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Repayment

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CalVCB pays victims for crime-related expenses that are not paid by any other source. If CalVCB pays a victim for an expense and another source pays for that expense, CalVCB must be repaid.

California law gives CalVCB rights to reimbursement of funds received for the same crime.

On this page:

Notification

If you file a lawsuit or insurance claim, you or your attorney must notify CalVCB within 30 days of filing. CalVCB must have a chance to collect repayment before you receive settlement funds.

Notify us at:

CalVCB Probate and Settlement Recovery Unit
liens@victims.ca.gov 
916-491-3766

You can also ask us questions there about:

  • Documents to include for notification
  • Repayment
  • A lien or demand letter

How to repay

CalVCB must be repaid when you get an award or settlement for crime-related expenses. You will not have to repay more than you were compensated.

Send repayments to CalVCB at:

CalVCB
Attn: Accounting
P.O. Box 1348
Sacramento, CA 95812-1348

Civil lawsuits

If you file a civil suit about the crime, you or your lawyer must notify CalVCB within 30 days.

CalVCB will mail you or your lawyer instructions for repayment and payment options.

Written notification to CalVCB must include:

  • Names and addresses of all parties named in the lawsuit
    • Exceptions: Those persons represented by an attorney. In this case, include only the name and address of the attorney.
  • The kind of claim or action brought
  • The full title of the case, including:
    • The name of the court or agency
    • The county where the lawsuit is filed
    • The case or docket number
  • If the case has settled, a copy of the settlement documents

Workers’ compensation claims

If you file a workers’ compensation claim about the crime, you or your lawyer must notify CalVCB.

All forms of workers’ compensation may be subject to repayment or a lien, including:

  • Temporary disability
  • Permanent disability
  • Proceeds of a compromise and release (C&R)
  • Any Stipulation with Request for Award (STIP)

Vehicle insurance claims

If you file a vehicle insurance claim about the crime, you or your lawyer must notify CalVCB. The vehicle insurance could be for cars, boats, motorcycles, or planes.

Notification must include:

  • Names and addresses of all parties in the claim
  • Names and addresses of the insurance companies
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the adjustors
  • Policy and claim numbers
  • The kind of claim or action brought

Special note to attorneys

If you or your client receive crime-related reimbursements, you must notify CalVCB within 30 days of filing an action.

If your or your client disregard an obligation to repay CalVCB, it will be considered an overpayment. The California Franchise Tax Board may recover the money through garnishment. CalVCB will pursue all legal remedies available.

Attorneys who participate in the distribution of crime-related settlements without first notifying CalVCB may be held liable for the loss and subject to litigation. We may also notify the State Bar.

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