Financial Assistance

The New York State Office of Victim Services provides compensation for out of pocket expenses related to experiencing a crime. 

Eligibility

• The victim must be an innocent victim of the crime
• Victims of crime who were physically injured as a result of the crime
• Victims of crime who are under 18, 60 and over, or disabled, who were not physically injured
• Certain relatives and dependents, including surviving spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, stepparent or person primarily dependent on the victim for support
• Those who paid for or incurred burial costs for an innocent crime victim
• Child victims, a child who witnesses a crime, and the child's parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister
• Certain victims of unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping
• Certain stalking victims
• Victims of terrorist acts outside of the US who are a resident of New York State
• Victims of frivolous lawsuits brought by a person who committed a crime against the victim

If you are a victim of domestic violence and are struggling financially, you can go to your local DSS office for help with a variety of needs.

Some services include:

• Help getting child support
• Welfare benefits and cash assistance
• Food stamps
• Housing

Find Your Local Department of Social Services Office

How to Get Public Benefits Assistance

Every county has a local DSS office. When you go to your local DSS office, bring several forms of photo ID, like:

• Your Social Security card
• Your birth certificate
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill

If you identify yourself as a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to see the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) in the DSS office, and you can request to see the DVL at any time.

If you do not have access to your order of protection or other documentation, or are unable to comply with program requirements because they affect your safety, the DVL can assist you. You do not need an order of protection or any other documents to prove that you are a victim of domestic violence.

Requirements

There are requirements and programs that you will be asked to participant in. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please let the worker know right away.

You should be given a screening form when you apply for cash assistance. It is important to ask to speak to the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) who can assist you with your case and talk about your options.

If you need services but cannot comply with DSS requirements:

• DSS can provide a waiver. A waiver is a temporary delay from participating in certain assistance program requirements. If you are a victim of domestic violence and participating in those requirements puts you and/or your children at further risk of harm, the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) can grant you a waiver from certain program requirements that apply.
• You can claim good cause. Good cause is a specific circumstance or reason why you cannot comply with DSS participation requirements. If you are a victim of domestic violence you may be able to claim good cause for not complying with Child Support requirements.

New York City Residents

In New York City, temporary assistance is known as public assistance and is provided by the Human Resource Administration (HRA) through “Centers” located in each borough.

For more information about NYC Centers, please contact the HRA Info line at (718) 557-1399.