Step 1: Identify the type of application you are applying for by marking the appropriate type at the top of the application form. In addition, a supplemental sheet must be filled out by applicants. Sections B and F should be answered by all applicants; section G should be answered by Itemized and Supplemental applicants only. Detailed instructions are included.
There are three application types:
An Itemized application should be used by those eligible claimants who are making a first-time request for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses that were paid following an international terrorism event.
An Interim Emergency application should be used by eligible claimants seeking funds for an immediate need such as medical treatment, short-term lodging, or emergency transportation.
A Supplemental application should be used by eligible claimants whose expenses have changed since they submitted an initial application. The supplemental application is for bills that may have been received late, or for new services that were not originally thought necessary.
Step 2: If you believe that you are an eligible victim of a "designated" international terrorism event, please use the following forms and information to prepare your application for reimbursement.
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Required Documentation – A victim is required to submit documentation that provides proof of identity, citizenship, employment, and damage/injury sustained during the international terrorism event.
A victim’s family member or representative is required to submit documentation of his/her relationship to the victim plus medical information or a death certificate as appropriate, in addition to the items named above.
In all cases, receipts for expenses incurred in the recovery process will be required. If any of the required documents have been destroyed and are unavailable from any other source, you must provide and certify a list of destroyed documents and how each would apply to your ITVERP application.
Although state compensation programs are considered to be collateral sources for support, you still can apply for reimbursement under ITVERP prior to applying for any state compensation that may be available in your location. If a state compensation program covers a loss category not covered by ITVERP, you may want to consider seeking reimbursement from your state’s compensation program.
- Time Limits for Applications – Generally, the deadline for an application is 3 years from the date of the act of international terrorism. Depending on the specific circumstances, the deadline for filing a claim may be extended to reflect a date that is 3 years from the date of the official determination that the event actually was an act of international terrorism.
ITVERP attempts to reach back in history to provide support for victims of acts of international terrorism that occurred after December 21, 1988, but before the establishment of ITVERP. In these cases, the deadline to apply for reimbursement is 3 years from the effective date of the program regulations—3 years from October 6, 2006.
- Collateral Sources – As a victim, you may be eligible to receive support from sources other than ITVERP. These collateral sources of support are programs that provide reimbursement for some of the same specific expenses that are reimbursed under ITVERP. Collateral sources may include—
- Insurance (property, health, disability, or other insurance for specific expenses);
- Medicare or Medicaid;
- Worker’s compensation programs;
- Defense Base Act insurance payments;
- Military or veterans’ benefits of a compensatory nature;
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits;
- Restitution; and
- Other state, federal, foreign, and international compensation programs.
Any lump sum payment received from collateral sources will be offset against any compensation received under ITVERP for the same expense. You may not collect twice from different funds for the same expense.
If you have expenses that exceed your collateral source(s) payments, those additional expenses may be submitted to ITVERP for consideration.
Life insurance proceeds are not considered a collateral source because they do not compensate or reimburse for specific expenses.
OVC Responsibilities – OVC is responsible for providing fair compensation to eligible victims of international terrorism events and their family members and, at the same time, for safeguarding the Crime Victims Fund from which ITVERP reimbursements are drawn.
OVC has developed standard operating procedures to ensure a smooth application process for claimants. Letters acknowledging receipt of application and requesting any missing information will be sent to each claimant. These letters may be sent either by regular post or e-mail. In some cases, it may be necessary to call the applicant to obtain missing data to complete contact information.
After review of each application, the OVC Director shall determine the eligibility of the claimant’s request and the amount for expense reimbursement. A copy of the determination shall be mailed to the claimant at his/her last known address within 120 days of receipt of the completed application and accompanying documentation, or as soon as practicable.
Claimants have the right to appeal a decision regarding the ITVERP reimbursement award if they believe the decision is in error. The appeals process is a procedure whereby claimants can request that their claim be reviewed and reconsidered by the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Justice Programs. OVC has a responsibility to ensure that the appeals process procedures are followed and that each applicant has an opportunity to have questions and concerns heard promptly and reviewed fairly. It is anticipated that the appeals process can be completed within 90 days after receipt of the request.
Victims’ Responsibilities – Claimants for reimbursement under ITVERP are responsible for providing accurate and complete information. The ITVERP Application Checklist provides guidance to assist in the application process.
All information you provide must fairly represent the claim for which you are seeking reimbursement. If, following the application review, OVC determines that an interim emergency award or final award was (1) made to an ineligible claimant, (2) based on fraudulent information, or (3) an overpayment, the claimant will be required to reimburse ITVERP.
Depending on the circumstances, the OVC Director, in consultation with appropriate U.S. Department of Justice officials, may choose to waive the repayment requirement to eligible claimants. Cases of fraud or fraudulent information will be subject to the penalty of fine and imprisonment. Failure to report moneys from all collateral sources will be considered fraud, and will be subject to the penalty of fine and imprisonment, as well as subject to repayment or considered as restitution in a criminal case.
Limitations for Reimbursement – Reimbursement is denied to any claimant who—- Is criminally culpable for the terrorist act.
- Contributed materially to his/her own death or injury.
- Illegally or grossly engaged in reckless conduct at the time of the act.