New York State has made more crime victims eligible to receive compensation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.
According to a press release, victims of hate crimes and vulnerable elderly or disabled individuals who have lost up to $30,000 in savings can now seek compensation from the state Office of Victim Services.
The legislation expands eligibility to victims who are not physically injured, widening the safety net for people who have no other way to pay expenses resulting from a crime. It took effect Tuesday, Oct. 17, and applies to claims filed with the Office of Victim Services on or after that date.
Cuomo said the agency provides compensation to eligible victims to cover medical and counseling bills, funeral and burial costs and lost wages — costs that were incurred because of the crime. Prior to this legislation, eligibility for compensation was limited to victims who suffered physical injuries.
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