Help from California Victim Compensation, even without papers

This page explains California victim compensation. It is general information, not legal advice. DNLH is not a crisis line. If you are in danger now, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Can I apply without papers?

Yes. CalVCB says U.S. citizenship is not required to apply (CalVCB fact sheet). The paper application does not ask about immigration status or citizenship, and the Social Security number line has a "No SSN" box you can check (CalVCB application, 2017 edition).

What CalVCB does look at (CalVCB FAQ, updated January 16, 2026):

• Where it happened. The crime happened in California, or you were a California resident when it happened elsewhere.
• The harm. The crime caused physical injury, a threat of physical injury, death, or in some cases emotional injury.
• Timing. You apply within the deadline.

Who can apply?

• The victim. Covered crimes include, but are not limited to, assault, child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, homicide, rape and sexual assault, robbery, stalking, drunk driving, elder abuse and hate crimes (CalVCB FAQ, fact sheet).
• Family members hurt by the same crime can apply too. Their application can be approved only after the victim's is approved.
• A parent or guardian applies for a child.

What does it pay for?

CalVCB pays costs from the crime that no one else covers. From the What Is Covered page (updated August 21, 2025):

• Medical and dental care
• Mental health counseling, including for children who witnessed a violent crime
• Lost income if the crime left you unable to work (up to 5 years, longer if permanently disabled; up to 2 years for trafficking survivors), and for a parent of a hospitalized or deceased child (up to 30 days)
• Funeral and burial costs
• Relocation when you need to move for safety
• Home security, like new locks
• Crime scene cleanup
• Job retraining, and home or car changes for a lasting disability
• Mileage to medical and counseling visits
• Support for dependents who lost the victim's income

There are limits. The total is up to $70,000 per approved application (for applications filed since January 1, 2017). Funeral and relocation have their own caps.

Not covered: stolen or damaged property (except medically needed items like glasses or hearing aids), pain and suffering, and costs of prosecuting the offender.

CalVCB pays last. It pays only what insurance, Medi-Cal, workers' comp, restitution or a lawsuit do not. If another source pays later, you must pay CalVCB back (CalVCB FAQ).

Do I need a police report?

Usually CalVCB expects you to cooperate with police and prosecutors. But the rules make room for survivors:

• For domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, an application cannot be denied only because there is no police report. Other proof can be used, such as medical or mental health records (Gov. Code 13956).
• CalVCB must consider your age, health, emotional state, cultural or language barriers and a reasonable fear of retaliation when deciding whether you cooperated.
• Reporting late, by itself, does not mean you did not cooperate in sexual assault, domestic violence or trafficking cases.
• A domestic violence victim's behavior with police at the scene is not held against them.
• The criminal case does not have to be prosecuted for you to get help, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney.

Is it safe to apply without papers?

What we know:

• CalVCB says citizenship is not required.
• The application does not ask about your immigration status.

What is not answered yet:

• Sharing with immigration agencies. The CalVCB fact sheet and application do not say whether CalVCB ever shares applicant information with federal immigration agencies. You can ask CalVCB directly at 800-777-9229.
• Public charge. A new public charge DHS final rule took effect September 18, 2026, for green card applications filed since then, and USCIS guidance explains how officers apply it (USCIS Policy Manual, public charge). Ask an immigration lawyer whether CalVCB payments could be weighed in your case.

If you have, or plan, an immigration case, talk to a free immigration legal service before you apply. Do not let fear stop you from getting medical care. See Free legal help in the Bay Area. If the crime might qualify you for a U visa or T visa, ask about that too: Immigration options if you survived violence, abuse or trafficking.

How do I apply?

