Heart of Gold
Victim Compensation Program
"The burden of gun violence should not fall on the victim or their family."
Guidelines
Eligible program applicants can receive financial assistance up to $10,000 to help with funeral expenses, counseling, relocation expenses due to safety, and crime scene sanitation when the costs are not covered by other sources.
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BENEFITS COVERED
Funeral Costs ......................................... Up to $10,000
​Mental Health Counseling Up to $5,000
Relocation Expenses due to Safety ..... Up to $5,000
Crime Scene Sanitation ......................... Up to $1,500
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​​​PLEASE NOTE
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If you do not submit all required documentation, you may still submit the signed application to begin the claim process. Your claim will be incomplete until all required documentation is submitted.
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While the incident must be reported to law enforcement, arrest and/or prosecution is not a program requirement. You may submit an application even if offender is unknown.
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Benefits are based on actual expenses backed by documentation that must be submitted with your application.
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Eligibility
Surviving families of victims lost due to gun violence can apply for assistance within the metro Atlanta area of the crime occurrence. If the person applying for assistance receives help for the same costs through another means, such as with insurance, the Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Program, the Atlanta Victims Assistance Program or any other similar compensation program they likely will not be eligible to receive compensation for the same cost through the Heart of Gold program.
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The crime must occur in the state of Georgia within the metro Atlanta area.
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The crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours of the crime (unless good cause is shown)​
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The victim can not have died during the commission of a crime.
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The applicant must be at least 18 years or older to apply to the program. If the victim is under the age of 18, an individual authorized to act on their behalf such as a parent or legal guardian must apply for the applicant.
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The applicant did not participate in the crime, commit illegal activity at the time of crime, share responsibility for the crime, or give false information to the program.
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The applicant cannot be incarcerated at the time crime or application submission and process.
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The applicant must cooperate with law enforcement.​
Requirements
Funeral Costs (up to $10,000)
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Submit an itemized funeral bill, a signed death certificate and a completed application
​​Mental Health Counseling (up to $5,000)
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Submit copies of any itemized counseling bills related to the victimization.
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The counselor must be licensed and in good standing with the appropriate licensing board.
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Up to six(6) sessions for (2) family members including transportation services if applicable.
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A completed Psychological Service Report is required for reimbursement beyond the fourth session.​​
Relocation expenses for safety reasons (up to $5,000)​
Crime scene sanitation (up to $1,500)
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Submit an itemized bill from a company trained in crime scene and biohazard clean-up. Please note: mileage is not an eligible expense.​​