The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services, often buried in bureaucratic red tape, seems to have found a way to cut through it.

Whitmer signs off, wallets open wide.

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation into law on August 12, 2023, allowing crime victims, their families, and loved ones to get a little more “equitable” access to financial support after enduring traumatic events.

Under these changes, eligibility requirements have broadened to include anyone who’s been impacted by crime, whether physically, emotionally, psychologically, or mentally. The cherry on top? The maximum award limit has jumped from $25,000 to $45,000.

A win for victims – and a headache for paper pushers.

The expansions have also opened the door for victims of mass violence incidents to claim benefits for mental, psychological, and emotional injuries. Karen Gray Sheffield from the Open Arms Program at Ascension Community Health, who serves on Michigan’s Crime Victim Services Commission, chimed in, saying that these changes have helped them deliver much-needed financial relief to victims and their families. It’s a small win in a sea of red tape, but a win nonetheless.

Of course, with good news comes a bit of chaos. Since the changes went into effect, the program staff has seen a nearly 50% surge in compensation claims. To keep up, they’ve had to hire more folks to help sort through the paperwork and make sure victims get the help they need.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office reports that more victims now qualify for things like mental health treatment, housing relocation, and even security upgrades for their homes – things that used to be out of reach.

Support where it’s needed most.

If you or someone you know needs a little help recovering from a crime, you can find more details and apply for benefits at michigan.gov/CrimeVictim.