Prior to the legislative change, the eligibility for compensation only covers victims who suffered physical injuries with some exceptions. Generally, the exception involves crimes related to domestic violence.
Before, there is an age requirement for vulnerable elderly—at least 60 years old.
The legislative change also allows disabled individuals and the elderly to recoup up to $30,000 in saving. Previously, the Office of Victims Services can only reimburse victims to this amount for loss of support or earnings. Additionally, New York law has age requirement for vulnerable elderly: at least 60 years old.
New York provides help to crime victims as long as necessary
Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, “Crime victims don’t need to suffer from a physical injury to be scarred from their ordeal. This legislative change will allow us to extend assistance to an even greater number of innocent crime victims so they can start their journey toward recovery.”
The funding for compensation to crime victims and daily operations of the agency comes from fines and mandatory surcharges. It also comes from crime victim assistance fees paid by offenders following conviction in New York State or federal courts.
