The Nevada Victims of Crime Program has been offering financial assistance to crime victims since 1981.

Nevada residents who have been injured during a crime and have an existing financial need can apply to the program for as much as $50,000 in aid, said program coordinator Bryan Nix.

The families of Nevadans killed during a crime may be reimbursed for burial expenses and grief counseling.

In 2000, Nevada ranked 15th in violent crimes among all states, according to state statistics. In 2005, 14,654 violent crimes were committed in Nevada.

"There's actually a great need for the program," Nix said, adding that the agency is a helpful resource to innocent victims without resources.

The program, which is mandated by Nevada law and operated by the state's department of administration, reimbursed 1,300 victims last year, out of 2,500 applications, Nix said.

Money is awarded based on need and can be used to cover a range of expenses, including medical costs, counseling, funerals, eyeglasses, prosthetics and other property used by the victim that is lost or damaged during the crime.

Victims who missed work because of the crime also can receive lost wages of as much as $300 a week for one year.

Anyone who is an innocent victim of a violent crime -- meaning they played no role in their injury or the crime -- and has no other resources can apply for reimbursement, Nix said. Those with insurance can use the program as a last resort.

To be eligible, victims must file for reimbursement within one year after the crime occurred. Though any violent crime is covered, the state receives more assault claims than any other, Nix noted.

The state program operates on about a $7 million annual budget. Funding comes mostly from the courts, Nix said, including money from criminal fines and bail bonds.

The amount paid out each year depends on the number of reimbursements, Nix said. Last year, about $4 million was awarded.

For more information, call the Southern Nevada office at 486-2740.