Navigating the Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) process can feel overwhelming for victims already coping with trauma. Your guidance as an advocate can ease their stress, clarify complex steps, and ensure they access critical support when it matters most.

This page explains how advocates can effectively use the CVC Portal to help victims. It covers essential portal activities, including setting up organizational accounts, adding users, understanding application and bill status indicators, and resolving common technical or account issues. This information will help you confidently manage portal interactions and support victims throughout their claim process.

What you can do through the portal

Our online portal makes it easier for advocates to:

  • Prepare and submit CVC applications on behalf of victims/claimants
  • Upload supporting documentation directly to applications
  • Check the status of applications and payment information
  • Assist victims with responding to information requests

Portal access for law enforcement and advocates

Creating your organization account

To access the CVC Portal, your organization needs to designate an account manager who will first submit a new organization application.

To set up an organization account:

  1. The designated account manager completes the Law Enforcement & Advocates Account Application
  2. Once approved, the account manager will receive email instructions to complete account setup

Required information for organization applications:

  • Organization name, address, and phone number
  • Account manager name, email address, and phone number

Adding users to your organization account

After your organization's account is approved, the account manager can request access for additional users.

Important notes about user accounts:

  • Each user needs to apply using the Law Enforcement & Advocates User Application
  • The CVC Portal only allows a user to access one organizational account type per email address
  • To access multiple organization types (for example, if you work with both an advocacy center and a law enforcement agency), you'll need a different email address for each

Helping victims complete applications

To help victims complete their applications smoothly, refer to our Helping Apply for CVC. This page explains common application pitfalls, such as missing documentation or incomplete information, and provides guidance to avoid processing delays.

Understanding Status Indicators

When reviewing portal information with victims, help them understand that both the application and bill statuses determine when and how they will receive compensation. An approved application doesn't automatically mean all bills will be paid. Here are the statuses you may encounter:

Application status

  • Received: Application has been received but review has not yet begun.
  • In Process: Application is currently being reviewed by CVC staff.
  • Approved: Application has been approved for compensation.
  • Closed: Application processing is complete with no further action needed.
  • Awaiting Information: Additional information is needed to process the application.
  • Denied: Application has been denied. (A letter will explain why.)

Bill status

  • Original: Bill has been received but processing has not yet begun.
  • Pending Information: Additional information about the bill is needed.
  • Pending Processing/Ready for Vendor: Bill is currently being processed for payment.
  • Ready to Pay: Bill has been approved and is ready for payment.
  • Incomplete: Bill information is insufficient for processing.
  • Denied/Zero Paid: No payment issued for this bill. (A letter will explain why.)
  • Terminated: Bill processing has been discontinued. (This is not a denial. A bill is terminated for backend fixes, no need for user action.)

Technical Support

System requirements

  • The portal works best on a desktop or laptop computer using the Chrome browser
  • If using a mobile device or different browser, you may see some display variations

Password and account help

  • Forgot your password?
    Use the "Forgot Password?" link on the portal login page to reset your password quickly. You will need to answer your security questions to complete the reset.
  • Need to update your organization's account manager?
    Submit a request to update your organization's account manager. You'll need to provide:
    • Name and email address of the previous account manager.
    • Name and email address of the new account manager.

If you need help resetting your security questions or updating your organization's account manager, please contact us through our Password and Account Assistance web form.

Advocates, Please Help Victims Understand:

  • Application approval doesn't guarantee all bills will be paid.
  • Applications and bills may require additional information.
  • Regular status checks are important.
  • Technical issues can delay claim processing.
  • You're available to guide them through the portal.

Questions?
We understand this process can be challenging for you and the people you support. Our commitment is to provide you the assistance you need to make it as simple as possible.

If you have questions about available options, need help with an application, or would like guidance on any of the steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact us online
 or
 You can reach us by phone:
 Mon. – Fri., 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT
 Toll Free: (800) 983-9933
 In Austin: (512) 936-1200