Step Eight: Upload Documents

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.

Step Eight: Upload Documents

Step Eight: Upload Documents

This is where you can upload documents to support your claim, such as

  • Crime Victim Verification Form
  • Financial information
  • Identification 
  • Insurance
  • Legal 
  • Medical/Dental
  • Other Expenses

If you don’t have everything now, OVS will contact you for them. 

To make the application process go faster, submit the requested documentation you currently have. You can upload additional information when you have them.

Step Nine: Review and Edit

You can edit or correct your responses in this step. Please review what you wrote. Do not skip this step.

Step Ten: Authorization

You must sign this form. OVS will not accept your application without this form.

This form gives OVS permission to speak to law enforcement, lawyers, insurance company, etc. so that they can work on your compensation claim. 

Updated 9/21/26

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