Hochul Increases Compensation for Crime Victims in New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced expanded access to financial assistance for New Yorkers affected by homicide, violent crime, or financial fraud. The publication reported more details. CNYCentral.

New laws, which took effect on November 5, increase the cap on funeral and burial expense reimbursement to $12,000, expand eligibility for crime scene cleanup expenses, and raise the maximum compensation for victims of financial fraud to $2,500. The changes apply to all claims filed with the New York State Office for Victims of Crime (OVS) beginning on that date.

Hochul emphasized that these updates are part of the enacted budget for fiscal year 2026, which, among other things, includes broader initiatives to strengthen support for victims of sexual and domestic violence, as well as other crimes.

"Protecting New Yorkers is my top priority. This means ensuring no one should bear the emotional and financial consequences of tragedy alone. That's why I pushed for these laws: they not only strengthen support for victims and their families, but also confirm that our state stands with those rebuilding their lives," Hochul noted.

Major changes:

• Funeral and burial expenses: The compensation limit has been increased from $6,000 to $12,000. The law eliminates the reduced benefits in cases where the victim allegedly contributed to the tragedy (called "contributory conduct") so that the families of the deceased can receive full support regardless of the circumstances;
• Crime scene cleanup: Anyone who paid for the cleanup out of their own pocket can now receive compensation of up to $2,500, even if they do not live at the address where the crime occurred;
• Victims of financial fraud: The maximum compensation amount for victims, including minors, seniors, and people with disabilities, has been increased from $100 to $2,500.

OVS Director Bea Hanson noted that the changes reinforce New York City's long-standing commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

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"New York State has a long and proud history of helping those in need and protecting its most vulnerable residents. No governor has invested as much in the safety and support of crime victims as Kathy Hochul. She understands that ensuring safety means providing people in crisis with the necessary resources to recover and move on with their lives. These changes provide greater access to vital assistance for those affected by crime and violence," Hanson emphasized.

Lawmakers welcomed the reforms, noting their importance for families and vulnerable groups who are most often victims of financial crime.

The program's expansion coincides with preparations for the implementation of the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act, which will take effect on December 31, 2025. Under the new regulations, a police report will no longer be required to receive compensation; a document from a doctor, therapist, or victim support service will be sufficient. This is an important step toward removing barriers for those who are hesitant to contact law enforcement.

The FY26 budget, among other things, includes increased funding for rape crisis centers (doubling their total support to nearly $13 million) and strengthens protections for survivors of sexual violence and gender-based crimes.

Last fiscal year, OVS provided nearly $20 million in financial assistance to crime victims, with no limits on medical and psychological expenses. All payments are funded by fines and fees collected from criminals, not taxpayers.