VOCA Emergency Fund Program
Only victim advocates may request an emergency fund application on the behalf of a crime victim. We will not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime.
All applications must be pre-approved by COVA before funds can be dispersed.
All applications must be pre-approved by COVA before funds can be dispersed.
Contact Mandee McLane, Emergency Fund Program Manager, at 303-861-1160 for questions or to receive a copy of the Emergency Fund Application.
COVA has partnered with the Division of Criminal Justice, Office for Victims Programs (DCJ OVP), for the VOCA Emergency Fund. This program is intended to make life easier for crime victims in Colorado and for the advocates who work so tirelessly on their behalf. If you have any questions or need help submitting an application, please contact us!
Nuts & Bolts FAQ
Who can request an application?
Only victim advocates may request and submit an emergency fund application on the behalf of a crime victim.
We will not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.). We also are unable to discuss the status of an application directly with the crime victim/survivor.
To request a current Emergency Fund Application form, e-mail COVA staff. Once you have an application, DO NOT disperse the form to clients.
We will not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.). We also are unable to discuss the status of an application directly with the crime victim/survivor.
To request a current Emergency Fund Application form, e-mail COVA staff. Once you have an application, DO NOT disperse the form to clients.
Does the crime need to be reported In order to apply?
No, crimes do not have to have been reported to law enforcement. However, the crime victimization needs to be recent (e.g. less than 3 or 4 months ago).
How do I know if my request will be funded?
Emergency Fund Applications must be filled out COMPLETELY and CORRECTLY and include the appropriate documentation. Incomplete applications, or applications submitted without appropriate documentation, will not be processed.
Every crime victim/survivor is unique and decisions on applications will be made on a case-by-case basis, so contact COVA staff to run the situation by us first.
Keep in mind two things:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other funding sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) The financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization.
Every crime victim/survivor is unique and decisions on applications will be made on a case-by-case basis, so contact COVA staff to run the situation by us first.
Keep in mind two things:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other funding sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) The financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization.
What Do You Mean by "The financial need Must be Connected to the Crime"?
All Emergency Fund requests must be directly related to the victimization.The victim's financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or be a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization. Unfortunately, COVA cannot pay for financial hardships which are not connected to the crime.
For example, client needs rental assistance because:
Ineligible (Financial Hardship): It’s the slow season and they’ve only worked a few days.
Eligible (Connected to Crime): Perpetrator harasses them while at work and they’ve only worked a few days.
For example, client needs rental assistance because:
Ineligible (Financial Hardship): It’s the slow season and they’ve only worked a few days.
Eligible (Connected to Crime): Perpetrator harasses them while at work and they’ve only worked a few days.
How Long Does it Take to process an application?
Completed applications, with appropriate documentation, are processed within 24 – 48 hours. In the event of a safety emergency, call ahead, or right after the application has been submitted, and COVA staff will expedite.
Why are you Saying The Application is incomplete?
An application is considered incomplete in situations such as:
1) There are missing or blank answer fields on the Emergency Fund form.
2) An application is submitted without appropriate documentation. Refer to the chart to see what type of documentation is needed.
3) No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
4) The client's name is missing on the payment documentation. The client MUST be listed on documents such as lease / bill / invoice etc.
1) There are missing or blank answer fields on the Emergency Fund form.
2) An application is submitted without appropriate documentation. Refer to the chart to see what type of documentation is needed.
3) No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
4) The client's name is missing on the payment documentation. The client MUST be listed on documents such as lease / bill / invoice etc.
How long can you Assist a Client for?
COVA can assist with most types of assistance up to a month at a time. For example one month worth of groceries, utilities, childcare, etc. Remember that the Client MUST be on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice etc.).
Expenses must be reasonable and limitations will be set on a case-by-case basis.
Expenses must be reasonable and limitations will be set on a case-by-case basis.
The application is approved! How are funds dispersed?
Upon approval of an application, there are three possible ways in which emergency funds will be dispersed:
1) Payments are made by check or by credit card.
o Payments made by check are mailed via USPS and delivered in 3-6 days (in rare cases can take up to 2 weeks).
o Credit card payments are made over the phone or through a payment website.
2) Payments can be made directly to the vendor (e.g. landlords, utility companies, airlines, etc.).
3) Payments can be made to reimburse Victim Advocate or Agency/Organization with proof of payment.
o COVA cannot directly reimburse victim(s) or their family/friends.
o Sometimes, advocacy agencies will need to purchase items for their clients and be reimbursed by COVA. Advocates must send an application to COVA and have it pre-approved prior to purchasing items. COVA must receive itemized receipts in order to reimburse.
1) Payments are made by check or by credit card.
o Payments made by check are mailed via USPS and delivered in 3-6 days (in rare cases can take up to 2 weeks).
o Credit card payments are made over the phone or through a payment website.
2) Payments can be made directly to the vendor (e.g. landlords, utility companies, airlines, etc.).
3) Payments can be made to reimburse Victim Advocate or Agency/Organization with proof of payment.
o COVA cannot directly reimburse victim(s) or their family/friends.
o Sometimes, advocacy agencies will need to purchase items for their clients and be reimbursed by COVA. Advocates must send an application to COVA and have it pre-approved prior to purchasing items. COVA must receive itemized receipts in order to reimburse.
