ALBERTA Victim Assistance Program

What is the Victims Assistance Program?

The Victims Assistance Program can provide assistance to eligible victims of violent crime in Alberta.  The program is administered under the Victims of Crime Act and Regulation. Benefit amounts are set in the Victims of Crime Regulation. 

Categories of Assistance:

1. Emergency Crime Victim Assistance: Victims may be eligible for reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. For example, the cost of emergency shelter if needed for safety reasons, the cost of lock changes, and travel costs related to safety. Receipts/estimates are required.

2. Victim of Crime Counseling Program: Victims may be eligible for psychological counseling support.

3. Physical Injury Supports and Services- extended medical benefit service or severy injury benefits to help with treatment of physical injuries related to the crime.

4. Court Attendance Expense Reimbursement: Provides reimbursement for expenses families of homicide victims and support persons for victims of sexual assault, to attend court proceedings not covered under the Alberta Crown Prosectuion Services witness expense program. Victims can also apply through the Court Attendance Program if they wish to attend court to read their Victim Impact Statement in person.

The Victims Assistance Program also has a death benefit available to survivors of victims who died as a result of a violent crime in Alberta. The application must meet eligibility criteria for the death benefit to be awarded.

Supplemental Benefit for victims who siffer a sever neurological injury. Those who are approved may receive a lump sum as well as recurring payments of $1000 per month.

Contact your nearest Victim Services Unit or police service for information about the VAP. Information is also available on the Alberta government website at www.alberta.ca.victims-of-crime-assistance-program.aspx

Who is eligible for the Victim Assistance Program?

You may be eligible for the VAP if:

• you were the victim of one of the eligible offences listed in the Victims of Crime Regulation;
• the crime happened in Alberta;
• you reported the crime to police within a reasonable time;
• you cooperated fully with the police investigation; and
• your application was received within two years of the date of the crime. Do not wait for charges to be laid or for a conviction before applying.

The program recognizes child victims and significantly incapacitated adults are not in a position to apply on their own. In those instances, a guardian or someone acting on the victim’s behalf may apply.

You may not be eligible for a financial benefit if:

• the crime did not happen in Alberta;
• you were injured in a motor vehicle incident;
• you have an extensive criminal record or criminal lifestyle;
• your actions directly or indirectly contributed to your injuries; or
• you were a witness to a crime (secondary victim).

Motor Vehicle Incidents

Injuries or deaths resulting from impaired driving or other criminal driving charges are not covered by the Financial Benefits Program. If you were injured in a motor vehicle incident, you may be eligible for the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program. For more information on the program, call 780-427-8255 or toll-free through Service Alberta at 310-0000 and enter 780-427-8255.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available from:

• your local Victim Services Unit;
•  your local police service; and
• the Government of Alberta website www.alberta.ca

In almost all cases, a completed application form is the only information you will need to submit. Victims Assistance Program staff will obtain any police or medical reports to verify the information you provide on your application. All decisions on applications are provided in writing.

 To contact the Victims Assistance Program- Phone 780-427-7217/toll free 310-0000 Email: victimsofcrime@gov.ab.ca