Law garden / New York
If you're Jane Doe in New York
What New York's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Victim Compensation, run by New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS).
Show the law for this line: OVS Victim Compensation page
OVS Victim Compensation pageNY-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- 3 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedN.Y. Exec. Law 625(2)
- Police reportnot the only record that countsN.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(a)(iii)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youN.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)
What the program can pay for
Medical care
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)
N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)NY-COVER-2
Unreimbursed medical care and other necessary services caused by the injury count as out-of-pocket loss.
Out-of-pocket loss shall mean unreimbursed and unreimbursable expenses or indebtedness reasonably incurred for medical care or other services necessary as a result of the injury upon which such claim is based
Counseling
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)
N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)NY-COVER-3
Counseling is covered for physically injured crime victims and their spouse, children, or stepchildren (sex offense victims are presumed physically injured).
Such expenses or indebtedness shall include the cost of counseling for the eligible spouse, domestic partner, grandparents, parents, stepparents, guardians, brothers, sisters, stepbrothers, stepsisters, children, stepchildren or grandchildren of a homicide victim, and crime victims who have sustained a personal physical injury as the direct result of a crime and the spouse, children or stepchildren of such physically injured victim.
Travel
- Employment-related transportation (extra cost of getting to work because of crime injuries) is capped at $2,500. Medical and court travel are not under this cap.
Show the law for this line: 9 NYCRR 525.3(d)(2)and 2 more
9 NYCRR 525.3(d)(2)NY-COVER-4
Reasonable travel to crime-related medical care is covered, with receipts for fares or the federal mileage rate for driving yourself.
medical expenses shall also include the reasonable transportation expenses incurred for necessary, causally related medical care which may include, but are not limited to, reasonable airplane, cab, bus or train fare, with receipts, or if a claimant has provided his or her own transportation, the federally recognized mileage reimbursement rate at the time the expense was incurred
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(10)NY-COVER-5
Reasonable transportation to necessary court appearances in the prosecution is covered.
an award shall include reasonable transportation expenses incurred for necessary court appearances in connection with the prosecution of such crimes upon which the claim is based.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(2)NY-CAP-4
reasonable employment-related transportation expenses, not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars
Lost pay
- Lost earnings or support are capped at $30,000.
- Lost earnings or support are paid at no more than $600 per week.
Home security
Show the law for this line: 9 NYCRR 525.12(g)(3)
9 NYCRR 525.12(g)(3)NY-COVER-6
New or enhanced security devices can be covered when a physician, counselor, or the district attorney states the claimant's health is in imminent danger without the device.
In order for the costs associated with new or enhanced security devices, beyond those which, pursuant to the Executive Law are repaired or replaced under subdivision 2 of section 631, or are awarded under subdivision 12 of section 631 , to be compensable, the office shall require a statement from the claimant's physician or counselor, or the district attorney handling the victim's case, indicating that without the aid of such a device the claimant's health is in imminent danger.
Moving
- Relocation expenses are capped at $2,500.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 621(23)and 1 more
N.Y. Exec. Law 621(23)NY-COVER-7
Relocation costs are covered when moving is necessary for the victim's health or safety.
"Relocation expenses" shall mean the cost of relocating a crime victim, when relocation is necessary for the health or safety of the victim.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(2)NY-CAP-3
reasonable relocation expenses not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars
Clothing and bedding
- Outerwear, suits, and footwear are paid at the receipted amount, up to $500 per item.
- Other clothing is paid at the receipted amount, up to $100 per item.
- A mattress and platform or box spring are paid at the receipted amount, up to $2,000.
- Other bedding is paid at the receipted amount, up to $500 in total.
Show the law for this line: 9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(1)(i)and 3 more
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(1)(i)NY-CAP-8
Items of outerwear, suits and footwear shall be the receipted amount, in an amount not exceeding five-hundred dollars per item.
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(1)(ii)NY-CAP-9
All other items of clothing shall be the receipted amount, in an amount not exceeding one-hundred dollars per item.
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(2)(i)NY-CAP-10
Mattress and platform or box spring shall be the receipted amount, in an amount not exceeding two-thousand dollars.
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(2)(ii)NY-CAP-11
All other items of bedding shall be the receipted amount, in a cumulative amount not exceeding five-hundred dollars.
