Emergency Awards
If you are experiencing financial difficulties because of the crime, you can request an Emergency Award from OVS. These awards are only given before services have been received and/or paid for.
You can request Emergency Awards for the following:
- Prescription drugs including HIV medications
- Eyeglasses/contacts
- Emergency medical equipment
- Loss of earnings (after 2 weeks of lost income)
- Loss of support (which results in hardship)
- Moving/storage
- Security device installation or repair
- Lock replacement or repair
- Crime scene clean-up
- Funeral (up to $6000)
To apply for an Emergency Award:
- You must complete the vicim compensation application AND
- Contact the OVS Claims Intake Unit at ea@ovs.ny.gov or by fax 518-402-0921 and ask for an expedited decision
Emergency Awards Guidelines can be found here on the NYS OVS Victim Compensation page.
Important to know:
- Your application must be complete to get an Emergency Award.
- There are limits to what OVS will pay. For example, OVS can pay up to $6000 towards a funeral.
- Decisions are usually made within 24-48 hours.
- If OVS grants you an Emergency Award and later finds out you are ineligible, they must request the return of payment.
Updated 9/22/26