CalVCB Tip Sheet

Completing a CalVCB application can appear daunting when you look at the paper application, but is entirely feasible and often very quick if you know the basics! Below are a couple tips, tricks, and Q&A.

Q: What sections are most important to complete?

A: Applications sections are grouped into roughly two categories:

Absolutely Essential:

1. Claimant: need all of the primary information about the claimant (usually the patient). This is important for getting in touch with the patient, and initiating a claim. Especially helpful is if a SSN is known, as this can be used to track down or validate other pieces of information (e.g. a SSN can be used to verify Medi-Cal enrollment status, since many patients do not walk around with their updated insurance information at all times!).
4. Information About Your Expenses: it is helpful to know what resources/benefits the patient/survivor might be interested in. This is often the starting point for processing an application, as it will determine what information is necessary to support an application (e.g. if a patient would like Income Loss as a benefit, it is helpful to have the SSN since it is a taxable benefit, and their Employer Information in order to be able to support collection of supporting paperwork from the employer).
12. Information Release: this is an important patient consent that enables Victim Witness to contact the patient and handle information related to the application.
13. My Agreement to the California Victim Compensation Board: important acknowledgements for the patient.

Greatly Beneficial: several sections are extremely helpful for Victim Compensation staff

5. Crime Information: the name of the agency and the crime report # help the Victim Witness staff verify these details while processing claims.
9. Insurance Information: information about the patient's insurance if known.

Note that the remaining sections are relatively quick, and are often 1-2 questions, so do complete them if you can!

Q: Can I transmit an incomplete application?

A: As long as Sections 1, 12, and 13 are completed, you can lock and transmit the application (you may need to use the incomplete report override) and we can try to piece together the rest. Note that they will need to get in contact with the patient to complete the remaining sections, and gathering this information becomes far more difficult after the patient is discharged.

Q: What should I tell my patient about the application?

A: There are several important points for your patient:

Set expectations that submitting an application does not automatically translate into an approved claim. Much review and processing is required by an advocate followed by the claims unit, which can take several weeks.
- Advocates will make sure that the application is fully complete, and reach out to the patient for any missing information or clarifications.
- Victim Witness will need to review information to validate that a crime occurred, and then wait for insurance to finish paying out first, before it can cover the remaining balance.
The more complete and accurate the application, the higher the likelihood of success.
If the patient has a felony conviction or a registered sex offender, they will not be eligible at this time per CalVCB policy.

Q: How can a patient sign an application?

A: Signatures are an important part of the application. Several options are available including: signatures on a tablet/iPad, Topaz Signature Pads, and signing with a computer mouse. As much as possible, the signatures in Sections 12 & 13 should be large and match.

Q: What do I do if a patient does not have a Social Security Number (SSN)

A: This is not disqualifying and it is still possible to process a CalVCB application. Just click the toggle for "No SSN"; if the patient does not know or does not remember their SSN, leave it blank as that is different than "No SSN".

Q: If multiple family members are part of an incident, can they all be on a single application?

A: No. Each individual requires their own application.

Q: What does it mean that CalVCB is a "payor of last resort"?

A: this means that CalVCB will pay amounts due up to $70,000 to cover costs directly associated with victimization, or in certain cases witnessing a crime (e.g. minors).

Q: Can a minor apply for CalVCB without a parent/guardian?

A: Yes - with some restrictions. Patients can apply for medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other mental health counseling-related services. A minor will verify the application for compensation under penalty of perjury, and emancipated minors may apply on their own regardless of services.