(AlbertaIndex, June 20, Friday) --- Victims of crime whose injuries result in fully dependent quadriplegia or severe brain injury may now be eligible for an additional financial benefit of $1,000 per month from the Alberta government.

       The benefit, to be paid from this month, is in addition to any lump sum award from the Victims Financial Benefits program. It is available to all fully dependent quadriplegic or brain injured victims who have received financial benefits since the Victims of Crime Act came into effect in 1997.

The government has estimated that the new benefit will cost the Victims of Crime Fund about $720,000 per year.

“This new benefit recognizes that victims of crime who sustain chronic and irreversible injuries that keep them wholly dependent require additional assistance,” said Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “This additional monthly benefit will help meet their need for long-term support and services.”

Alberta’s Victims of Crime Financial Benefits program has one of the highest limits of direct financial assistance to victims in the country.

In addition, the province is the only jurisdiction where victims receive unconditional financial benefits. The program is funded through a 15 per cent surcharge on all provincial statute fines, such as for traffic violations.

Since the fund began in November of 1997, 11,145 individuals have received about $57 million in financial benefits.  More information on programs and benefits for victims of crime is available at www.solgps.alberta.ca.

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