We understand how hard it can be to receive a denial on your Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) application. If you don’t agree with the CVC Program decision, you have the right to appeal. We’re here to support you through every step of the process.  

What you should know about appeals

  • You can appeal if the CVC Program denied your application, or denied or reduced your compensation
  • You can appeal any part of our decision about your claim
  • There are three levels of appeal available to you
  • Each level has specific deadlines and requirements you must meet
  • If you fail to meet the deadline or requirements for the appeal, you may waive your right to appeal or it may delay the process for you.
  • You can have a lawyer you choose on your own to help you at any time

The CVC Program designed the process to be straightforward, and we're here to help you through it. However, you can have a lawyer if you choose. The program may be able to help pay for attorney’s fees related to your appeal.

Learn more about attorney’s fees we can cover.

Who can file an appeal

  • The crime victim
  • Anyone listed as a claimant on the application

Note: Service providers (like hospitals, counselors, funeral homes, etc.) cannot file appeals.

Learn more about CVC program eligibility.

What documents can help your appeal

For all appeals, include the following:

  • Copy of our decision letter
  • Signed appeal request
  • Written explanation of your disagreement
  • Any new supporting evidence

Download appeal request sample template.

Note: You can submit new evidence at any point during the appeal process until a decision is made. We'll add it to your case file.

The appeals process

If you decide to file an appeal, following the correct process is essential to ensure your case is reviewed properly. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the appeal process in the correct order. Each step is important, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid delays. 

Note: If you missed the deadline for either Level 1 or Level 2 appeal, don’t worry—there’s still a process you can follow. To move forward, you’ll need to submit a signed, written explanation explaining why your request is late. We will review it to decide if there’s good cause for the delay. If good cause isn’t found, the original decision will stay final.

Level 1: Reconsideration Review

Timeline: Submit within 30 days of the decision you disagree with.

What you need to do:

  1. Write and sign your appeal request
  2. Explain why you disagree with our decision
  3. Include any new information that supports your case
  4. Submit your request by either the provided form link to upload your documents or mail them directly to us.

    Submit Reconsideration Review Documents
    or
    Mailing Address:
    Crime Victim Services
    P.O. Box 12198
    Austin, Texas 78711-2198

What happens next:

  • If you meet the appeal requirements and deadline, we'll send you a letter confirming we received your request.
    Or
    If you do not meet the appeal requirements or deadline—for example, if your appeal is late or unsigned—we'll send you a letter asking you to either provide a good cause explanation for the late appeal or to sign and resend your appeal.
  • An appeal reviewer will look at your entire case file, including:
    • All documents in your file
    • Police reports and witness statements
    • Medical records and bills
    • Any new information you provide
  • We'll send you our decision in writing

Note: This process usually takes several months as we review cases in order received.

Level 2: Final ruling hearing

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing.

Timeline: Request within 30 days of the Level 1 decision.

Before the hearing:

  1. Submit a signed request for a "final ruling hearing" by either the provided form link to upload your documents or mail them directly to us. 

    Submit Final Ruling Hearing Documents
    or
    Mailing Address:
    Crime Victim Services
    P.O. Box 12198
    Austin, Texas 78711-2198

    Note: If you meet the appeal requirements and deadline, we'll send you a letter confirming we received your request.
    Or 
    If you do not meet the appeal requirements or deadline—for example, if your appeal is late or unsigned—we'll send you a letter asking you to either provide a good cause explanation for the late appeal or to sign and resend your appeal.
  2. Gather any additional evidence
  3. Prepare your testimony
  4. Arrange for any witnesses to participate and notify us if you plan to have witnesses testify.

During the hearing:

  • The hearing is conducted by phone
  • A hearing officer will explain the process
  • You'll testify under oath
  • You can present evidence and witnesses
  • We can arrange for witnesses to join the call
  • A hearing officer will look at your entire case file, including:
    • All documents in your file
    • Police reports and witness statements
    • Medical records and bills
    • Any new information you provide

Important notes:

  • We'll schedule your hearing at least 10 days in advance
  • Contact us early if you need to reschedule
  • If you can't attend, the hearing officer will make a decision based on available information
  • We'll send you our decision in writing

Note: This process usually takes several months as we review cases in order received.

Level 3: Judicial review

This is the final level of appeal and takes place in district court.

Timeline:

  • Submit a signed "Written Notice of Dissatisfaction" within 40 days of the hearing decision.

    Submit Judicial Review Documents
    or
    Mailing Address:
    Crime Victim Services
    P.O. Box 12198
    Austin, Texas 78711-2198
     
  • File your lawsuit within 40 days of giving your notice.

Note: These deadlines cannot be extended. We strongly recommend getting legal help for this level of appeal.

Questions?

If you have any questions  or need help, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you during this challenging time.

You can contact us online
or
You can reach us by phone:
Mon. – Fri., 8:00am - 5:00pm CT
Toll Free: (800) 983-9933
In Austin: (512) 936-1200