Recover the Costs You Incurred
Families who spent money on legal fees, bail, travel, or other expenses related to a foreign detention may qualify for partial or full reimbursement through our structured Expense Recovery Program.
How the Program Works
When an American citizen is detained in a foreign country, the financial toll on families can be devastating. Beyond emotional anguish, families face retainer fees for foreign attorneys who may charge thousands with little accountability, emergency international airfare, hotel accommodations near the detention facility, certified translations of court documents, notarized affidavits for consular applications, court filing fees, and bail deposits that may never be refunded by the foreign government.
On average, American families report spending between $15,000 and $80,000 in total expenses related to the detention and release of a loved one abroad. Many are forced to liquidate retirement savings, take out second mortgages, or borrow heavily from relatives — all while navigating the emotional trauma of the situation.
Our Expense Recovery Program operates as a claims-based reimbursement system. Applicants submit documentation of qualifying expenses, and our claims team evaluates each submission against our eligibility criteria. Reviews typically take five to seven business days, and approved refunds are disbursed within ten business days.
Over $500M returned to American families since 2003
Qualifying Expenses
The following categories of expenses may qualify for reimbursement. All claims must be supported by receipts, invoices, bank statements, or other verifiable documentation.
Fees paid to foreign or domestic counsel for detention-related legal services, including retainers, hourly fees, and court filing costs.
Whether recovered or forfeited by the foreign court. Includes bail bond premiums and surety fees.
Round-trip airfare, hotels, ground transportation, and meals incurred while traveling to visit the detained individual or attend court proceedings.
Certified translations of legal documents, court orders, and government correspondence. Notarized affidavits required for consular processes.
International phone calls, video conferencing subscriptions, courier and express mail services used to communicate with attorneys and consular officials.
Medical care for the detainee (dental, psychological, or physical), emergency provisions, and medications required during detention.
Three Simple Steps
Submit Application
Complete the form below with your personal details, the detained individual's information, and an itemized description of all expenses incurred.
Claims Review
Our dedicated claims team reviews your application, verifies documentation, and may request additional supporting evidence. Average review period: 5–7 business days.
Receive Refund
Approved refunds are disbursed within 10 business days via ACH bank transfer, international wire, or check — whichever you prefer.
Why Expense Recovery Exists
The United States government, through the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, acknowledges that the financial burden of foreign detention falls disproportionately on families. While federal reimbursement programs remain limited, SSN LEGAL AID established its Expense Recovery Program to bridge this critical gap.
Our program is funded through a combination of firm resources, legal cost-recovery actions against foreign governments, and partnerships with humanitarian organizations. We believe that families who have already endured the trauma of having a loved one detained abroad should not face financial ruin as a result of exercising their right to legal defense.
We are actively advocating for the establishment of a federal reimbursement fund — similar to the Crime Victims Fund — specifically for families of wrongfully detained Americans. Until that legislation is enacted, our program serves as the primary mechanism for financial recovery.
Application Form
All information handled under strict attorney-client confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the review process take?
Most applications are reviewed within 5–7 business days. Complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions or large amounts may take up to 14 business days.
What documentation do I need?
Receipts, invoices, bank statements, wire transfer confirmations, attorney fee agreements, and any correspondence related to the expenses. The more documentation you provide, the faster the review.
Is there a maximum reimbursement amount?
Each case is evaluated individually. There is no fixed cap, but all claims must be supported by verifiable documentation of actual expenses incurred.
Can I apply if the case is still ongoing?
Yes. You can submit claims for expenses already incurred while the case is still active. Additional claims can be filed as new expenses arise.
Already Applied?
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