The state created the Emergency Fund Program to provide emergency financial assistance to Minnesota crime victims for the replacement of necessary property and other specific expenses.
Eligible expenses
By law, the funds in the program can be used for:
- Replacement of necessary property that was lost, stolen or damaged as a result of a crime
- Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices
- Transportation to locations related to the victim’s needs as a victim, such as medical facilities, and facilities of the criminal justice system
- Cleanup of a crime scene (Dakota County has a Crime Repair Crew)
- Reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses to attend court proceedings following a change in venue (i.e., when court is held at a location other than in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred).
- Towing/impound expenses if the victim's car is stolen and recovered
A maximum of $500 per household will be awarded.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, you must be a victim of a crime, not engaged in criminal behavior at the time of the victimization, need the financial assistance, and have reported the crime to the police.
Application process
To apply for the Emergency Fund Program, call the Victim/Witness Program at 651-438-4488, 651-438-4567 or 651-438-4471 for an application or for information.
The victim must complete a brief statement explaining what the money will be used for, why the situation is an emergency and why the financial assistance is needed. The victim must agree to reimburse the fund if reimbursement is received from another source.
Funds will be provided to the victim within two working days after the application process is completed.