NEXT

Emergency Awards

In those instances where a crime victim will suffer undue hardship and is likely to be eligible for compensation, the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS), according to statute, may advance an emergency award before a final decision is made on the claim. Under emergency conditions, OVS is authorized to award up to $2,500. The OVS typically authorizes emergency awards for burial expenses, medication, relocation expenses, security devices, lost earnings/support or emergency medical equipment. The crime victim must still meet the agency's eligibility criteria listed in the prior section. Claimants will need to know the police station where the crime was reported and the assigned police complaint number. During fiscal year 2011-2012, 549 emergency awards totaling $1,106,666.13 were granted.

Claimants eligible for emergency assistance can visit the Albany or Brooklyn OVS office from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or call 1-800-247-8035 for assistance. Faxed applications for Emergency Awards are accepted. The claim is then investigated and the application is either denied or awarded. OVS funded programs may also assist victims with filing for emergency assistance. Claimants should be advised that the process may take 24-72 hours.