Is there money to help cover medical expenses as a result of violent crime committed against me?

If you are an uninsured, violent-crime victim who was hospitalized, first, check with the hospital to apply under the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act (IHUPDA). This requires hospitals to give discounted care to eligible uninsured Illinois residents. Victims of violent crimes may also apply to the Attorney General’s Crime Victim’s Compensation Program online or by calling 1-800-228-3368 (TTY: 1-877-398-1130).

In other cases, all documentation of bills should be forwarded to the investigating police department and  to the victim specialist assigned to your case as soon as possible. If the defendant pleas or is sentenced, they could be ordered to pay restitution as part of the sentence. Restitution will also be ordered in criminal court cases wherever practical and possible. Unfortunately, it is not always realistic in criminal cases for restitution to be ordered or paid, such as in severe injury involving several thousands of dollars, or when violent offenders are sentenced to prison for a long time such as in murder.  

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1. Is there money to help cover medical expenses as a result of violent crime committed against me?
2. Will the defendant be ordered to pay restitution?
3. If restitution is ordered, how does it get to the victim?
4. How long does the defendant have to pay restitution?
5. What happens if restitution is not paid?