This summary of the activities of the U.S. Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime’s (OVC’s) International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP) from October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2016, covers its application processing, claims payment, and public-awareness activities intended to inform potential claimants of ITVERP services.
Program highlights reported are 1) the continued development of and collaboration on a comprehensive ITVERP data management system; 2) outreach to current victims for ongoing medical and mental health expenses; and 3) increased collaboration with other federal agency partners. During this reporting period, ITVERP received 47 new applications for reimbursement. These applications reflected terrorist incidents that dated from April 12, 1999, to July 14, 2010. At the end of the reporting period, there were 28 active claims. ITVERP has paid 303 claims, denied 57 claims, and designated 31 claims as claimant unresponsive (inactive) since the implementation of the program in 2006. During the reporting period, ITVERP did not receive any claims from Foreign Service Nationals. The report provides data on reimbursements requested; reimbursements paid by expense category (medical, mental health, property loss, funeral/burial, and miscellaneous); appeals; and potential future liability. The reporting of outreach to promote public awareness of ITVERP describes outreach to potential claimants and collaborating agencies and organizations. The ITVERP Resource Center responds to questions and request made through its dedicated toll-free helpline and via email. A discussion of future program needs and improvements addresses the complexity of claims, outreach, and program partnerships. 12 exhibits