NEW YORK – Those victims of domestic violence in New York State may qualify for financial assistance. On the one hand, they could request compensation for crime-related expenses, for example medical costs or moving expenses, or also request public benefits assistance if they are facing financial problems to cover for example food.
Here we explain how you can request this type of aid.
Compensation for crime-related expenses
The New York State Office of Victim Services offers compensation for expenses related to the experience of a domestic violence crime. Here what you need to know
How do I qualify to receive compensation?
- The person must be an innocent victim of the crime.
- The victims who were physically injured as a result of the crime.
- Crime victims who are under the age of 18, 60 or older, or are disabled and not physically injured.
- Certain relatives and dependents, including the surviving spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, stepparent, or person who is primarily dependent on the victim for support.
- Those who paid or incurred burial costs for an innocent victim of a crime.
- Victims who are minors, a child who is a witness to a crime, and the child’s father, stepfather, grandfather, guardian, brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister.
- Certain victims of kidnapping or illegal imprisonment.
- Certain victims of bullying.
- Victims of terrorist acts outside the US who are residents of New York State.
- Victims of frivolous lawsuits brought by a person who committed a crime against the victim.
What expenses does the aid cover?
The Office of Victim Services offers compensation related to: personal injury, death, and loss of essential personal property.
Specific expenses that can be covered include:
- Medical and counseling expenses.
- Loss or damage of essential personal property (up to $ 500, including $ 100 in cash).
- Burial / funeral expenses (up to $ 6,000).
- Lost wages or lost support (up to $ 30,000).
- Transportation (court appearances required for trial or related medical appointments).
- Occupational / vocational rehabilitation.
- Use of domestic violence shelters.
- Crime scene cleanup (up to $ 2,500).
- Good Samaritan property losses (up to $ 5,000).
- Moving expenses (up to $ 2,500).
How can I request compensation?
To request compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete the application form. Can download the form here. You can also obtain the application form at any police station, police station or hospital emergency room. You can also call the Office of Victim Services at 1-800-247-8035 for help.
- Once you have completed the form, submit your completed application along with photocopies of:
- Police reports
- Insurance cards
- Essential personal property receipts
- Victim’s birth certificate
- Death certificate and funeral contract
- Detailed medical bills
- Correspondence with insurance companies or benefit plan indicating whether they will cover your loss
- Proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)
- Legal guardianship papers
What if I have questions or need help applying?
If you need help with the application or have questions you can call 1-800-247-8035 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or visit this web page.
Do I need an attorney to file a claim with the Office of Victim Services from New York?
No. However, if you hire an attorney to help you with this claim and it is granted, you can ask the New York Office of Victim Services to reimburse you for up to $ 1,000 of legal fees.
What happens if my property is lost, damaged or destroyed by the crime?
If you are under 18, 60 or older, disabled or injured, you can apply for benefits to replace your essential personal property or cash that was not covered by any other resources. Essential means they are necessary for your health and well-being, like glasses and clothing.
Public benefits assistance
A victim of domestic violence who has financial difficulties can also go to the local office of the Department of Social Services, (DSS), for help with a variety of needs.
What services are included in the aid?
Some services are:
- Help getting child support
- Social benefits and cash assistance
- Food stamps
- accommodation
Where can you find a local office of the Department of Social Services?
Find the local office of the Department of Social Services here.
How can I get assistance with public benefits?
Each county has a local DSS office. When you go to your local DSS office, bring photo identification forms, such as:
- Your social security card
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill
If you identify yourself as a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to see the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) at the DSS office, and you can request to see the DVL at any time.
If you don’t have access to your protection order or other documentation, or you can’t meet the program’s requirements because they affect your safety, DVL can help. You do not need a protection order or any other document to show that you are a victim of domestic violence.
Which are the requirements?
There are requirements and programs that you will be asked to participate in. If you are a victim of domestic violence, inform the worker immediately.
An evaluation form must be given to you when applying for cash assistance. It is important to ask to speak to the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL), who can help you with your case and discuss your options.
New York City residents
In New York City, temporary assistance is known as public assistance and is provided by the Human Resources Administration (HRA) through “Centers” located in each county. For more information on New York City Centers, contact the HRA Information Line at (718) 557-1399.
How can I get more information?
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