If a decedent died because of a criminal act, and you are a family member, then you may be eligible to receive compensation under the ILLINOIS CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION ACT (740 ILCS 45). The state provides compensation for reasonable funeral expenses (up to $3,000) and / or medical expenses. Total compensation may not exceed $25,000. To be eligible the following must be true:
* The decedent was an Illinois resident.
* The decedent was an innocent victim (i.e., did not do anything wrong).
* The crime was reported to authorities within 72 hours of its commission or discovery of the body.
* There was full cooperation with law enforcement officers by the victim and/or his family.
* Application for compensation was filed within one year from the injury or death.
* There are no other resources, such as health or life insurance, available to cover medical or burial costs.
For more information please contact:
(800) 228-3368 or write to:
Crime Victims Compensation Act
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
