Using OVS Compass

Filing a Claim

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.

Using OVS Compass

Using OVS Compass

You can apply for Victim Compensation through OVS Compass.

You can sign-in as a Guest or with a NY.GOV ID. Please read the information on the welcome screen to see which sign-in option is right for you. 

Using the NY.GOV ID Sign In option lets you:

  • Save progress on the claim. This means, you do not have to complete the application process in one sitting.
  • View your information after you submit the claim. 

You can click here to create a Personal NY.gov ID account.

Important to know

  • The “Quick Exit” Button on OVS Compass will take you to the Google search page, but a back arrow will take you back to OVS Compass. If you are worried about someone tracking your online activitiy, clear your brower’s history.
  • The first screen after the “welcome” screen asks if you want to file a new claim or if you want to upload documents. You can upload documents after you submit a claim. To upoad documents, you will need a claim number.
  • There are 10 steps in the application process. At the start of each step, OVS lets you know the information that you will need to complete the step. Things that are marked with a red asterisk (*) are required. You cannot move on to the next screen without answering those questions.
  • When you start your application, you will see a Reference Number at the top of the page. Although this is a temporary number, save it just in case.
  • If you need help, use the “OVS Resource Connect” link at the bottom of each screen.

Updated 9/24/26

Search NY Crime Victims Legal Help Website

To search the public facing content of this website, enter your search term in the search form above.

To search the Advocate Gateway, please login and use the Advocate Gateway search.

To quickly hide this page, click the red ‘Quick Exit’ button in the upper righthand corner. Or hit the Escape key on your keyboard.

CAUTION! This does not erase your history!