Who can apply?
Three broad groups may apply: victims, immediate family members and certain witnesses.
- A victim who was physically or psychologically injured as a direct result of a prescribed offence committed in British Columbia.
- An immediate family member who experienced economic loss or psychological harm because of a victim's death or injury, or a minor child of a deceased victim.
- A person who witnessed, in close proximity, a prescribed offence or its immediate aftermath when it caused life-threatening injury or death and would alarm, shock and frighten a reasonable person.
Does the crime have to happen in British Columbia?
Generally, the offence or qualifying event must have occurred in British Columbia.
The Act also excludes offences or events on or before July 1, 1972. Motor-vehicle injuries are generally excluded unless a motor vehicle was used in an assault, and workplace injuries covered by workers' compensation are excluded.
How long do I have to apply?
For most applications, the deadline depends on when the crime occurred.
- Before January 1, 2024: the Government of BC says the application usually must be received within one year of the crime.
- On or after January 1, 2024: the usual deadline is two years from the crime.
- For a person under 19, the time-limit rules are extended. The government explains that the time limit does not begin until age 19.
- There is no time limit for a victim's application involving specified childhood sexual misconduct or an offence that is or includes sexual assault. Family-member applications remain subject to a time limit.
- CVAP may extend a deadline when satisfied the application could not reasonably have been made in time.
Do police have to lay charges first?
No. You do not have to wait for charges or a conviction before applying.
CVAP may ask for information needed to verify what happened. The Act allows benefits whether or not anyone is prosecuted. Reporting and cooperation can affect a decision, subject to the law and the circumstances assessed by CVAP.
What if insurance or another program may pay?
CVAP is generally a payer of last resort.
The official program says claims should first be made to other sources that can cover the same or similar service or expense, such as extended health insurance. CVAP may consider eligible costs that remain. Other payments can be deducted from a CVAP benefit.
How do I verify my situation?
- Read the current Government of BC eligibility and benefits page.
- Call CVAP at 1-866-660-3888 (toll-free in B.C.) or 604-660-3888 (Lower Mainland).
- Contact VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 by call or text for 24/7 information and referrals.
- Ask a local victim service worker for help understanding the application process.