NEW YORK STATE CRIME VICTIM SERVICES

SERVICES PROVIDED BY OFFICE OF VICTIMS SERVICES (OVS)

OVS provides compensation to innocent victims of crime for their out-of-pocket losses related to the crime. OVS funds local victim assistance programs that provide a variety of direct services to crime victims, including helping victims complete their OVS application for assistance. OVS advocates for the rights and benefits of all innocent victims of crimes.

CONTACTING THE NY OFFICE OF VICTIMS SERVICES

TELEPHONE: 1-800-247-8035 or (718) 923-4325    EMAIL: ovsinfo@ovs.ny.gov WEBSITE: www.ovs.ny.gov  
OFFICE:   55 Hanson Place, 10th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11217

APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION ONLINE CONTACT   

https://ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation        https://ovs.ny.gov/form/contact-form

OVS RESOURCE CENTER – FIND VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Find resources provided by OVS-funded Victim Assistance Programs (VAPs) from across New York State. Search by zip code using the OVS Resource Center website. 

https://ovs.ny.concerncenter.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES:  https://ovs.ny.gov/

Restitution Payment

Restitution is compensation paid to a victim by the perpetrator of a criminal offense for the losses or injuries incurred as a result of the criminal offense.   It must be ordered by the Court at the time of sentencing, and is considered part of the sentence. Restitution may include but is not limited to reimbursement for medical bills, counseling expenses, loss of earnings and the replacement of stolen or damaged property.

How do I ask for Restitution?

You should contact the DA’s office and advise them of the extent of your injury, your out-of-pocket losses and the amount of damages you are requesting. They would ask the Judge to order the payment of restitution or include such payments in any plea agreement. 

If you do not ask the DA for restitution and provide necessary documents prior to sentencing then you may not get it. It is your duty to request restitution and provide copies of bills and documentation of the extent of your injuries, out-of-pocket expenses, and other damages. If your request is not provided to the Criminal Court before sentencing, you may have to pursue reimbursement of your losses in Civil Court.  BE SURE TO:

• Keep accurate records such as original receipts of any expenses you have as a direct result of the criminal offense
• Give copies of these receipts to the police, DA and local probation department
• You need to clearly explain your need for restitution as soon as possible to the DA, the victim/witness advocate, and the probation department.  Unless waived by mutual consent, plea agreements can occur within days of the actual criminal offense.  

The DA will provide you with more information about this process.

CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FROM OFFICE OF VICTIMS SERVICES 

The OVS offers compensation related to: personal injury, death and loss of essential personal property. YOU MUST FILE FOR COMPENSATION WITHIN ONE YEAR AND COMPLY WITH OTHER DEADLINES TO BE ELIGIBLE.

WHAT EXPENSES MAY OVS COVER?

• Medical and counseling expenses
• Loss or damage of essential personal property (up to $500, including $100 for cash)
• Burial/funeral expenses (up to $6,000)
• Lost wages or lost support (up to $30,000)
• Transportation (necessary court appearances for prosecution or to related medical appointments)
• Occupational/vocational rehabilitation
• Use of domestic violence shelters
• Crime scene clean-up (up to $2,500)
• Good Samaritan property losses (up to $5,000)
• Moving expenses (up to $2,500)

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE?

• Victims of a crime in New York State
• Victims of crime who were physically injured as a result of the crime 
• Victims of crime who were not physically injured but are under 18, older than 60, or disabled 
• Vulnerable elderly, incompetent or physically disabled persons
• Certain relatives and dependents, including spouse, partner, grandparent, parent, stepparent, guardian, sibling child, stepchild or grandchild of a victim of crime
• Those who paid for or incurred burial costs for a victim of crime 
• Children who are victims or  witnessed a crime 
• Victims of frivolous lawsuits brought by a person who committed a crime against the victim of crime

What if my property was lost, damaged or destroyed because of the crime?

If you are under 18, 60 or over, disabled or were injured, you may apply for benefits to repair or replace your essential personal property lost, damaged or destroyed as a direct result of a crime that was not covered by any other source. Essential means necessary for your health and welfare, like eyeglasses, cash and clothes.

How do I apply for compensation?

You can apply for compensation using the NYS OVS Claim for Compensation Application, from the OVS website, or contact us to find a local victim assistance program near you. You may also get an application from any police station, precinct house, or hospital emergency room.    

Send OVS your completed OVS application along with photocopies of: 

• Police reports
• Insurance cards
• Receipts for essential personal property
• Victim’s birth certificate
• Death certificate and funeral contract
• Itemized medical bills
• Letters from any insurers denying or authorizing payment for the services listed on this form
• Proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate etc.)
• Legal guardianship papers

What if I need compensation right away?

In limited cases, you may ask for an emergency award, up to $2,500.

What if I don’t have some of the papers OVS needs?

Send your application in right away. You can send the other documents later.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  https://ovs.ny.gov/