Replacing belongings
- Repair or replacement of essential personal property is capped at $2,500, with cash losses limited to $100.
- Essential property related to the victim's ability to communicate is paid at the receipted amount, up to $1,500 per item.
- Essential property related to safely operating the victim's own means of transportation is paid at the receipted amount, up to $2,500 per item.
- Medically necessary life-sustaining equipment lost or damaged in the crime has its own cap of $10,000 instead of the general essential property cap.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(9)(a)and 3 more
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(9)(a)NY-CAP-6
Any award made for the cost of repair or replacement of essential personal property, including cash losses of essential personal property, shall be limited to an amount of twenty-five hundred dollars, except that all cash losses of essential personal property shall be limited to the amount of one hundred dollars.
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(3)NY-CAP-7
All awards made pursuant to Executive Law article 22 and this Part related to a victim's ability to communicate shall be limited to the receipted amount, in an amount not exceeding one-thousand five-hundred dollars per item.
9 NYCRR 525.12(n)(4)NY-CAP-13
All awards made pursuant to Executive Law article 22 and this Part related to a victim's safe operation of their personal means of transportation shall be limited to the receipted amount, in an amount not exceeding two-thousand five-hundred dollars per item.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(9)(a)NY-CAP-14
In the case of medically necessary life-sustaining equipment which was lost or damaged as the direct result of a crime, the award shall be limited to the amount of ten thousand dollars.
Crime scene cleanup
- Crime scene cleanup and securing a crime scene (for example repairing doors, windows, and locks) are capped at $2,500.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(2)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(2)NY-CAP-5
the costs of crime scene cleanup and securing of a crime scene not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars
Legal help
- Attorney fees for representation before OVS or on judicial review are capped at $1,000.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)
N.Y. Exec. Law 626(1)NY-CAP-12
the cost of reasonable attorneys' fees for representation before the office and/or before the appellate division upon judicial review not to exceed one thousand dollars.
What it does not pay for
For security devices, only the device and installation are covered; monitoring and maintenance fees are not.
Show the law for this line: 9 NYCRR 525.12(g)(3)
9 NYCRR 525.12(g)(3)NY-EXCL-1
Compensable costs shall be limited to the devices themselves and their installation, and shall not include the periodic service charges for monitoring or maintaining any such devices.
Meals during travel for medical care are not reimbursed as transportation.
Show the law for this line: 9 NYCRR 525.3(d)(2)
9 NYCRR 525.3(d)(2)NY-EXCL-2
Meals shall not be considered a related transportation expense.
Employment-related transportation does not cover buying, leasing, or renting a vehicle.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 621(25) (employment-related transportation)
N.Y. Exec. Law 621(25) (employment-related transportation)NY-EXCL-3
Such costs shall not include the purchase, lease or rental of a vehicle.
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)and 3 more
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)NY-EXAM-1
The provider must accept the OVS exam fee as payment in full and may not bill the survivor for the forensic exam services.
The hospital, sexual assault examiner program, or licensed health care provider must accept this fee as payment in full for these specified services. No additional billing of the survivor for said services is permissible.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)NY-EXAM-2
Private insurance can be used for the exam only if the survivor chooses to assign it, and then the survivor owes no deductible, coinsurance, or balance bill.
A sexual assault survivor may voluntarily assign any private insurance benefits to which they are entitled for the healthcare forensic examination, in which case the hospital or healthcare provider may not charge the office; provided, however, in the event the sexual assault survivor assigns any private health insurance benefit, such coverage shall not be subject to annual deductibles or coinsurance or balance billing by the hospital, sexual assault examiner program or licensed health care provider.
N.Y. Pub. Health Law 2805-i(1)NY-EXAM-3
Hospitals must make sure survivors are not billed for forensic exams and must tell them, orally and in writing, they can decline to give insurance information and have OVS pay instead.
ensuring sexual assault survivors are not billed for sexual assault forensic exams and are notified orally and in writing of the option to decline to provide private health insurance information and have the office of victim services reimburse the hospital for the exam
OVS FRE Provider Billing Manual (March 2026), III.c Reimbursement RatesNY-EXAM-6
A provider that accepts OVS payment for the exam takes it as payment in full and may not bill the survivor for the difference between its charges and what OVS paid.
The billing provider may not bill victims/survivors or their guardians for the difference between charged amounts and the amount reimbursed by OVS.
