2. Learn what expenses the program covers

The Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) pays for the cost of:

• a funeral
• cleaning up the crime scene
• emergency expenses related to home and personal safety, for example, replacing broken windows or locks, and adding dead bolts or window alarms
• getting counselling or traditional Indigenous healing that gives immediate, short-term support, and travel costs to get there.

There are rules for each of these expenses. For example:

• crime scene cleanup is limited to biological substances and harmful materials,
• home safety expenses don't include replacing screen doors or garage doors, and
• private counsellors must meet certain requirements. The organization that you're applying through will give you a list of eligible counsellors to choose from.

There are different rules if you're asking for help to pay for expenses related to a serious injury, as an immediate family member of a murder victim, or as a victim of human trafficking.

The VQRP+ doesn't pay victims for:

• pain and suffering, or
• income you didn't earn if you couldn't work because of the crime

Amount of financial help

The VQRP+ has limits on how much it pays victims. For example:

• funeral expenses up to $5,000
• crime scene cleanup up to $1,500
• emergency safety expenses up to $1,000
• counselling fees up to $1,000, which covers about 10 sessions

The VQRP+ pays service providers directly for:

• funeral expenses
• counselling
• crime scene cleanup

If you apply for help because you were seriously injured, the VQRP+ will mail a cheque to your address. Make sure you'll be at the same address for at least 4 weeks so that you can receive the cheque.