After submitting a claim
Key points
- Your claim is open for life. Once a case is open, keep your application information and claim number safe. This means that if you have future expenses related to the crime, you can request compensation.
- If your claim was opened when you were a child, when you turn 18 years old, you will need to refile. This way, your parent or guardian will not be the claimant any longer.
- You may receive a letter from OVS stating that they need more information before they can decide if you are eligible, and until then, your claim is temporarily closed. DO NOT WORRY. As soon as possible, but no later then 30 days after getting this letter, you can write OVS asking them to re-open your claim and provide them with the information requested. You can find a sample letter here. If you need help, contact a crime victim advocate.
If your claim is approved – payment
- You will receive an “Award Letter” from OVS. If there are expenses being paid in the decision, OVS will try to make payments within 2-6 weeks.
- Payments will be sent directly to you if you were the one who had the “out of pocket” loss and submitted the receipt.
- If your claim is approved but more information is needed in order to pay specific medical expenses, OVS will contact you within a few weeks to request that additional information. OVS will pay you when that information is received.
- Your checks will be from “State of New York, Department of Taxation and Finance, Division of the Treasury”. It may not be obvious that the payment is from OVS, but there may be notations on the stub.
- OVS can reimburse medical or counseling providers directly if payments were not made by the victim. Providers must register with the NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS) and payments can be direct deposited into their bank accounts.
If your claim is not approved – appeal
- You have the right to appeal OVS’ initial decision by asking OVS to look at your application again.
- You can appeal OVS’ final determination to a court of law.
- An attorney can help you during any stage of the claims and appeals process.
How do I request an appeal asking OVS to look at their decision?
Your request to OVS for an appeal must:
- Be submitted to OVS within 30 days after you received OVS’ decision denying all or part of your claim
- Be in writing
- Explain the reason for your appeal
- Provide any missing information or documents with your appeal request
- Include your claim number
- Include your signature and
- Be sent to the following address: Office of Victim Services, AE Smith State Office Building, 80 South Swan Street, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210
Your claim will be reviewed by an appeal panel. During OVS’ review on appeal, you may have to produce additional documents. After review, OVS will issue a final determination.
How do I appeal OVS’ final determination?
If you are unsatisfied with OVS’ final determination, you have the right to appeal to the New York Supreme Court.
Your appeal to the New York Supreme Court must:
- Be filed and conducted according to Article 78 of the CPLR and
- Be filed within 4 months after receiving OVS’ final determination
Can an attorney help me with the appeals process?
Yes. You have the right to have an attorney represent you at any stage of your claim, from putting together your application to your appeals. Please go to the CVLN website, NYSBA lawyer referral program, or contact a crime victim advocate to help you find a lawyer who can help you. If you appeal and are successful, you may be able to get reasonable attorney’s fees up to $1,000.00.
Updated 9/22/26