IMPROVING ACCESS TO COMPENSATION FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

Financial compensation is a crucial part of recovery for survivors of human trafficking, helping to address the economic impact of their exploitation and providing a foundation for rebuilding their lives. Recognizing this, California must increase its outreach efforts and improve the distribution of available resources through the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), specifically under AB 629.

AB 629, enacted to support survivors, allows them to seek compensation for income loss as part of their restitution for trafficking-related exploitation. However, many survivors are unaware of these resources or face barriers in accessing them. To address this gap, California needs to bolster awareness, partner with community organizations, and streamline the process to ensure that all eligible survivors can benefit from the financial relief available through CalVCB under AB 629.

APPLICATION MATERIALS 

Under AB 629, human trafficking survivors who were victims of labor trafficking and/or commercial sexual exploitation are eligible to apply for income loss benefits through the California Victim Compensation Board. Eligible applicants must provide documentation that demonstrates they were trafficked and that they experienced income loss directly due to their victimization. Evidence can include police reports, court documents, affidavits, or statements from case workers confirming the survivor’s circumstances.

A Completed Application Will Need to Include: 

• Application for Crime Victim Compensation (Visit the CalVCB Website to Apply Online) 
• Human Trafficking Wage Compensation Verification Form
• Proof of Victimization: Police Report OR Declaration from Human Trafficking Case Worker
• Proof of Income Loss (May include, but not limited to): Statement Under Penalty of Perjury from the survivor, a human trafficking case worker, an attorney, or a witness who can

1. 1. Describe the dates in which the dates of the trafficking commenced and ended;
   2. Approximate hours worked per week; and 
   3. Whether reimbursement was or will be received from any other sources.   

We have included template materials to help facilitate the process of applying to CalVCB and meet the requirements under AB 629. To make it easier, we’ve highlighted the specific information you need to fill out, ensuring a smoother and more efficient application process.

• Cover Letter
• Human Trafficking Case Worker Declaration 
• Applicant Declaration
• Completed Application (Sample)

SJI RECOMMENDATION TO CALVCB 

SJI has developed a comprehensive Fact Sheet and a set of recommendations aimed at helping the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) increase access to benefits for human trafficking survivors under Assembly Bill 629. This initiative is designed to bridge gaps in awareness and accessibility, ensuring that survivors know about and can easily apply for the financial support available to them for crime-related expenses. By outlining key areas for improvement, our recommendations seek to enhance CalVCB’s outreach and application processes so that more survivors receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. 

READ: IMPROVING ACCESS TO COMPENSATION FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

You can use the links below to complete a survey and provide your feedback on accessing AB 629 through CalVCB. In addition to the survey, we will also be offering an opportunity to join a meeting where you can provide further feedback and engage in a discussion about your experience with CalVCB.