(a)

1. (1) The Crime Victims Reparations Board may make or authorize the Administrator of the Crime Victims Reparations Board to make an advance (emergency) award of compensation to the claimant/victim prior to taking action on an application and pending a final decision when:

   1. (A) It appears the claim is one for which compensation is probable; and
   2. (B) Undue hardship will result to the claimant/victim if immediate payment is not made.

2. (2) The claimant/victim may:

   1. (A) Request in the application that consideration be given for an advance award; and
   2. (B) Provide justification for such award.
3. (3) A decision denying emergency relief shall not be appealable.

(b)

1. (1) The amount of such advance (emergency) award shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
2. (2) Any advance award shall be deducted from the final compensation made to the claimant/victim.
3. (3) If the final award amount is less than the amount of the advance award, the claimant/victim must repay the excess to the board.
4. (4) If an emergency award is made and the claimant/victim later does not follow through with prosecution or some other requirement of this program, the claimant/victim will be required to reimburse the board for the amount of the award made.

(c) Criteria for payment of emergency awards is listed below:

1. (1) Claimant/victim is without an income at the time of application resulting in loss of:

   1. (A) Food;
   2. (B) Heat; or
   3. (C) Shelter; or
2. (2) Claimant/victim cannot receive emergency service (i.e. burial) without the emergency payment.

(d) Documentation required:

1. (1) Proof of financial emergency should be obtained for the file, such as:

   1. (A) Notice of eviction from the landlord; or
   2. (B) A shut-off notice from the power company;
2. (2) If no proof is available, then the investigator should note in file why he or she thinks the application is considered an emergency;

3. (3)

   1. (A) There must be contact with the investigating law enforcement officer to verify:

(i) What occurred;

1. (ii) The victim's innocence; and

   1. (iii) The victim's cooperation.
   2. (B) A law enforcement offense report and Crime Victims Reparations Board Law Enforcement Form must be included in the file;

2. (4)

   1. (A) For wage loss claims, the employer may be contacted by telephone but the written verification must follow to go in the file.
   2. (B) If self-employed, the applicant must provide a copy of his or her last three (3) years’ tax returns or check stubs for the last three (3) months as proof of his or her income.
   3. (C) If proof is not available, lost wages cannot be considered;
3. (5) If the injury is not commensurate with the time lost from work, a doctor's excuse will be required; and
4. (6) Claimant/victim is required to sign a promissory (demand) note, which must be signed and executed by the claimant/victim with the administrator prior to receiving the emergency award.