The state has added more funding for those who have been impacted by violent crimes, such as homicide, as well as victims of financial scams.
The new laws, which went into effect on November 5, will increase caps on funeral and burial expenses to $12,000 and reimbursement for victims of financial scams to $2,500. They will also allow anyone responsible for crime scene cleanup costs to seek reimbursement, regardless of whether they lived where the crime occurred.
These changes to the new laws only apply to claims filed with the state’s Office of Victim Services on or after that date.
“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 Kathy 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 state Office of Victim Services (OVS) provides a financial safety net for individuals facing out-of-pocket, crime-related expenses without any other means to pay for them. Previously, state law allowed the Office of Victim Services to reduce reimbursement for funeral and burial costs and other crime-related expenses up to 50 percent if the agency determined that an individual’s actions contributed to their death.
“New York State has a long, strong and proud history of supporting those in need and protecting its most vulnerable residents,” Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said. “These changes provide greater access to critical relief for those impacted by crime and violence.”