Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has expanded compensation for victims and survivors of crime, including those affected by homicide and financial scams. The new laws, effective November 5, increase the cap on funeral and burial expenses from $6,000 to $12,000 and raise the maximum reimbursement for victims of financial scams from $100 to $2,500. The changes also allow anyone who pays for crime scene cleanup costs to seek reimbursement, regardless of whether they lived at the location where the crime occurred.
These measures apply to claims filed with the state Office of Victim Services (OVS) on or after November 5. Governor Hochul secured these provisions as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget to improve support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes.
“Protecting New Yorkers from harm is my number one priority – and that includes ensuring that no one faces the emotional and financial toll of a tragedy alone,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why I advocated for these new laws, effective today, that not only increase support for victims and their families, but also affirm our state’s commitment to standing with survivors as they pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.”
The OVS provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket crime-related expenses when no other resources are available. In addition to raising expense caps, state law has been amended so that contributory conduct in homicide cases will no longer reduce reimbursement amounts. Previously, OVS could cut reimbursements by up to 50 percent if it determined an individual’s actions contributed to their death.
Eligibility for crime scene cleanup reimbursement has been broadened; previously only residents at the site were eligible for up to $2,500 in assistance. Now anyone who pays out-of-pocket can apply.
Support for victims of financial scams has also increased. Individuals under 18 or over 60 years old, those with disabilities or physical injuries, or others meeting eligibility criteria may now receive up to $2,500 in reimbursement if victimized by a scam—a significant rise from the previous $100 limit.
Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson stated: “New York State has a long, strong and proud history of supporting those in need and protecting its most vulnerable residents. No Governor has invested in public safety and supported victims and survivors of crime as much as Governor Hochul, who recognizes that keeping New Yorkers safe means ensuring individuals in crisis receive the support and services they need to help them recover and thrive. These changes provide greater access to critical relief for those impacted by crime and violence.”
State Senator Zellnor Myrie commented: “Victims and survivors of crime often face unexpected costs after an incident: replacing belongings, changing locks, repairing damage, and most sadly, burying a loved one. Too often, these needs go unmet. I’m pleased Governor Hochul is building on our work to cut the red tape for crime victims and survivors, and ensure they can more easily access the assistance they need and deserve.”
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “The Office of Victim Services (OVS) offers an array of critical assistance and support to victims. The changes we made in this year’s budget reflects how important the work OVS performs in providing assistance to victims of crime. Raising the cap on funeral and burial expenses from $6,000 to $12,000 recognizes the rising costs in funeral and burial expenses, which can be an enormous, unexpected hardship for families who have lost a loved one who was a crime victim. Removing the limitation which allowed only individuals who live where a crime occurred to receive reimbursement for cleanup costs recognizes that any individual who contributes to cleanup costs provides this important work, especially in situations where the individual who lives at the location is unable to do so. We also understand the intensity with which perpetrators of financial crime have increased their efforts, especially in targeting vulnerable populations with new and sophisticated financial scams. Victims are often left in a perilous financial condition. Increasing the support victims of financial crime can receive from $100 to $2,500 will provide needed stability to help victims during these difficult times.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright added: “I applaud Governor Hochul and the Office of Victim Services for expanding financial support for crime victims and their families. Increasing reimbursement for funeral costs, financial scams, and crime scene cleanup ensures survivors are not burdened by unexpected expenses during times of trauma. These commonsense measures provide meaningful relief and strengthen our commitment to supporting New Yorkers when they need it most.”
Assemblymember George Alvarez said: “These expanded protections and increased compensation limits reflect our state’s deep commitment to justice, compassion, and equity for all New Yorkers. Victims and survivors of crime deserve not only our empathy but our concrete support as they rebuild their lives. I applaud Governor Hochul and the Office of Victim Services for ensuring that families facing unimaginable loss or hardship will now have greater access to the financial assistance and resources they need to heal.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero stated: “The State has a responsibility to provide an effective, reliable support system for victims and survivors of crime. By passing laws to increase compensation and expand eligibility, we are taking the important step of improving services and helping more New Yorkers in need. People should not have to struggle with financial hardship in addition to the difficulty of moving through the aftermath of homicide, sexual or domestic assault, or recovering from financial scams. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in securing these important changes to the law to help ease the burden on those who have been the victim of a crime.”
Further changes are planned as OVS prepares implementation of New York’s Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act starting December 31 next year; this will remove requirements that crimes be reported directly to law enforcement before compensation claims can be processed—documentation from service providers will suffice instead.
Additionally within FY26’s enacted budget are modifications designed both (a) to preserve due process rights while addressing procedural issues affecting serious crimes such as domestic violence or sexual assault cases; (b) doubling funding—nearly $13 million—for rape crisis centers across 52 programs statewide.
Starting February 3rd 2026 further legal updates will extend HIV prophylaxis medication coverage beyond minors (see Department Of Health guidance), raise forensic exam reimbursement rates statewide—including virtual services—and require vendors contracting with New York State confirm gender-based violence workplace policies due largely thanks again per officials’ statements—to advocacy led by Governor Hochul.
In fiscal year 2025 alone OVS distributed almost $20 million directly assisting those harmed by criminal acts; notably there remains no cap on medical/counseling reimbursements—a distinction unique among states—with funding sourced exclusively via fines/fees imposed upon convicted offenders rather than taxpayer dollars.
For additional information about available programs visit ovs.ny.gov.