The provider can bill your insurance for it only if you agree.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)and 3 more
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)NY-EXAM-1
The provider must accept the OVS exam fee as payment in full and may not bill the survivor for the forensic exam services.
The hospital, sexual assault examiner program, or licensed health care provider must accept this fee as payment in full for these specified services. No additional billing of the survivor for said services is permissible.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(b)NY-EXAM-2
Private insurance can be used for the exam only if the survivor chooses to assign it, and then the survivor owes no deductible, coinsurance, or balance bill.
A sexual assault survivor may voluntarily assign any private insurance benefits to which they are entitled for the healthcare forensic examination, in which case the hospital or healthcare provider may not charge the office; provided, however, in the event the sexual assault survivor assigns any private health insurance benefit, such coverage shall not be subject to annual deductibles or coinsurance or balance billing by the hospital, sexual assault examiner program or licensed health care provider.
N.Y. Pub. Health Law 2805-i(1)NY-EXAM-3
Hospitals must make sure survivors are not billed for forensic exams and must tell them, orally and in writing, they can decline to give insurance information and have OVS pay instead.
ensuring sexual assault survivors are not billed for sexual assault forensic exams and are notified orally and in writing of the option to decline to provide private health insurance information and have the office of victim services reimburse the hospital for the exam
OVS FRE Provider Billing Manual (March 2026), III.c Reimbursement RatesNY-EXAM-6
A provider that accepts OVS payment for the exam takes it as payment in full and may not bill the survivor for the difference between its charges and what OVS paid.
The billing provider may not bill victims/survivors or their guardians for the difference between charged amounts and the amount reimbursed by OVS.
The hospital or provider gives sexual assault survivors exam services free of charge and bills the Office of Victim Services directly.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(a)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(13)(a)NY-EXAM-4
such hospital, sexual assault examiner program, or licensed healthcare provider shall provide such services to the person without charge and shall bill the office directly.
OVS pays the medical provider directly for the exam when the survivor has no private insurance or chooses not to use it.
Show the law for this line: OVS Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Program page
OVS Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Program pageNY-EXAM-5
OVS can directly reimburse medical providers for forensic rape exams when sexual assault survivors do not have private health insurance or choose not to use their insurance.
OVS direct payment covers only services and medicines related to the forensic exam. Unrelated care in the same visit is not paid under the exam claim; it goes to the survivor's insurance first, then can be submitted to OVS as a regular compensation claim.
Show the law for this line: OVS FRE Provider Billing Manual (March 2026), III Reimbursement
OVS FRE Provider Billing Manual (March 2026), III ReimbursementNY-EXAM-7
Only services and pharmaceuticals that are related to the forensic rape exam may be reimbursed under an FRE claim.
Out-of-pocket costs a sex offense victim (Penal Law article 130) incurs for a hospital or medical exam tied to the investigation or prosecution are covered.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(7)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(7)NY-COVER-1
an award shall include out-of-pocket expenses, including indebtedness reasonably incurred by the victim of a sex offense or the person responsible for the victim of such sex offense, as such sex offense is defined in article one hundred thirty of the penal law, for a hospital or medical examination in connection with the investigation or prosecution of any such offense.
Police report
A police report is not the only way to qualify. Other records can count, like a forensic exam or a protective order.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(a)(iii)and 4 more
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(a)(iii)NY-REPORT-1
A police report is not required: the crime must have been reported, but records of a support agency for survivors of crime (such as a forensic exam facility or protective services agency) can show this instead of police records. No fixed reporting window appears in the statute.
the records of a support agency for survivors of crime or the records of a criminal justice agency show that such crime was reported.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(i)NY-REPORT-2
A medical facility that provides forensic exams for rape and sexual assault counts as a support agency, so its records can stand in for a police report.
any medical facility established under the laws of the state that provides a forensic physical examination for victims of rape and sexual assault
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(ii)NY-REPORT-3
For sex offenses, a family court also counts as a support agency.
in cases involving any sex offense or family offense a support agency for survivors of crime shall also include a family court
OVS Compensation Program Updates for Victims and Survivors, Reporting a CrimeNY-REPORT-4
Since December 31, 2025, a victim service provider or a medical or mental health professional can fill out a Crime Verification Form instead of a police report.
