California residents affected by crime now have expanded access to financial assistance under new legislation announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. Effective today, the state has increased the maximum limits for funeral and burial expenses and for reimbursements related to financial scams. The legislation also allows individuals who pay for crime scene cleanup to request reimbursement, regardless of whether they live at the location of the crime. According to the Office of the Governor, these changes apply to claims filed with the state Office of Victim Services (OVS).
In an effort to ease the financial strain on individuals affected by crime, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an increase in the reimbursement cap for funeral and burial expenses from $6,000 to $12,000. New York’s Office of Victim Services (OVS) will provide financial assistance to individuals facing out-of-pocket, crime-related costs who lack other means of payment. Eligibility for reimbursement related to crime scene cleanup has also been expanded, allowing anyone who covers these expenses—not only residents of the crime location—to seek up to $2,500 in compensation. Additionally, state law has been revised to remove contributory conduct as a factor in homicide cases, ensuring that financial hardship does not add to the loss experienced by victims’ families.
Victims of financial scams, which have grown increasingly sophisticated, are now eligible for up to $2,500 in reimbursement—a notable increase from the previous $100 limit. The expanded assistance applies to individuals under 18, over 60, or those who meet certain disability or injury criteria. “No Governor has invested in public safety and supported victims and survivors of crime as much as Governor Hochul,” said Bea Hanson, Director of the Office of Victim Services, in an official announcement. These changes are part of New York State’s broader initiative to enhance support systems for residents impacted by crime.
Another significant policy change, set to take effect on December 31, is the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act. This law removes the requirement for victims to report crimes to law enforcement in order to qualify for compensation. Instead, documentation from victim service providers, mental health professionals, or medical practitioners will be accepted, recognizing that some individuals may be reluctant to engage with the criminal justice system. In the previous fiscal year, OVS provided nearly $20 million in financial assistance to victims and survivors of crime and remains the only state agency with no cap on medical and counseling expenses, ensuring continued support for as long as needed.
To access information on compensation or locate support services, OVS encourages the public to visit its website and follow its social media channels.
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