Defined Monetary Assistance Victims Reserve

The term “victim” refers to any person who is a victim of trafficking in CSAM, meaning the individual was harmed as a result of a crime under:

• section 2251(d), 2252, 2252A(a)(1) through (5), or 2260(b) of title 18, United States Code; or
• section 2252a(g) in cases in which the series of felony violations exclusively involves violations of section 2251(d), 2252, 2252A(a)(1) through (5), or 2260(b) of title 18, United States Code.

The term “claimant” refers to the person who claims to be a victim of trafficking in CSAM and to be eligible for the defined monetary assistance.

The term “authorized representative” refers to an attorney, a legal guardian (in the case of claimants under the age of 18 or who are incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased), or a representative authorized by the claimant, which includes a personal representative of an estate (for deceased claimants).

Please provide:

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, passport
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
  • Example: Marriage Certificate

Identify one option below and provide the specified documents:

+Legal Guardian (of victim/claimant who is under the age of 18, incompetent or incapacitated)

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, passport
• Victim’s/Claimant’s Birth Certificate or other form of Government Issued ID
• Proof of Victim’s/Claimant’s name change (if applicable)
• Guardianship Documentation, such as a Court Order addressing custody of Victim/Claimant

+Federally Court Appointed Representative (any other person appointed by the court)

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license or passport
• Victim’s/Claimant’s Birth Certificate or other form of Government Issued ID
• Proof of Victim’s/Claimant’s name change (if applicable)
• Copy of Court Appointment Order

+Representative of an Estate for Deceased Victim/Claimant

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license or passport
• Victim’s/Claimant’s Birth Certificate or other form of Government Issued ID
• Proof of Victim’s/Claimant’s name change (if applicable)
• Copy of Will and/or Trust
• Copy of legal documentation showing authority to represent the estate

+Personal Representative (designated by the victim/claimant to act on the victim’s/claimant's behalf)

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license, social security card, passport
• Victim’s/Claimant’s Birth Certificate or other form of Government Issued ID
• Proof of Victim’s/Claimant’s name change (if applicable)
• Notarized Authorization to Submit on Victim’s/Claimant’s Behalf
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

Attorney representing the Victim/Claimant or the Authorized Representative, provide the applicable documentation indicated above for your client and also provide:

• Two Forms of Government Issued ID
  • Example: driver’s license, bar card, passport
• Attorney Affidavit
• Copy of Retainer
• Authorization to Submit on Victim’s/Claimant’s or Authorized Representative’s Behalf

No, an attorney is not required to submit a claim. Should you choose to use an attorney to submit the claim, they may charge fees up to 15% of the payment you receive from the DMA Victims Reserve.

No, one claim form must be submitted for each victim/claimant. If you are an authorized representative submitting claims on behalf of multiple victims/claimants, please submit a separate claim form for each victim/claimant. 

No, victims are only eligible to receive a one-time payment regardless of the number of cases in which they are a victim.

The timeframe for each claim will vary. Victims/Claimants or their authorized representatives will be updated throughout the approval process.

Personal Identifying Information (PII), like your name, age, date of birth and social security number, will not be made public. The Department of Justice will make its best efforts to ensure information about each victim is private.

The documents required will depend on the submitter’s relationship to the victim/claimant. Please see Claim Form Documentation Requirements for more information on what documents are needed.

All required documentation must be provided for each claim. Missing or incomplete documentation may delay approval process, or in some cases cause the claim to be returned.

You may be eligible for payment if you have not received restitution payments greater than $35,000 (plus inflation). Note, some victims receive multiple restitution payments, and this amount includes all payments received at the time of submitting a claim. 

Payment is made by ACH bank transfer so you or your authorized representative must have a bank account. After your claim has been approved, a form will be provided for you and your bank to complete to receive the payment.

Any money received may be subject to Federal, State, or local taxes. Seek the advice of a tax professional or learn more at www.IRS.gov.

A victim/claimant does not have to be a United States citizen and does not have to reside in the United States to be eligible for a payment.