Starting December 31, 2025, instead of filing a report with law enforcement, you can go to a local victim service provider , or a medical or mental health professional, and tell them that you or a loved one experienced a crime. The provider can fill out a short form to tell OVS about the crime.
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(iii)NY-REPORT-5
Under the statute, when the victim cannot report to or cooperate with police because of age, physical or psychological state, cultural or language barriers, or another health or safety concern, a court that issued a restraining or protective order, a contracted victim services provider, or a licensed medical or mental health provider also counts as a support agency.
in cases where a physically injured claimant and/or victim is unable to report to or otherwise cooperate with a criminal justice agency because of the victim's age, physical condition, psychological state, cultural or linguistic barriers, or any other health or safety concern that jeopardizes the victim's wellbeing, a support agency for survivors of crime shall also include: (A) a court which issued a temporary or permanent restraining order or protective order against the party or parties alleged to have committed the crime against the victim, or (B) a "victim services provider"
A police report is not required: the crime must have been reported, but records of a support agency for survivors of crime (such as a forensic exam facility or protective services agency) can show this instead of police records. No fixed reporting window appears in the statute.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(a)(iii)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(a)(iii)NY-REPORT-1
the records of a support agency for survivors of crime or the records of a criminal justice agency show that such crime was reported.
A medical facility that provides forensic exams for rape and sexual assault counts as a support agency, so its records can stand in for a police report.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(i)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(i)NY-REPORT-2
any medical facility established under the laws of the state that provides a forensic physical examination for victims of rape and sexual assault
For sex offenses, a family court also counts as a support agency.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(ii)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(ii)NY-REPORT-3
in cases involving any sex offense or family offense a support agency for survivors of crime shall also include a family court
Since December 31, 2025, a victim service provider or a medical or mental health professional can fill out a Crime Verification Form instead of a police report.
Show the law for this line: OVS Compensation Program Updates for Victims and Survivors, Reporting a Crime
OVS Compensation Program Updates for Victims and Survivors, Reporting a CrimeNY-REPORT-4
Starting December 31, 2025, instead of filing a report with law enforcement, you can go to a local victim service provider , or a medical or mental health professional, and tell them that you or a loved one experienced a crime. The provider can fill out a short form to tell OVS about the crime.
Under the statute, when the victim cannot report to or cooperate with police because of age, physical or psychological state, cultural or language barriers, or another health or safety concern, a court that issued a restraining or protective order, a contracted victim services provider, or a licensed medical or mental health provider also counts as a support agency.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(iii)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(1)(c)(iii)NY-REPORT-5
in cases where a physically injured claimant and/or victim is unable to report to or otherwise cooperate with a criminal justice agency because of the victim's age, physical condition, psychological state, cultural or linguistic barriers, or any other health or safety concern that jeopardizes the victim's wellbeing, a support agency for survivors of crime shall also include: (A) a court which issued a temporary or permanent restraining order or protective order against the party or parties alleged to have committed the crime against the victim, or (B) a "victim services provider"
Deadline to apply
Apply within 3 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 625(2)
N.Y. Exec. Law 625(2)NY-DEADLINE-1
File within 3 years of the crime or its discovery; OVS may extend this for good cause.
A claim must be filed by the claimant not later than three years after the occurrence or discovery of the crime upon which such claim is based, three years after a court finds a lawsuit to be frivolous, or not later than three years after the death of the victim, provided, however, that upon good cause shown, the office may extend the time for filing.
Even after 3 years, OVS can waive the deadline for good reasons, such as not knowing the program existed or not knowing you were eligible.
Show the law for this line: OVS Compensation Program Updates for Victims and Survivors, Timely Filing
OVS Compensation Program Updates for Victims and Survivors, Timely FilingNY-DEADLINE-2
Please keep in mind that even if it has been more than three years, OVS has the ability to waive this requirement if the claimant or victim/survivor can show they had good reasons for not filing a claim within that timeframe. Good reasons can include, but are not limited to not knowing that victim compensation existed, or not knowing that they may be eligible for compensation.
Keeping your name and address private
The Department of State runs an Address Confidentiality Program that gives eligible victims, including victims of a sexual offense, a designated substitute address to use instead of their real address, with free mail forwarding.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 108 (preamble)
N.Y. Exec. Law 108 (preamble)NY-ACP-1
There is created in the office of the secretary of state a program to be known as the "address confidentiality program" to protect victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking, victims of kidnapping, victims of a sexual offense, victims of stalking, and reproductive health care services providers, employees, volunteers, patients, or immediate family members of reproductive health care services providers by authorizing the use of designated addresses for such victims and their minor children.
