An applicant must work with a Victim Advocate of one of the organizations listed above to complete an online application for ESVF. While Victim Advocates determine initial eligibility, ultimately, all applications are accepted and approved at the discretion of ESVF’s reviewing body. Approval or denial decisions take about 3 - 4 weeks depending on timelines for incident verification and securing documents needed from applicants to verify program eligibility. Victim Advocates are notified by the ESVF Project Manager as soon as a decision is reached. Approved applicants receive funding directly from the Victim Advocate organization within 1 – 2 weeks after approval based on the organization’s internal processes to issue applicant payments.

No, at this time all applicants must work with a Victim Advocate from the appropriate eligible community area in order to apply.

Relocation expenses may be disbursed only once per household for qualifying incidents of violence. There are three scenarios in which an individual may be eligible for relocation expenses:

1. Direct victims of violence who qualify for the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund are automatically eligible.
2. If a qualifying incident is fatal, the cohabitant(s) of the direct victim is eligible for relocation expenses.
3. If a shooting or homicide incident occurs at a place of residence, the individuals who reside at that location may be eligible for relocation.

If approved, the applicant will receive relocation services totaling up to $1,000 booked for them directly by the Victim Services agency. These funds may be put towards temporary relocation anywhere or permanent relocation elsewhere within the City. To grant the most flexibility to families wishing to permanently relocate, these funds may be spent any time within the calendar year of application approval.

Must have one of the following (dated within 3 months prior to the incident):

• Valid state ID or driver’s license for applicant(s) and victim(s)
• City Key card with photo
• Temporary ID

The ESVF staff aims to review applications as soon as possible. Approval decisions are typically made within 1-2 weeks after submission. Following approval notice, it is the expectation that the Victim Services agencies disburse basic needs funds within two weeks, book funeral/burial services ASAP, and book relocation services as soon as the victim or survivor desires, but before the end of the calendar year.

The City's 15 priority communities are the community areas that, on average, experience the most homicide and nonfatal shooting victimizations per year. These high levels of violence disproportionately affect communities of color on our South and West sides. By focusing our efforts on the people and places most impacted by violence, we are able to best work towards the goal of sustainably reducing violence and making Chicago a city where everyone is and feels safe.

Currently, Chicago’s 15 priority communities are: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Chicago Lawn, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, New City (Back of the Yards), North Lawndale, Roseland, South Lawndale, South Shore, West Englewood, West Garfield Park, West Pullman.

The program first launched in a test-phase in December 2022. The initial program ran in only five (5) community areas through year end, 2023. In early 2024, the ESVF program broadened its incident and location eligibility per the guidelines described above. There remains the possibility for future program expansions and additions although none are planned at this time.

Yes, applicants for the ESVF program are still eligible to apply for additional funding sources. We recommend that you apply for all available funding to help mitigate the financial burden of violence.

If you or a loved one suffered an incident of gun violence or homicide but are ineligible for the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund program, you may still be eligible to receive assistance from the State of Illinois's Crime Victims Compensation fund. Please visit the Illinois AG's Crime Victim Compensation webpage for more details. The City still recommends that victims and survivors connect with their local Victim Services agency to receive free wraparound services.

Yes, if the victim is not currently incarcerated or detained, they are eligible to apply for ESVF, regardless of parole or probation status. An individual currently detained by CPD or another law enforcement body is ineligible for ESVF due to the freezing of assets at intake. Once released from a holding facility, if still within ESVF eligibility timeline, the participant may apply for funds regardless of pending charges or criminal involvement.

Due to the scope and funding restrictions of the ESVF program, suicides do not qualify at this time.

Self-inflicted shooting victimizations are not immediately eligible for the ESVF program. Incidents will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with an additional level of verification required by CPD.