Make sure you…

Make sure you…

✓ Sign and submit the authorization form. 

✓ If for some reason, you are not able to sign the form electronically, you can download the authorization form and upload the signed form on OVS Compass. If you can’t do that, you can either email the signed authorization form to OVSIntake@ovs.ny.gov or mail the signed form, a copy, or a picture of the signed form to:

OVS cannot start work on your claim, including emergency claims, without this signed page. If you do not submit it, your claim will be rejected.

✓ When you upload documentation, make sure you upload one document at a time naming each one. Do not upload multiple documents as one. This way, both you and OVS can easily track what documents have already been submitted and what documents are still needed.

✓ Download and save a pdf of the application and authorization in case you need to refer to it later.

✓ Upload any supporting documents (such as receipts and medical records). You do not need to have all your documents at the time you submit your application.

✓ Save your receipts related to your claim.

✓ Continue uploading supporting documents (such as receipts and medical records) as you receive them. Save explanataion of benefits from insurance because OVS may ask for this.

✓ Work on getting any missing information or documents. When your claim is assigned to a OVS Crime Victim Specialist, the Specialist will contact you for the additional information OVS needs.

✓ OVS may send you a letter requesting additional documentation and information. Usually with a deadline of 30-days to provide this information. If you don’t provide the requested or missing information, you may receive a letter from OVS stating that your claim is temporarily closed. You can write OVS asking them to re-open your claim and provide them with the information.

✓ If you move or change your phone number or email, notify OVS.

• Submit a signed change of address with your claim number to OVS.
• You can either use this Change of Address Form or write a note that says what your old address was and what the new one will be.
• You can fax, email, or upload it to the claim.

✓ If you originally filed a claim with the help of a crime victim advocate in one program but later begin working with an advocate from a different program, you can use this VAP Authorization Form to give the new advocate permission to speak with OVS and help you with the claim.

✓Contact a crime victim advocate if you need help.