BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Gov. Hochul announced Thursday that victims and survivors of crime whose essential personal property was stolen, damaged, or destroyed can now receive up to $2500 to replace items.
Items that fall under reimbursement must be deemed necessary for health, safety, or welfare.
Prior to Hochul's announcement, the reimbursement rate was capped at $500, an amount that no longer was sufficient due to inflation and an increase in the cost of living.
"The cost of replacing items lost or damaged during a crime can create an unnecessary burden for victims and their families still recovering from a traumatic incident," Hochul said. "In New York, we support victims in every way possible, and I'm proud to expand this assistance to take one thing off of victims' and survivors' plates and ensure they receive the support needed to help them recover."
The increased cap of up to a $2,500 reimbursement applies to any claim filed with the Office of Victim Services on or after Oct. 6, 2022 for the following:
- Clothing like shoes, suits, and outerwear
- Bedding
- Mobile devices or computers
- Items necessary for the safe operation of someone's personal means of transportation
- Tires, a child's car seat, or a motorcycle helmet
- Replacement or repair of items necessary to health like eyeglasses, hearing aids, or medical devices
No changes have been made to the reimbursements for the following:
- Medical and counseling bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Relocation
- Security system
- Crime scene clean-up costs
- Lost wages and support
The financial assistance is available at no cost to taxpayers and comes from fines, fees, and surcharges paid by convictions in state and federal courts.
