Guide ยท Crime victims, families, victim advocates
Crime victim compensation in Tennessee, including cleanup costs
Tennessee has a state program that helps innocent victims of violent crime with certain costs, including some crime scene cleanup in the home. It is run by the Tennessee Department of Treasury and is called the Criminal Injuries Compensation program. This guide summarizes how it works based on the Treasury's published information. Limits, deadlines and rules change, so verify current details with the Treasury or a victim advocate before relying on them.
What the program is
The Criminal Injuries Compensation program reimburses eligible victims of violent crime in Tennessee for certain expenses caused by the crime. It is part of the Treasury's Claims and Risk Management division. It is not a lawsuit and does not depend on the offender paying anything.
The program describes itself as a fund of last resort. It pays only for costs that are not covered by other sources, such as health insurance, TennCare, Medicare, auto insurance, life or burial insurance, workers' compensation, court-ordered restitution or homeowners insurance.
Who may qualify
According to the Treasury, people who may qualify include innocent victims of a violent crime in Tennessee that caused personal injury, dependents of a victim who died, the administrator of a deceased victim's estate, and people injured while trying to prevent a crime or help apprehend a criminal. Certain relatives and household members who paid funeral or burial costs, or who received counseling in some situations, may also qualify.
The crime must have occurred in Tennessee. The victim's own conduct must not have contributed to the crime. The victim or claimant must cooperate fully with law enforcement and prosecutors. And there must be an eligible expense.
Reporting and filing deadlines
The Treasury states that the crime must be reported to law enforcement within 15 days, unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause for a later report. You will need a police report or another official document showing the crime was reported.
Claims generally must be filed within two years of the crime, unless good cause is shown for a later filing. An arrest or conviction is not required before you file.
What it can help pay for
The Treasury lists eligible expense categories that include medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages for victims who were employed, permanent impairment with a doctor's rating, funeral and burial costs for eligible relatives, loss of financial support to dependents, moving expenses if the crime happened at the victim's primary residence, crime scene cleanup, and travel to attend trial. Some categories have their own limits.
There is also an overall maximum award, which the Treasury adjusts over time and which depends on the date of the crime. Check the Treasury's current figures for the date that applies to you.
Crime scene cleanup specifically
If the crime occurred in the victim's home or an eligible relative's home, the program can consider up to $3,000 in costs for cleaning and removal of materials, according to the Treasury's current guidance. Repairs and replacement are excluded. That means the program may help with removing blood-soaked carpet and cleaning the area, but not with installing new carpet or replacing furniture.
Because the program pays last, it will look first at whether homeowners or renters insurance covers cleanup. If insurance pays part of the cost, the program may consider the remainder, up to its limits.
How to apply
The Treasury accepts claims through an online portal linked from its Criminal Injuries Compensation page. According to the Treasury, the online application must be completed in one session, so gather what you need first: the date and location of the crime, the police report or case number, and supporting documents such as bills, receipts and insurance statements. Legal guardians file for minors or for adults who cannot file themselves.
The Treasury describes a process of submission, review, eligibility assessment and a written decision, and says claims are typically processed within about 90 days. Questions can be directed to the program by phone or email using the contact details on the Treasury's website.
Working with a cleanup company
If you plan to seek compensation for cleanup, tell the company at the start. Ask for a written estimate, an itemized invoice that separates cleaning and removal from any repair or replacement, photographs, and a final summary. These documents make the claim easier to review.
Ask how the company handles billing when a claim is pending. Some families pay and seek reimbursement; in other cases, arrangements differ. Get any arrangement in writing, and do not assume the program will approve a particular amount.
Victim advocates can help
Many district attorney's offices, police departments and community organizations in Tennessee have victim advocates or victim-witness coordinators. They can explain the program, help you complete the application, and connect you with counseling and other support. Ask the investigating officer or the district attorney's office how to reach one. The Treasury also offers training resources for advocates.
If the claim is denied or reduced
If you disagree with a decision, read the written decision carefully for the reason and any instructions on how to ask for reconsideration or appeal, and note the deadline. A victim advocate or attorney can help you decide whether to challenge it and what additional documentation might help.
Other help that may be available
Depending on the situation, other sources may help with costs: homeowners, renters or auto insurance, workers' compensation if the crime happened at work, court-ordered restitution, and community organizations that assist crime victims. If you are a tenant, your landlord may be responsible for cleanup of the unit itself. A victim advocate can help you sort out which sources apply.
Taking care of yourself
Paperwork after a violent crime can feel impossible on top of everything else. It is fine to ask for help, and to take the process one step at a time. Counseling may be an eligible expense under the program. If you or someone close to you is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free and confidential.
Related services
Further reading
If you need help
Call 615-914-0790 or email contact@newdawnbiorestoration.com. We serve Middle Tennessee.
This page is general information, not legal, medical, or insurance advice. Requirements change; verify with the agency listed before acting.