Guide for families
Wisconsin crime victim compensation for cleanup
Up to $1,000 for crime scene cleanup through the Wisconsin DOJ. Who qualifies and how to apply.
No money up frontPrice approved firstInsurance billed for youLocal techs, 24/7
Quick answerWisconsin’s Crime Victim Compensation program, run by the Department of Justice, lists up to $1,000 for crime scene cleanup for eligible victims. The crime generally must be reported to police within 5 days and the claim filed within a year. Insurance is used first. Call 1-800-446-6564. Reviewed by Kevin, who leads our Madison team · Updated November 2026.
The program
What it is
The Crime Victim Compensation program helps innocent victims of violent crime in Wisconsin, and in some cases their families, with costs like medical bills, counseling, lost wages, funeral costs and crime scene cleanup.
For cleanup, the program lists up to $1,000. It pays after insurance and other sources.
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Need help now?
A real person answers, any hour. The tech who covers your town heads out right away, and nothing starts until you approve the plan.
- The tech closest to you heads out right away
- Written scope and price you approve first
- No money up front. We bill your insurance
Who pays
Will insurance cover this?
Answer three quick questions to see who usually pays for death, crime scene or biohazard cleanup in Wisconsin. We confirm it with your insurer before we start, and nothing is due up front.
Insurance often pays for this.
- Usually paid by your homeowners policy. Sudden events like a death, crime or injury are often covered.
- Nothing is due up front. We bill the insurer directly where the policy allows.
A general guide, not a coverage decision. Your policy decides, and we check it with you before we start.
Who qualifies
Eligibility in plain terms
The crime generally has to be reported to law enforcement promptly, usually within 5 days, and the victim has to cooperate with the investigation. The Department of Justice decides each case.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, call the program or ask the victim/witness office at the district attorney’s office.
How to apply
Steps and deadlines
File the application within a year of the crime. You’ll need the police report number and receipts or estimates for the costs you’re claiming.
We give you the documentation for the cleanup part: photos, a written scope and an itemized bill. If the program asks for more, we help you get it.
Waiting
While the claim is processed
Claims take time. We don’t ask for money up front, and we’ll wait on payment while the claim is reviewed.
Keep copies of everything: the report number, your application and our documents.
FAQ
Common questions
The program lists up to $1,000 for crime scene cleanup.
Generally, yes. The crime needs to be reported to law enforcement.
Generally within a year of the crime. Report the crime promptly.
No. Insurance and other sources are used first.
Sources we checked (reviewed November 2026)
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