How will $6 million raised for El Paso’s Walmart shooting victims be distributed?

More than $6 million has been raised to benefit victims of the Aug. 3 attack at the Cielo Vista Walmart, but distributing the funds is a complex process.

“One Fund El Paso” managers, in charge of handling the money, held a town hall Thursday evening to explain how it will work out.

From people who were shot to those who were at the scene, the fund is going to break victims up into four categories.

“Categories include death, physical injury hospitalized overnight, physical injury outpatient treatment, and psychological trauma,” said Jeff Dion of the National Compassion Fund, which is helping manage victim benefits.

You also need to have been in Walmart, Sam’s Club, or their parking lots at the time of the attack. Medical treatment needs to have been sought before August 7th and psychological treatment by October 15th. This is to make sure you fall within qualifying criteria.

“We have to prove that everyone who is getting money was present at Walmart. If they are on a law enforcement list we’ll accept that. If they weren’t on the law enforcement list we’re working with them to establish some other proof that they were there,” Dion said.

As to taxes, Representative Veronica Escobar is working with the IRS to make these gifts to victims exempt.

“For all the other 12 funds that we’ve done the IRS has said that funds like this are a gift and are generally not taxable,” Dion said.

For people on public benefits, your programs don’t have to be at risk

“We can pay the money into what they call a special needs trust so that they can have the benefit of the money for the things they need but it won’t affect their eligibility for Medicaid or something like that,” Dion said.

And the funds will be going to anyone who qualifies. The Mexican consulate is making sure victims from Juarez are also informed.

“Victimization knows no nationality or immigration status. Everyone who was there is a human being, is a victim. They will be helped,” Dion said.

The fund applications are expected to open around October 10th. Anyone who wants to be notified of application openings or any other changes can follow this link and submit their contact information.