The Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund: A Plain-English Guide
The Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, administered by the Tennessee Department of Treasury, helps victims of violent crime and their families pay expenses insurance does not cover, including medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and crime scene cleanup at a residence. Victims generally must report the crime promptly, cooperate with law enforcement, and file a claim within the program’s deadline.
Most Tennessee families have never heard of this fund until the worst day of their lives, and many never hear about it at all. That is a shame, because the state has paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to crime victims over the program’s history. This guide explains who qualifies, what the fund pays for, and how to apply, in plain English.
What the Fund Pays For
- Medical and counseling expenses related to the crime
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and loss of support for dependents
- Crime scene cleaning at a victim’s residence, up to the program’s cap (currently listed at $3,000; verify at publish)
The fund is a payer of last resort, meaning it covers what insurance and other sources do not. It does not pay for stolen or damaged property.
Who Qualifies
- The crime occurred in Tennessee (Tennessee residents hurt in other states or countries may have options through those jurisdictions)
- The crime was reported to law enforcement promptly; the program’s rules reference reporting within 48 hours, with exceptions for good cause
- The victim cooperates with law enforcement and prosecution
- The claim is filed within the program deadline, generally two years from the crime; verify current rules
- Family members of homicide victims can file, including for funeral costs and counseling
How To Apply, Step by Step
- Report and document. Get the police report number. Your claim will reference the investigation.
- Find your victim advocate. Every judicial district has victim witness coordinators who help families file, free of charge. Ask the district attorney’s office.
- Complete the application. The application is available through the Tennessee Department of Treasury. Gather bills, receipts, and proof of expenses as you go.
- File and follow up. Claims take time to process. Keep copies of everything and respond quickly to any requests for more information.
How Huuso Bio Helps With Fund Claims
When we perform crime scene cleanup for a family, we provide itemized invoices and proof of disinfection in the format the fund and insurance carriers need, and our account advocates help with the cleanup portion of the paperwork. Families should never leave this money unclaimed because the forms felt like too much.
FAQ
Does the fund pay for crime scene cleanup?
Yes. Crime scene cleaning at a victim’s residence is a covered expense up to the program’s cap. Keep your itemized cleanup invoice; it is required for reimbursement.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally two years from the date of the crime, though the safest move is to start the claim as early as possible. Verify the current deadline with the Tennessee Treasury.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
No. Victim witness coordinators at your judicial district help families file at no cost, and the application does not require an attorney.
What if the offender was never caught?
An arrest or conviction is not required. The crime must be reported and the victim must cooperate with the investigation, but compensation does not depend on the case being solved.