How is restitution collected and disbursed?
In a criminal judgment, the Court orders a defendant or multiple defendants to pay restitution to the designated victim(s). A defendant makes restitution payments to the U.S. District Court. The Court collects the payments and allocates the payments according to the terms of the criminal judgment. When collections for a victim meet a minimum amount of $50.00 (or less, when a final payment is less than $50.00), the Court disburses a payment to the victim.
The Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing restitution orders.
How often are restitution payments made?
Restitution payments are processed once a month by the U.S. District Court.
What are the forms of payment?
Restitution payments can be made by:
- check, sent to the victim's address via U.S. mail;
- electronic funds transfer (EFT), in which payments are directly deposited to a victim's bank account; or
- wire transfer, only for victims who reside outside the United States.
A victim may find that receiving restitution payments by direct deposit to be more convenient. For that option, a victim must submit a form and required documentation (see instructions in the next FAQ). Otherwise, victims residing in the United States will receive restitution payments by check.
How does a victim arrange for electronic transfer of restitution payments to their bank account?
- A victim must submit a completed AO 213R - Electronic Payment Information Request for Restitution Payees Form to request electronic funds transfer payment. Documentation to prove that the victim is the account holder (typically, a copy of a cancelled check) is required. Please follow the form instructions completely.
- Victims who reside outside the United States are advised to email for assistance in arranging wire transfers.
What if a victim receives electronic payments and their bank changes?
Notify the U.S. District Court Finance Department by e-mail at so that payments can be paused while electronic funds transfer to the new bank is arranged. Complete and submit a new AO 213R - Electronic Payment Information Request for Restitution Payees Form, including documentation to prove the victim is the account holder (typically a copy of a cancelled check). Once the new AO213R form is processed, payments will resume and be deposited in the new account.
What if a victim's address changes?
Complete and submit an AO 140 - Victim Address Change Form to request an address update.
What if the victim's name changes?
Contact the U.S. Attorney's Office to report the name change. An order of the Court is required to allow restitution payments to be made to the victim under the new name.