Do you need help with funeral expenses for a loved one? You may be eligible for compensation to help cover these costs. Here’s what you need to know:

Losing a loved one is difficult, and we’re here to help. The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program may help pay for funeral and burial expenses.

Examples of costs that may be covered are:

  • Professional services for funerals or burials, including flowers, caskets, urns, and grave markers
  • Transportation of the deceased if the distance is more than 50 miles one way

Compensation for lost wages due to attending the funeral and travel expenses related to the funeral are considered separately under the CVC Program. For more information on these and other types of assistance, please visit the Lost Wages and Travel pages for more information.

Who Can Get Help?

If you paid for funeral and burial costs, you may be able to get compensation through the CVC Program. If more than one person helped pay for the costs, the money will be split fairly.

How Much Can the CVC Program Cover?

The CVC Program will pay $6,500 for funeral and burial costs up to for crimes after July 14, 2016. For crimes before this date, different limits may apply.

Costs for transporting the deceased over 50 miles one way is not counted towards the funeral limits.

How Do I Receive Funeral Assistance?

  1. Apply for the CVC Program: Apply online or by mail. We'll guide you through each step.
  2. Get Notified of Eligibility: If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and more instructions.
  3. Use Other Available Resources First: By law, the program is a last-resort option. If you qualify for compensation from other sources, like burial insurance, that must be used before the CVC Program.
  4. Prepare the Required Documents: To process your claim, you will need the following:
    • Signed, detailed Funeral Purchase Agreement (FPA)
    • Proof of payment for funeral expenses
    • Death Certificate, if required
    • Burial or life insurance details
    • Burial Transit Permit or government document for transporting the deceased out of state or by plane
    • Invoices for transportation costs by car, air, or for out-of-state/international travel

  5. Submit Your Paperwork: Once you have submitted a CVC application, you can either use the provided form link to upload your documents or mail them directly to us.

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

What Happens After I Apply? 

Each claim is different, but here's what affects the timeline: 

  • The police verify the details of the crime
  • All required documents must be submitted
  • Bills and expenses need to be verified  

We process claims as quickly as possible and will keep you updated on your status.

Ready to Apply?

Apply for Victim Compensation

Questions?

We understand that dealing with expenses after a crime can be overwhelming. 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