Victim / Witness Advocate FAQs

Does submitting a claim guarantee approval?

Please visit our How Compensation Works page for complete information about the claims process.

Can I check the status of my claim online?

If the claim was filed online through WebFile, you may log in any time to view updates on the claim.

If the claim was not filed online through WebFile, you will need to submit a VVF Support Request and VVF staff will respond to you via email shortly.

What do the claim statuses mean?

• Draft - Claim is pending
• New Awaiting - Awaiting documentation to determine eligibility
• Shelved Pending - Claim awarded until further documentation is submitted to make additional awards
• Decision Not Approved/Pending/Further Examination - The claim examiner needs to review claim and may need further documentation.

Learn more about the claims process.

Why is additional information being requested?

Please visit our How Compensation Works page for complete information about the claims process.

What if law enforcement did not classify the incident as a crime?

VVF must determine whether a qualifying crime occurred based on available information, which may include law enforcement reports and other documentation. If sufficient information is not provided, your claim may be denied. To learn more, please see page 8 of the VVF Policy Manual.

How will I know my documents were received?

Document receipt is always noted in the WebFile portal. In some cases, you may also receive an email. If no confirmation message is received please check the claim in WebFile to see if the documents are visible. If they are not visible in WebFile, the documents were not received and you should upload them again.

If the documents were not submitted through WebFile, please submit a VVF Support Request and a VVF staff representative will respond shortly.

What happens if the claim is denied?

Correspondence is sent to the Claimant, along with information about the appeal process or reconsideration options.

How long will it take to process my claim?

Please visit our How Compensation Works page for complete information about the claims process.

Is personal identifying information kept confidential?

Yes. Information is handled with strict confidentiality and shared only with authorized individuals involved in processing claims.

Who can see claim documents?

Only trained staff assigned to the claim and, where applicable, authorized partners involved in the review process.

I have a different question.

Please submit a VVF Support Request and a VVF staff representative will respond to your question shortly.