How Are VOCA Funds Allocated for Crime Victim Compensation Programs?
Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes. Under VOCA, each state compensation program receives an annual grant equal to 60 percent of what the program spends in state money annually. This calculation is based on the state dollars paid out for the federal fiscal year 2 years prior to the year of the federal grant. Although each state administers its own program independently, most programs have similar eligibility requirements and offer comparable types of benefits. No more than 5 percent of each year’s VOCA compensation formula grant may be used for administration and training; the rest must be used for awards of compensation to crime victims. Victim Assistance What Is Victim Assistance? Victim assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following services: • Crisis intervention. • Emergency shelter. • Emergency transportation. • Counseling. • Criminal justice advocacy. More than 4,000
