Good Samaritan Program

The VCGCB administers the provisions of California law that provide for compensation to Good Samaritans who suffer injury or loss as a result of their efforts to prevent a crime, apprehend a criminal, or rescue a person in immediate danger of injury or death. The immediate family or dependents of a Good Samaritan who dies as a direct result of their meritorious actions can also seek compensation.

To qualify, the Good Samaritan must be a member of the public, not a public-safety worker acting within the course and scope of their employment, and must not have received compensation otherwise. The claim must include information such as details regarding the meritorious actions and losses suffered, and it must be supported by a statement from a public safety or law enforcement agency. Such an agency can also file a claim for compensation on behalf of the Good Samaritan or survivors. Claims cannot exceed $10,000.

Contact the Victim Compensation Program at (800) 777-9229 or info@vcgcb.ca.gov for more information regarding filing a Good Samaritan claim.