Emergency Awards
If you are experiencing financial difficulties because of the crime, you can request an Emergency Award from OVS. These awards are given before services have been received and/or paid for.
You can request Emergency Awards for the following:
- Prescription drugs including HIV medications
- Eyeglasses/contacts
- Emergency medical equipment
- Loss of earnings (after 2 weeks of lost income)
- Loss of support (which results in hardship)
- Moving/storage
- Security device installation or repair
- Lock replacement or repair
- Crime scene clean-up
- Funeral (up to $6000)
The maximum amount for an emergency award is $6000 for funeral expenses and $2500 for other types of expenses.
To apply for an Emergency Award:
- You must complete the victim compensation application AND
- Contact the OVS Claims Intake Unit at ea@ovs.ny.gov or by fax 518-402-0921 and ask for an expedited decision
Please see these Emergency Award Guidelines for detailed information.
Important to know:
- Your application must be complete to get an Emergency Award.
- There are limits to what OVS will pay.
- OVS will try to make decisions within 24-hrs.
- If OVS grants you an Emergency Award and later finds out you are ineligible, you will be asked to return the payment.
- For help applying for an Emergency Award, contact a Crime Victim Advocate near you.
Updated 9/24/26