About the Program
The Offender Collections Program recoups taxpayer money from offenders who harm victims through criminal activity. The Crime Victims Compensation Board awards money to assist victims with crime-related expenses KRS 49.470 and the Offender Collections Program makes every effort to hold the offender responsible for the cost of the crime through collection efforts. The money collected goes directly into the Crime Victims Compensation Fund to assist victims of crime. This debt collection program is different from restitution, which is ordered by a court.
The Process
When the Crime Victims Compensation Board provides money to a victim of crime to cover eligible costs, the Offender Collection Program sends a letter to the offender(s) responsible for that crime advising them they now owe a debt to the Commonwealth in the amount of the award provided to the victim. The offender has fourteen (14) days to appeal the debt, by providing the reason they are appealing and any documentation or evidence to prove the debt was incorrectly assigned.
If no appeal is initiated, the offender has fifteen (15) days from receipt of the debt collection letter to set up a payment plan. Payment may be made by money order, certified check, or online at https://kycc.ky.gov/OCA/user-payment-dash. No cash or personal checks are accepted. Online payments include service fees. All forms of payment require the offender’s name and the claim number, which is included in the debt collection letter. If a payer does not know the claim number, they can call 502-782-8254, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm EST. Inquiries may also be made via email to ppc.ocaoffendercollections@ky.gov.
Failure to pay the required debt will result in collection efforts by the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet, including possible wage garnishment.
Appeals should be mailed to Office of Claims and Appeals, Offender Collections Program, 500 Mero St., 2SC1, Frankfort, KY 40501 or via email to ppc.ocaoffendercollections@ky.gov.
