Government Code section 13953

(a)

An application for compensation shall be filed within seven years of the date of the crime, seven years after the victim attains 21 years of age, or seven years of the time the victim or derivative victim knew or in the exercise of ordinary diligence could have discovered that an injury or death had been sustained as a direct result of crime, whichever is later.

(b)

The board may for good cause grant an extension of the time period in subdivision (a). In making this determination, the board shall consider both of the following:

(1)

Whether the victim or derivative victim incurs emotional harm or a pecuniary loss while testifying during the prosecution or in the punishment of the person accused or convicted of the crime.

(2)

Whether the victim or derivative victim incurs emotional harm or a pecuniary loss when the person convicted of the crime is scheduled for a parole hearing or released from incarceration.

(c)

The period prescribed in this section for filing an application by or on behalf of a derivative victim shall be tolled when the board accepts the application filed by a victim of the same qualifying crime.

Source: Section 13953, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=13953.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2020; accessed Jun. 26, 2026).

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Verified:
Jun. 26, 2026

§ 13953's source at ca​.gov