GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A statewide program focused on helping victims of crime is expanding to help more people.
On Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the Michigan Crime Victim Compensation will include more benefits and opportunities for victims to receive compensation.
Legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, that went into effect on Monday, will broaden the eligibility requirements for the program to include crimes that impact people physically, emotionally, psychologically or mentally.
The agency says in the past year, more than 1,000 victims have received over $5 million in benefits to help with costs for out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of earnings, funeral bills, counseling and more.
The program also increased the maximum award limit from $25,000 to $45,000.
More victims have also been included in the expansion. Now, people who are victims to mass violence incidents who have been impacted physically, emotionally, psychologically or mental can now apply.
To find out more about the expansion or if you qualify, reach out to the MDHHS for more.