OVS records and proceedings on a victim's or claimant's compensation claim are confidential and are not shared with government or private entities, except for listed purposes such as criminal justice requests, judicial subpoenas, the claimant's own requests, and program administration.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 633(1)
N.Y. Exec. Law 633(1)NY-REC-1
Records maintained by the office and proceedings by the office based thereon regarding a claim submitted by a victim or a claimant shall be deemed confidential and shall not be shared with any government or private entity, with the following exceptions:
How to apply
Online https://ovs.ny.gov/
Show the law for this line: OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 1, FAQ: Is there another way to apply?
OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 1, FAQ: Is there another way to apply?NY-SUB-3
A claim can be filed online through the OVS Compass Applicant Portal, as a guest or with a NY.gov account.
Yes, you can visit https://ovs.ny.gov/ to access the secure OVS Compass Applicant Portal, or Victim Advocate Portal, and file an application online.
Email OVSIntake@ovs.ny.gov
Show the law for this line: OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 2, OVS Contact Information
OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 2, OVS Contact InformationNY-SUB-2
The application and supporting documents can be emailed to the OVS intake address.
Email applications and documents to: OVSIntake@ovs.ny.gov
Mail NYS Office of Victim Services, AE Smith Building, 80 S. Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210-8002
Show the law for this line: OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 2, OVS Contact Information
OVS Victim Compensation Claim Application (Feb. 2026), page 2, OVS Contact InformationNY-SUB-1
A paper application and documents can be mailed to the OVS office in Albany.
Mailing Address: NYS Office of Victim Services AE Smith Building 80 S. Swan Street Albany, NY 12210-8002
Phone 1-800-247-8035
Show the law for this line: OVS Victim Compensation page
OVS Victim Compensation pageNY-S1
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
When an award is likely and waiting would cause undue hardship, OVS can make emergency awards totaling up to $2,500, which are later deducted from the final award.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 630(1)
N.Y. Exec. Law 630(1)NY-EMERG-1
the office may make one or more emergency awards to the claimant pending a final decision of the office or payment of an award in the case, provided, however, that the total amount of such emergency awards shall not exceed twenty-five hundred dollars.
Good to know before you apply
Acts committed in New York count as crimes for compensation whether or not anyone was arrested, charged, or prosecuted, and whether or not the claimant dealt with police.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 621(3)(a)
N.Y. Exec. Law 621(3)(a)NY-RES-1
an act committed in New York state which would, if committed by a mentally competent criminally responsible adult, who has no legal exemption or defense, constitute a crime as defined in and proscribed by law, regardless of whether any suspect was arrested, charged, apprehended or prosecuted for the commission of the act or whether the claimant has interacted with a criminal justice agency investigating such act
A New York resident hurt by a crime in another state can apply only if that state has no eligible compensation program.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 621(3)(b)
N.Y. Exec. Law 621(3)(b)NY-RES-2
an act committed outside the state of New York against a resident of the state of New York which would be compensable had it occurred within the state of New York and which occurred in a state which does not have an eligible crime victim compensation program
Awards are reduced by payments from the offender, mandated insurance, public funds, the claimant's own insurance, and any emergency award.
Show the law for this line: N.Y. Exec. Law 631(4)
N.Y. Exec. Law 631(4)NY-COLLAT-1
Any award made pursuant to this article shall be reduced by the amount of any payments received or to be received by the claimant as a result of the injury (a) from or on behalf of the person who committed the crime, (b) under insurance programs mandated by law, (c) from public funds, (d) under any contract of insurance wherein the claimant is the insured or beneficiary, (e) as an emergency award pursuant to section six hundred thirty of this article.
OVS pays last: insurance or benefit plans must be billed first. The forensic exam is an exception (see the exam rules).
Show the law for this line: OVS Claim Application, Reminder
OVS Claim Application, ReminderNY-COLLAT-2
OVS is the payer of last resort and can only consider your out-of-pocket loss. OVS can only process payments for crime-related expenses. You must bill your insurance company or benefits plan before OVS can pay.
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