California Victim Compensation Board awards fall as denials rise
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 5
California Victim Compensation Board awards fall as denials rise
9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5
A new CSJ analysis says CalVCB paid about $50m in 2024-25, down from $65m in 2019-20, while denials rose to about 10,250 of 25,000 applications in 2024.
The board's budget has stayed near $80m since 2022, and it says most rejections stem from missing documentation after process changes tied to applicant volumes.
Advocates say restrictive rules, including cooperation with police and parole limits, deter vulnerable victims from seeking help for therapy, funerals, relocation and other costs.
With California's victim compensation funds at a five-year low despite a bigger budget, who is benefiting from the increased spending—and who is left behind?
Could shifting crime trends and funding cuts in California signal a deeper problem with how the state supports victims, and what reforms might actually work?