If you were sterilized, or suspect you were sterilized, in a state-run institution, submit an application to have your eligibility reviewed.

CalVCB will accept applications from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023.

Applicants may submit documentation demonstrating they were subjected to forced or involuntary sterilization. CalVCB will also work with other departments to search state records for eligibility documentation.

To expedite processing, it is recommended that supporting documentation be included with the application. Documentation can include, but is not limited to:

• Documentation of the claimant’s sterilization
• Sterilization recommendation
• Surgical consent forms
• Relevant court or institutional records
• A signed statement by claimant, claimant’s physician, or another individual with knowledge of the sterilization
• Any other documentation that will support the application

The California State Legislature approved $4.5 million for compensation to survivors of forced or involuntary sterilization. This amount will be divided equally among the number of claimants who qualify for compensation.

Compensation may include up to two separate payments. Once CalVCB determines a claimant is eligible, an initial payment will be sent within 60 days. After initial compensation for all qualified recipients has been provided, remaining funds, if they are available, will be disbursed equally among all recipients. A second and final payment, if it is available, will be made no later than March 31, 2024.

Compensation paid to the claimant or the claimant’s trust will not be considered taxable income for state tax purposes. To learn more about how the payments will be treated, read the governing statute, Health and Safety Code 24217.  

Who is eligible?

• Surviving individuals who were sterilized at or while living in state-run hospitals, homes and institutions from 1909 through 1979; or  

• Survivors of forced or involuntary sterilizations in California state prisons or other correctional facilities while in custody of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after 1979.

How do I know if I qualify?

• For survivors of eugenics sterilization:
  • Sterilization procedure occurred between 1909 and 1979
  • Claimant was sterilized while a resident or at a state hospital, home or institution run by the California Department of State Hospitals or the California Department of Developmental Services
  • A list of the state-run facilities covered by the program can be found on the California Legislative Information website.
  • The victim was alive as of July 1, 2021

• For survivors of forced or involuntary sterilization in prison:
  • Sterilization procedure occurred after 1979
  • Claimant was sterilized while in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Sterilization was not required in an emergency life-saving medical situation or due to a chemical sterilization program for convicted sex offenders
  • Sterilization was for birth control purposes
  • The claimant was sterilized under one of the following conditions:
    • without consent,
    • with consent given less than 30 days before sterilization,
    • with consent given without counseling or consultation, or   
    • with no record or documentation of providing consent

How much money will I receive?

A total of $4.5 million in reparation payments will be distributed evenly among those who apply and are eligible. The exact payment to each survivor will depend on how many eligible applicants there are. 

When will I receive compensation?

An initial payment will be made within 60 days of notice of confirmed eligibility. After all applications are processed and all initial payments are made, any remaining program funds will be disbursed evenly to the qualified recipients by March 31, 2024.

When can I apply?

CalVCB will accept applications from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023.

Where do I get an application?

Applications, information and resources are available on the CalVCB website at:  https://victims.ca.gov/FISCP or upon request from the Customer Service Unit at 1-800-777-9229, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Additionally, you can request an application by mail at CalVCB, c/o Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program, P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591. 

How do I submit my application?

The application may be submitted to CalVCB by mail, email or fax. Return the application to:

CalVCB
c/o Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program
P.O. Box 591
Sacramento, CA 95812-0591

OR

Email: FISCP@victims.ca.gov

OR

Fax: 916-491-6429

Contact 800-777-9229 if you are unable to complete a print or electronic application.

Is my application confidential?

Yes. Applications are confidential and CalVCB will not disclose to the public any record pertaining to a claimant’s application. For the limited purpose of verifying claimant eligibility, information may be confidentially shared with other entities. For our complete privacy policy, visit the CalVCB website at https://victims.ca.gov/privacy.

Can I apply on a survivor’s behalf?

Yes. An application may be submitted on behalf of the claimant by the legally authorized representative, who must provide documentation showing proof of designation for the claimant. See the application form and instructions for directions.

What can I expect after I apply?

The individual submitting the application will receive a letter from CalVCB either confirming a complete application or requesting additional information.

Once the application is screened and deemed complete, the application will be considered for eligibility. Upon completion of the eligibility review, a letter will be sent out with the determination.

• If eligibility is verified, a letter will be sent confirming that the claimant is qualified for compensation.
• If eligibility is not verified, the application will be denied. Notification will be sent with the necessary appeal information.

Can I assign a trust or designate a beneficiary?

Yes. Claimants can assign a trust as the recipient of compensation or designate a beneficiary. See the application form and instructions for directions.

How can I learn more?

Visit CalVCB’s website at www.victims.ca.gov/FISCP, send an email to FISCP@victims.ca.gov or contact the CalVCB Customer Service Unit at 1-800-777-9229.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the program. Applications and forms will be available upon request beginning January 1, 2022, through our Customer Service Section at 800-777-9229, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Application: English Spanish

Large Format application available upon request from our Customer Service Section at 800-777-9229.

Instructions: English Spanish

FAQs: English Spanish

Payee Date Record (STD204): English – Required to be submitted with the application.

Program Forms

• Authorized Representative Designation Letter: English Spanish
• Beneficiary and Trust Designation Form: English Spanish
• Contact Information Change Form: English Spanish
• Sterilization Statement: English Spanish

Please visit the CalVCB Forms page for more forms and resources regarding the Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program.

Annual Report to the Legislature

External Resources

• The California Coalition for Women Prisoners has developed a Prison Medical Record Request Guide.

Outreach Information