Rule 37 Emergency awards

Emergency awards not exceeding $1,000 may be made when it appears likely that a claimant will be approved for compensation. Awards will only be granted where a claimant can show a compelling need or that the claimant is unable to afford the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter, as a direct result of the crime that is the basis of the claim. To receive an emergency award, a claimant must produce law enforcement verification evidencing that a crime has been committed, written proof of the financial emergency (e.g., a notice of eviction from the landlord, a shut-off notice from the utilities company, other correspondence, bank records or other documents which demonstrate an inability to overcome the emergency, and if the financial emergency is caused by a wage loss, a letter or certificate from the employer stating that the victim was employed in good standing but cannot work due to the incident, and that the victim does not have any sick leave benefits available. If compensation is awarded, the Program shall deduct the amount of the emergency award from any final award. If the emergency award is greater than the final award, the claimant must repay the difference. If compensation is not awarded, the claimant must repay the emergency award in its entirety.