NCJ Number
75611
Date Published
1979
Length
107 pages
Annotation
Findings from the 1979 audit of the program managed by the Crime Victims Compensation Board (CVCB) of New York State are presented in this report.
Abstract
Prior audits of the program revealed that many who were eligible did not file claims for compensation and that only a small number of victims met eligibility criteria. Legislation enacted in 1977 was intended to remedy these problems. As a result, a person becomes eligible for an award if he or she suffers personal injury as a direct result of a crime committed in New York State. Dependents of victims who die as a result of crimes are also eligible for awards. The crime must have been reported to the police and a claim filed with the CVCB within the specified time period. Awards can be granted for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and loss of earnings or support. Serious financial hardship must exist. No limit has been set for medical expenses; a loss of earnings award may not exceed $20,000. The audit indicates that CVCB serves more victims now than it did during 1974 through 1975. In comparison to an earlier period, during 1977 through 1978 there was a 134 percent increase in claims filed, from 2,341 to 5,489. In addition, there was a 63-percent increase in expenditures by the program. It is estimated that CVCB served about 20 percent of those who potentially qualified for compensation in 1977 and 1978. The average award for the period was $1,810. Although CVCB has made improvements in the timeliness of claims processing, there have been instances of delay caused by increased claims, workload problems, and inadequate monitoring of open claims. Three footnotes, and extensive tables and charts are included. Appendixes provide a list of interviews, contacts, and visits; information on other crime victims programs in New York State; and information on crime victims programs in other States. (Author abstract modified)