if services are at least 45 miles from the family members' residence (limits are $4,500 and $500 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) Crime-scene cleanup: $1,000; $500 for repair and replacement costs for damages to windows, doors, locks or security devices of a residence (crimes occurring on or after 7/1/07) Relocation: $2,000 for domestic violence victims; $500 for temporary housing for domestic violence victims (crimes occurring on or after 7/1/07) Travel: If at least 45 miles from applicant's residence, the following apply: $800 ($500 for crimes occurring before 7/1/07) to obtain medical or counseling services; $500 to make funeral arrangements or attend services; $1,000 for court-related travel (for crimes occurring after 7/1/07); $1,000 for travel to attend execution (for crimes occurring after 7/1/07) Rehabilitation: medical and vocational Emergency: $500