I received compensation from the CVOC fund as a crime victim and it was truly a lifesaver for me. It helped pay for lost wages, etc, I have wonderful health insurance so did not require any financial help for that; however many of the members in my support group could not have afforded the therapy necessary to help us move forward. They also pay for funerals, etc. for deceased crime victims. One of the best thing about the program is that while it receives federal funds, it receives funding from the "restitution fund." This is monies paid in restitution by criminals, fines, etc. and is matched by the federal funds. Nice to see criminals actually provide some real help to victims.
Police, crime victim advocates, etc. provide this information to victims and their families almost immediately. They also continue to reiterate the info as necessary since people tend to be so confused during such difficult times.