Frequently Asked Questions

Can a victim choose their own provider or does the program refer victims to certain doctors?
Yes. A victim can choose their own provider or the program can give him or her a referral.

How long will it take to receive a wage loss from the VCP?
The VCP can process a wage loss within 30 days as long as the following information is in your file:

Employment verification
Disability letter from your treating physician or mental health provider

Self-employed victims must wait for our office to receive your tax returns from the Franchise Tax Board, which may extend the time of our wage loss processing.

What are the differences between and advocate and a claim specialist?
An advocate is the person you first come in contact with when filing a claim with the Victims Compensation Program. An advocate assists victims in filing VCP applications, accompanies victims to court and answers questions regarding the criminal justice system. The advocate also can provide referrals for resources such as housing relocation, medical and mental health providers, as well as funeral burial information.

Claims specialists are the persons who interface directly with the State Compensation Program by processing local claims. Specialists determine eligibility for the VCP program and do the actual processing of wage and support losses. Specialists also process the payments of medical, mental health, funeral burial, as well as relocation expenses.

Where does the money for this program come from?
The Victim Compensation Program receives its money from fees or fines that offenders pay when convicted of a crime. Taxpayer funds are not used.

Who do I contact if I move or change providers?
If you move, please contact our office in writing at:

Victim Compensation Program
Office of the San Francisco District Attorney
PO Box 77877
San Francisco, CA 94107