Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has expanded access to compensation for victims and survivors of crime, including those affected by homicide and financial scams. The new laws, effective November 5, raise the cap on funeral and burial expenses from $6,000 to $12,000 and increase 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 updates apply to claims filed with the state Office of Victim Services (OVS) on or after November 5. Governor Hochul secured these measures as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget to improve services 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 serves as a financial safety net for individuals facing out-of-pocket crime-related expenses when no other means are available. In addition to increasing caps on certain reimbursements, state law has been amended to eliminate contributory conduct in homicide cases. Previously, OVS could reduce reimbursement if it determined an individual’s actions contributed to their death; this provision has now been removed.
Other changes include expanded eligibility for crime scene cleanup cost reimbursement—previously limited only to residents at the crime location—and increased support for victims of financial scams targeting vulnerable populations such as minors, seniors over 60 years old, people with disabilities or physical injuries.
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 reforms are set under New York’s Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act—which takes effect December 31—eliminating requirements that crimes be reported directly to law enforcement before seeking compensation; documentation from service providers will suffice instead.
The FY26 Enacted Budget also includes changes aimed at maintaining due process while addressing technical errors that previously led automatically dismissed cases—measures designed particularly with survivors’ interests in mind—and doubles funding for rape crisis centers across New York State.
Additional protections taking effect February 2026 will extend HIV prophylaxis medication coverage following sexual assault incidents beyond minors under 18 years old; raise forensic exam reimbursement rates; expand virtual forensic exam services; improve public assistance access; require vendors working with New York State confirm gender-based violence workplace policies.
In fiscal year 2025 alone OVS provided nearly $20 million in direct aid without imposing caps on medical or counseling expenses—a policy unique among U.S states—with funding sourced entirely from fines paid by convicted offenders rather than taxpayer dollars.
Beyond compensation payments OVS funds statewide programs offering free counseling legal services emergency shelter advocacy groups among other confidential supports.
