Access to Benefits

APPLICATION MATERIALS 

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION SLIDES

Under AB 629, human trafficking survivors who were victims of labor trafficking and/or commercial sexual exploitation are eligible to apply for income loss benefits through the California Victim Compensation Board. Eligible applicants must provide documentation that demonstrates they were trafficked and that they experienced income loss directly due to their victimization. Evidence can include police reports, court documents, affidavits, or statements from case workers confirming the survivor’s circumstances.

A Completed Application Will Need to Include: 

• Application for Crime Victim Compensation (Visit the CalVCB Website to Apply Online) 
• Human Trafficking Wage Compensation Verification Form
• Proof of Victimization: Police Report OR Declaration from Human Trafficking Case Worker
• Proof of Income Loss (May include, but not limited to): Statement Under Penalty of Perjury from the survivor, a human trafficking case worker, an attorney, or a witness who can

1. 1. Describe the dates in which the dates of the trafficking commenced and ended;
   2. Approximate hours worked per week; and 
   3. Whether reimbursement was or will be received from any other sources.   

We have included template materials to help facilitate the process of applying to CalVCB and meet the requirements under AB 629. To make it easier, we’ve highlighted the specific information you need to fill out, ensuring a smoother and more efficient application process.

• Cover Letter
• Human Trafficking Case Worker Declaration 
• Applicant Declaration
• Completed Application (Sample)

Understanding the Timeline

The process of applying for compensation through CalVCB can take time, and the exact timeline can vary based on the type of benefit requested and whether CalVCB needs additional documentation or clarification.

Here’s a general breakdown of the application timeline for income loss based on guidance from CalVCB representatives:

• Receipt Notice (Confirmation of Application Received): 30–60 days after submission

• Victim Eligibility Determination: 60–90 days after receipt

• Income Loss Review:

  • Up to 150 days for the claim to be assigned to an analyst

  • Up to 120 days for the analyst to review and approve or deny the claim

• Payment Processing: Once approved, CalVCB forwards the payment request to the California State Controller’s Office, and a summary letter is sent to the applicant. In most cases, checks arrive within a week of the summary.

Please note that timelines may extend if CalVCB requests additional evidence or clarification. Survivors or advocates can call CalVCB directly for a status update. If the application was submitted online, status updates can also be checked through the CalVCB online portal.

 Supporting Survivors While They Wait

For many survivors, the compensation they receive through CalVCB may be one of the largest single payments they’ve ever received or the first substantial income in a long time. This can be both empowering and overwhelming.

While waiting for approval, advocates can support survivors by helping them prepare for the arrival of these funds. This may include:

• Talking through basic budgeting, savings, or priority spending needs

• Connecting survivors with local financial literacy programs (some are offered by banks or community organizations)

• Helping them identify safe, low-cost financial institutions if they do not already have a bank account

• Discussing possible uses of the funds such as education, transportation, housing stability, or savings

We’ve included a financial planning guide below that can be used as a tool to sit down and walk through with survivors. It’s designed to be simple, empowering, and flexible depending on the survivor’s needs.

• Download Guide (English, Spanish) 

Answers to Common Concerns 

Survivors and their advocates often have important questions about how applying for CalVCB benefits might impact other areas of their lives. Below are clarifications on three of the most common concerns:

Immigration Status

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status to apply for CalVCB. The application does not ask for immigration status, and immigration status is not a factor in determining eligibility. Survivors should feel safe applying regardless of their current status.

Taxable Income

CalVCB compensation is not considered taxable income under both federal and California law. Survivors do not need to report these benefits on their state or federal tax returns. This includes compensation for income loss, therapy, relocation, and other approved expenses.

• California: Assembly Bill 2979 (2024) amended California’s Revenue and Taxation Code to expressly exclude CalVCB payments from state gross income. The bill states that “any amount received as a victim compensation or a Good Samaritan payment... shall not be included in gross income.” The law applies retroactively to the beginning of the 2024 tax year.

Impact to Public Benefits

CalVCB compensation should not impact eligibility for public benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), or CalWORKs. However, survivors may be asked to notify their local Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) about any compensation received. Some counties may request a form verifying that the funds came from a victim compensation program and are not counted as income or assets. Survivors should check with their local DPSS office to confirm what’s required in their case.

Where to Get Help

Free, Local Help with Your Application:

Survivors of human trafficking can contact organizations funded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) under the Human Trafficking Victim Assistance (HV) Program for help applying for income loss benefits through CalVCB. These organizations are trained to support survivors and can guide them through the application process. They may also be able to provide the case worker declaration required for their application. 

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