New York Crime Victim Compensation (OVS Compensation)
New York's crime victim compensation program reimburses victims of crimes that happen in New York for certain out-of-pocket costs. Covered costs can include medical and counseling expenses, lost earnings (up to $30,000), funeral expenses (up to $12,000), relocation costs (up to $2,500), crime scene cleanup (up to $2,500), and repair or replacement of essential personal property (up to $2,500). OVS does not require a Social Security Number for eligibility.
Who it is for
Victims of crime in New York, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking, who have crime-related expenses not covered by other sources. Some crime types have additional age or disability requirements.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply through your state.
Apply directly to the New York State Office of Victim Services, online through the OVS Compass portal or by mailing a paper claim application. A local victim assistance program can help you file at no cost.
How to apply
- Gather documentation of your crime-related expenses, such as bills, receipts, and proof of lost wages.
- Apply online through the OVS Compass portal, or complete and mail the paper Victim Compensation Claim Application.
- Ask a local victim assistance program funded by OVS to help you prepare and submit the claim, free of charge.
- Call OVS at 1-800-247-8035 if you have questions about eligibility or your claim.
Deadline: Effective December 31, 2025, you generally have three years to file a claim, measured from the crime, the discovery of the crime, a court finding a related lawsuit frivolous, or the victim's death from the crime. OVS can waive the deadline for good cause, such as not knowing compensation existed. (Fixed deadline)
Amount: Reimbursement varies by expense type, with category caps including lost earnings up to $30,000 and funeral expenses up to $12,000. Compensation is a payer of last resort, after insurance and other sources.
This is how New York runs the national Crime Victim Compensation (VOCA). See the national program .
Verified as of 2026-06-17. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.