Debtors

Virginia Victims Fund has the statutory responsibility pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-368.15 to “recover payments on account of losses resulting from the crime with respect to which the award is made.” Once an individual is convicted of a crime upon which an award of a claim is based, any awards that are made for expenses not included in court-ordered restitution will be billed directly to the individual convicted of the crime and is required to make regular monthly payments to Virginia Victims Fund for balances owed.

The debtor will be entered into the Virginia Tax Debt Set-Off system. Tax refunds, lottery winnings, etc. paid to the debtor through the Virginia Treasury will be intercepted by the Fund until the debt is paid in full. Additionally, VVF will ask the Commonwealth’s Attorney to request restitution in the amount paid by VVF § 19.2-368.5(D)

Click here to make a payment online.

Please note:
  • Clicking the link above will open a new web page where your payment can be processed. The new page is not a part of the Virginia Victims Fund website, but your payment will be received by the Virginia Victims Fund.
  • Payment may be made by Mastercard or Visa.
  • You will need the Claim Number OR the victim's first and last names to make a payment. If you do not have this information, please contact our office at 800-552-4007 for assistance.
  • Please allow up to 2 business days for your payment to be updated in our system.

Impact of Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (VVF) Awards on Defendants

When the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, also known as VVF, issues an award on behalf of a victim, defendants may be responsible for reimbursing VVF for any financial awards made on behalf of victims. Defendants who are found guilty of crimes causing injury to victims and for whom VVF has made an award, are responsible for reimbursing VVF.

VVF Awards Issued Before Criminal Case is Concluded
If VVF makes an award before the criminal case is final, and the defendant is found guilty of the crime, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may request restitution for the VVF award, to be paid to the victim or VVF.

VVF Awards Issued After Criminal Case is Concluded
If VVF makes an award after the criminal case is final, and the defendant is found guilty of the crime, VVF is legally authorized to collect reimbursement from the defendant.

In other words:

graphic showing if a defendant is found guilty of a crime and VVF has paid for victim’s expenses, the defendant must repay VVF whether the court has ordered restitution or not

Collection and Setoff Procedures

VVF will notify defendant directly about any debt that is due. Defendant-debtors may pay the entire amount due or set up a monthly billing payment.

Defendant-debtors refusing to pay the debt and have an unpaid balance over $5.00, will be included in the Virginia Department of Taxation for collection setoff, which will intercept the defendant-debtors’ of Virginia tax refunds, lottery winnings, or tax rebates. If a match occurs, you will receive a notification informing you of the setoff action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Defendant-Debtors

What is the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (VVF)?
The Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (VCICF), also known as VVF, provides monetary awards to eligible victims of crime.

How can a VVF award affect a defendant?
A VVF award may create a financial obligation for a defendant, depending on whether an award is made and the defendant is found guilty. This obligation may arise as part of court ordered restitution or when VVF directly bills defendant.

Can a VVF award be issued before my criminal case is resolved?
Yes. VVF may issue an award before the final disposition of a criminal case. In these situations, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may request the award amount be included in the sentencing order as restitution.

What happens if the VVF award is issued after my case is resolved?
If VVF issues an award after the criminal case is finished, and you (the defendant) are found guilty, VVF will send you a bill.

If the court does not include restitution in the sentencing order, do I still owe VVF money?
Yes, even if the court does not order restitution, if you are found guilty of a crime for which VVF has made an award on behalf of the victim, you still owe money to VVF pursuant to state law. See Va. Code § 19.2-368.15.

What if I am incarcerated?
VVF understands that you are not likely able to pay debts while you are serving your sentence. VVF monitors your sentence and waits three months before sending you a billing statement at your mailing address. Statements are issued every month and include the total amount due and the payment deadline.

How will I receive my VVF bill?
VVF billing statements are mailed to the defendant’s address on file by the middle of each month. The statement will include the total amount due and the payment deadline.

What happens if I do not pay my VVF balance?
If your VVF balance is not paid, one or more of the following actions may occur:

  • Any unpaid balance greater than $5.00 may be submitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation for collection setoff.
  • The balance may be applied to Virginia tax refunds, lottery winnings, or tax rebates.
  • VVF may refer the unpaid balance to a private collection agency for further collection efforts.

What is a collection setoff?
A collection setoff allows the Virginia Department of Taxation to apply your outstanding VVF balance to certain state payments you may receive, including:

  • Virginia tax refunds
  • Lottery winnings
  • Tax rebates

This means if you win the lottery, or receive a state tax refund or rebate, the state will intercept those funds before the funds are sent to you.

Will I be notified if a tax setoff occurs?
Yes. If your VVF balance matches a Virginia tax refund, lottery winning, or tax rebate, you will receive a notification informing you of the setoff.