1. Get an advocate if you can. Victim advocates help you fill out the form, gather proof and follow up. It is free. Bay Area offices are below.
2. Apply online at online.victims.ca.gov, or on paper. Mail paper forms to CalVCB, PO Box 3036, Sacramento, CA 95812-3036, or drop them at your local victim witness center (application).
3. Sign the release. The form asks you to let doctors, counselors and agencies share records with CalVCB about the crime and your costs.
4. Send bills and proof as you get them: medical bills, counseling receipts, a letter from your employer about lost work, a lease for a new home.
5. Keep copies of everything, and write down every call.

The application asks for your preferred spoken and written language. Deaf or hard of hearing callers can use California Relay at 711.

Deadlines. Usually within 7 years of the crime, or of when you learned the injury came from a crime. If the victim was 21 or younger, until their 28th birthday. Late applications can be considered for good cause. Bills must be sent within 3 years of the service date (CalVCB FAQ).

Can CalVCB pay my counselor or doctor directly?

Often, yes, if the provider is registered with CalVCB. CalVCB will not pay a provider directly unless it is registered (FAQ), so ask your provider before your first visit. Counselors must send a treatment plan, and more sessions can be requested when you are close to the limit (What Is Covered). If you cannot wait for approval, a Trauma Recovery Center offers free care and you do not have to qualify for CalVCB (Trauma Recovery Centers). See counseling options.

Why could I be denied?

From the CalVCB FAQ and Gov. Code 13956:

• CalVCB finds you were involved in the events that led to the crime, or committing a felony at the time
• CalVCB finds you did not reasonably cooperate (with the exceptions above)
• You applied late, or the bills lack proof
• The cost is not covered or another source should pay
• Payment is paused while you are in jail or prison, on parole or probation for a violent felony, or required to register as a sex offender. You can still apply, and payment can be considered later.

What if I am denied?

You can appeal. File within 45 days of the date the denial letter was mailed. Use the CalVCB appeal form or write a letter, add your proof, and mail it to CalVCB, Attn: Appeals, P.O. Box 350, Sacramento, CA 95812-0350. You may ask for a hearing by Zoom or in Sacramento, or send more documents (CalVCB FAQ). An advocate or legal aid office can help.

Are the rules changing?

Yes, on January 1, 2027. CalVCB filed new regulations for compensation claims with the Secretary of State on September 10, 2026 (CalVCB regulations page). They change three sections: direct payment to providers, mental health benefits, and extra mental health treatment in dire or exceptional circumstances (final text). If you get counseling paid by CalVCB, your counselor will need to send treatment information to CalVCB before more sessions are approved. A 2025 bill to drop the "involvement" and police cooperation denial reasons, AB 1100, did not pass; it died in February 2026 (LegiScan).

Who can help?

• CalVCB: 800-777-9229, info@victims.ca.gov (FAQ).
• San Mateo County Victim Services Division (District Attorney): free help with CalVCB applications, court information and emergency assistance, (650) 599-7479 (county page). For San Mateo County.
• Santa Clara County District Attorney Victim Services Unit: 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose; DA main line (408) 299-7500; bilingual staff and interpreters in over 200 languages; non citizens can get help (DA FAQ). For Santa Clara County.
• Domestic violence and sexual assault agencies offer survivor support; ask them about help with your application: CORA (San Mateo County) 800-300-1080, Next Door Solutions (Santa Clara County) 408-279-2962, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley 800-572-2782, Rape Trauma Services (San Mateo County) 650-692-7273. See survivor help.
• Other counties: find an advocate by county at victims.ca.gov/get-help.

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer? No. Most people apply with an advocate. Legal fees are not a covered cost.

I paid my bills with money from a GoFundMe. Can CalVCB pay me back? No. CalVCB will not repay costs already paid by crowdfunding (FAQ).

The crime happened years ago. You may still be within 7 years, or under 28 if you were young. If not, ask about a late application.

Can my family get counseling too? Family members hurt by the same crime can apply, and children who witnessed a violent crime can get counseling.

I was hurt outside California. If you were a California resident at the time, you may qualify.

We checked these rules on October 21, 2026. Laws change; check the linked pages before you act.