Are there restrictions or Items the fund cannot pay for?
Refer to the chart to see a detailed list of what the COVA VOCA Emergency funds can pay for. Some restrictions to the fund include:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) Cannot pay past due bills that pre-date the date of the crime. NOTE: Exceptions may be made when the past due amount is directly related to the victimization.
3) Cannot pay if the client's name is not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice).
4) Cannot pay for or reimburse the following: Security deposits, mortgage payments, incidentals, or damage coverage (e.g. security deposits for apartments, incidentals for hotels, or damage coverage for a moving truck), alcohol / tobacco / cannabis products, cable / internet / streaming services, childcare that is not from a licensed provider, gift cards, or luxury items.
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) Cannot pay past due bills that pre-date the date of the crime. NOTE: Exceptions may be made when the past due amount is directly related to the victimization.
3) Cannot pay if the client's name is not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice).
4) Cannot pay for or reimburse the following: Security deposits, mortgage payments, incidentals, or damage coverage (e.g. security deposits for apartments, incidentals for hotels, or damage coverage for a moving truck), alcohol / tobacco / cannabis products, cable / internet / streaming services, childcare that is not from a licensed provider, gift cards, or luxury items.
Why was The application declined?
There are various reasons why an application may be declined. Since every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the reason for being declined varies from situation to situation. Our goal is to help as many eligible crime victims as possible; if an application is declined, we encourage advocates or agencies to contact COVA staff to determine why.
Common reasons for applications to be declined include, but are not limited to:
1) The application was incomplete or missing documentation / receipts.
2) The financial need or request can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
3) The financial need or request does not fit the VOCA fund guidelines (refer to the above question or below chart to see a list of restrictions or items that the fund cannot pay for).
4) The financial need is considered a hardship and is not connected to the crime.
5) The victim has already received emergency funding from COVA for the same crime victimization.
6) The victim's name was not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice, etc.).
7) The agency or organization did not pre-approve their reimbursement request with COVA before paying out-of-pocket.
8) For a transportation request, the client does not have a place to stay or live once they arrive to their desired location.
Common reasons for applications to be declined include, but are not limited to:
1) The application was incomplete or missing documentation / receipts.
2) The financial need or request can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
3) The financial need or request does not fit the VOCA fund guidelines (refer to the above question or below chart to see a list of restrictions or items that the fund cannot pay for).
4) The financial need is considered a hardship and is not connected to the crime.
5) The victim has already received emergency funding from COVA for the same crime victimization.
6) The victim's name was not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice, etc.).
7) The agency or organization did not pre-approve their reimbursement request with COVA before paying out-of-pocket.
8) For a transportation request, the client does not have a place to stay or live once they arrive to their desired location.
What will the VOCA Emergency Fund pay for?
The below list shows some of the most common expenses that will be paid by the VOCA Emergency Fund. If you are an advocate and a crime victim needs something that is not on this list, please call COVA at 303-861-1160 and run the situation by us.
Additional Documentation - MUST be submitted with all applications.
Type of Assistance |
Documentation Needed |
Helpful Hints |
Childcare |
Copy of bill / invoice from licensed childcare facility. |
We can only assist with the cost of childcare from licensed providers. |
Utilities (cannot pay cable, internet, streaming services, etc.) |
Copy of current utility bill. |
N/A |
Moving Expenses (truck rentals and moving companies) |
Itemized quote/invoice from licensed moving company. |
Not all moving companies accept third party payments (e.g. U-Haul, Penske). Ensure the quote/invoice is accurate by providing information such as number of rooms, supplies needed, heavy objects, etc. |
Emergency Shelter/Hotel |
Credit Card Authorization Form. COVA can only pay room and tax. Client will need their own card for incidentals. |
When no other safe residence is available. |
Rent (cannot pay mortgage or deposits) |
Copy of full, current, and signed lease. If utilities are included in rent please include current ledger. |
Obtain lease / ledger directly from agency or landlord. They have full / signed / current copies while victims usually do not. |
Transportation (bus, plane, train tickets) |
No paper documentation needed, but include on the application the method of transportation and date/time of departure. |
Ensure that client has a place to stay/live once they arrive by confirming with shelter, family member, etc. |
Hygiene and Basic Necessities (food, clothing, detergent, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, feminine products, diapers/wipes, etc.) |
A basic grocery list. (cannot pay for alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis products, gift cards, or luxury items) |
Ask what they need to get them through the month (e.g. 2 gallons of milk, 1 carton of eggs, etc.) COVA can also order online and have items delivered. |
Short-term Nursing |
Bill / Invoice from licensed nursing facility. |
N/A |
Other: Call COVA! |
Official payment documentation showing amount due and client's name. |
If the type of assistance client needs is not listed in this chart call COVA staff and ask! |
Ineligible: Security deposits, mortgage payments, incidentals, late fees, and damage coverage |
VOCA Emergency Fund cannot pay for or reimburse these requests. |
E.g. Cannot pay for security deposits for apartments, incidentals for hotels, or damage coverage for a moving truck. |
Contact Mandee McLane, Emergency Fund Program Manager, at 303-861-1160 with questions or to receive a copy of the Emergency Fund Application. Or e-mail at the following:
