Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP): Funeral Benefits After a Violent Crime in BC

When a death results from a violent crime, the impact on a family goes far beyond grief. There are funeral costs to manage, income to replace, and a recovery process that can feel impossible to navigate — all while dealing with the criminal justice system.

British Columbia's Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides financial benefits to help victims of violent crime, their immediate family members, and in some cases, witnesses. When a crime results in a death, the program can help cover funeral expenses, counselling, and other costs related to the loss.

What CVAP Covers in Cases Involving a Death

When a violent crime that occurred in British Columbia results in a fatality, the immediate family members of the deceased may be eligible for several types of support.

Funeral expenses. CVAP can help cover the cost of a funeral or cremation service when the death was caused by a violent crime. The benefit is intended to address reasonable costs and is available where similar benefits aren't being provided by another source.

Counselling. Immediate family members may be eligible for counselling benefits to help cope with the psychological impact of the crime. This can include individual therapy and, where needed, reimbursement for transportation to attend sessions.

Bereavement leave. If a family member needs to take time off work to attend to matters related to the death, CVAP may provide income support during that period.

Travel to justice-related proceedings. Family members who need to travel to attend court hearings, parole proceedings, or other justice-related events may be eligible for travel reimbursement.

Support for spouses, children, and financial dependants. In fatality cases, additional benefits may be available to the surviving spouse, dependent children, and other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased.

Crime scene cleaning. CVAP can also cover the cost of cleaning a crime scene in a family home — a practical but often overlooked need.

Who Is Eligible

CVAP benefits are available when a violent crime has occurred in British Columbia and the applicant has been physically or psychologically harmed as a result.

For death-related benefits, the program serves immediate family members of the person who was killed. This generally includes spouses and partners, children, parents, siblings, and others with a close family relationship.

An important requirement: CVAP provides benefits where the same or similar support is not available from another source. If other programs (such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, or insurance) cover the costs, CVAP may not provide duplicated benefits — but it can help fill gaps that other programs don't cover.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted to the Crime Victim Assistance Program through the BC government:

• Online information and forms: Crime Victim Assistance Program — Province of British Columbia

• Application forms: CVAP Application Forms

A victim services worker — available through police-based or community-based victim services programs throughout BC — can also help you understand the process and complete the application.

How Your Funeral Director Can Help

At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we understand that a death caused by violence brings a unique kind of grief and a unique set of practical challenges. We can help your family navigate the immediate arrangements while you work through the CVAP application process, and we can provide the documentation and invoices the program requires.

If you're in this situation, please know that help is available — and you don't have to figure it all out alone.