In order to assert any claim against San Francisco State University, a Government Claim form must be completed and filed directly with the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) formerly known as the State Board of Control.

Under State law, claims relating to causes of action for death, injury to person, or personal property must be presented to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) no later than six months after the date of the incident.

The Government claims (GC) program resolves claims filed against the State of California as a result of certain state government activity. Such claims may include issues such as damage to real or personal property ; reimbursement for state employee property loss, benefits, salary, or travel expenses; refund of a tax, fee, or penalty; or contract disputes. A government claim is required before a lawsuit is filed against a state agency.

The Government claims (GC) Program processes two general types of claims: tort claims and equity claims. Tort claims allege liability for damages caused by the state or it's employees. Typical tort claims may include death or injury to a person and damage or loss of personal property. Typical equity claims may include expired pay warrants, reimbursement for state employee salary or travel expenses, reimbursement for state employee property loss, and others. Further detailed information may be obtained from the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board web site.

Beginning August 17, 2004, a $25 filing fee is required for all government claims submitted to the Board. Claimants should send the filing fee with the Government Claim form. Checks and/or money orders for the $25 filing fee should be made payable to the State of California. When a claim is accepted, the state agency that pays the claim will refund the $25 filing fee to the claimant.

Claimants who are unable to pay the $25 filing fee may apply for a fee waiver by completing and submitting an Affidavit for Waiver of Government Claims Filing Fee and Financial Information Form. You may also contact the Government Claims Program directly at (916) 955-0045 or call their toll-free telephone number at (800) 955-0045.

Procedures for filing a Claim

1. Obtain a Government Claim form. Read thoroughly the attached instructions and enclose any related supporting documents (i.e. Police reports, medical documentation, estimates for repair, etc.)
2. Complete the relevant sections of the form describing in full detail the circumstances that led to the alleged damage or injury. State why you believe the State of California is responsible.
3. Make a photocopy of your Claim form for your records and mail a copy of the completed Claim form to the San Francisco State University Office of Safety and Risk Management.
4. Mail the original Government Claim form to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board address listed on the form with your $25 filing fee payment payable to the State of California.
5. If you have questions regarding your claim, contact the Government Claims Program directly at (916) 955-0045 or toll-free at (800) 955-0045 for assistance.

Submit the completed Government Claim form to:

Phone: (916) 323-3564
Toll free phone: (800) 955-0045
Email: gcinfo@vcgcb.ca.gov

Further Information and Resources

If you are on the SFSU campus, you may call (415) 338-2565 or visit the Office of Risk Management located in ADM 252 for further information on the Government Claim form.

Office of Risk Management, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue,  San Francisco, CA  94132
riskmgmt@sfsu.edu
Last modified 4/4/2008