OVS recommends applying for victim compensation through their online portal, OVS Compass, The pages or screen you can access and the information that is required depends on the type of claim you are requesting – personal injury, essential personal property, or death. Based on the claim type, here is the information you’ll be required to complete for each individual page that applies to your claim.
REMEMBER: Your claim is not filed until you to print, sign, and upload the authorization page to OVS. If you do not submit this page, your claim will be rejected.
This Guide is being updated to reflect the changes that went into effect 12/31/25.
Need help understanding legal terms? Please see the NY Court Help Glossary.
Visit the Hotlines page for national and New York State resources.
To reach you, OVS needs your mailing address, and at least one other safe way to contact you — phone or email.
Make sure you inform OVS of a change of address, phone number, or email.
Updated 9/20/26
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