Senator Gallivan Announces New Application Process for Crime Victims Seeking Help

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma), the ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, says the New York State has revamped its application process to better help individuals seeking help with crime-related expenses.  The Office of Victim Services (OVS) streamlined the application by simplifying language and eliminating some questions, making the process more user-friendly. 

OVS provides financial assistance to individuals who have no other resources to pay for expenses they incurred as a result of being the victim of a crime, including medical and counseling bills, funeral expenses, and reimbursement for lost wages.

“The Office of Victim Services provides a safety net for New Yorkers impacted by crime, including victims, survivors and family members,” Senator Gallivan said.  “The re-designed application process helps ensure those suffering pain and trauma have access to the resources they need to move forward.”     

Senator Gallivan, a former NYS Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, also says legislation (S.214A/A.2105A) passed by the Senate and Assembly last year and recently signed into law by the governor will expand compensation eligibility for victims and survivors of crime in the future.   

The Office of Victim Services provided $14.6 million to crime victims, survivors, and their family members during the state’s 2022-23 fiscal year for medical and counseling bills; occupational and vocational rehabilitation; lost wages and support; funeral and burial expenses; costs associated with court and medical transportation, security devices, moving, and crime scene cleanup; and replacement or repair of essential personal property. OVS also directly reimbursed medical providers nearly $2 million for forensic rape exams during FY23. All reimbursement and compensation for crime-related costs are paid by fines, fees and surcharges paid by certain individuals convicted in state or federal court, not federal or state tax dollars.

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