Any Michigan Deputy knows all too well that victims of crime are often victimized twice. First with the initial crime against them then with the financial toll of dealing with medical bills, counseling and lost wages.

The legislature recognized this as well and in 1976 they passed the Crime Victims Compensation Act. This act provides Michigan victims of crime reimbursement for the cost of medical expenses, counseling, loss of earnings or support, and burial assistance to survivors. Medical expenses include hospital bills, doctor bills, laboratory fees, ambulance charges and other related costs. Loss of earnings may be paid to a victim for the period of medical disability resulting from the criminal injury, and loss of support may be paid to survivors upon the death of a victim of homicide if the victim was their primary source of support.

The compensation provided for in this act is considered a "last resort" and reimbursement is only made for those expenses not covered by restitution, private insurance and workers compensation. 

Also, there are limits on the amounts that can be paid for weekly loss of earnings and support, for burial, for counseling and on the total amount that may be paid as a result of a crime. $15,000 is the maximum payment and $200 a week is the maximum payment for lost earnings or support. $2,000 is the maximum funeral payment and this may include $500 for grief counseling for the spouse, children, parents, or brothers and sisters of the person who died. Reimbursement for 26 hours of psychological counseling for the injured person at up to $80 an hour for a licensed therapist or counselor is available, and up to $95 an hour for a licensed psychologist or physician.

Additionally, the Crime Victims Services Commission requires that a person have at least $200 in out-of pocket expenses or two continuous weeks loss of earnings or support. These limits are excused for retired or disabled persons and for emergency room medical exams for rape victims.

Money for crime victim compensation benefits is received from convicted criminal defendants who pay crime victim assessments ordered by Michigan courts. The program also receives federal VOCA funds from criminal fines ordered in federal courts.

For more information on this important benefit to victims of crime go to the Michigan Department of Community Health website