Financial assistance for the victims and survivors of crime whose property was damaged, stolen or destroyed will be able to receive up to $2,500 to replace items deemed to be essential for their health, safety or welfare. 

The new reimbursement ends a $500 cap on damaged or stolen property. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced the expanded reimbursement as crime and public safety have emerged as ongoing and key issues in the upcoming general election campaign. 

The governor pointed to the old cap not keeping pace with the rate of inflation. 

"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."

Financial assistance for the survivors and victims of crime is administered by the Office of Victim Services, which is meant to provide a safety net for people whose lives are disrupted by such an event. 

"Victims of crime often have their entire lives upended in a matter of minutes, and the effects of their experience can linger much longer," said Victims Services Director Elizabeth Cronin. "Expanding these funds and replacing lost items of necessity will allow these survivors to focus on healing and alleviate some of their worry. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your steadfast support of survivors."

The increased cap will apply to any claim filed on or after Oct. 6. The new regulations took effect on Oct. 12. 

Items like clothing, beeding, mobile devices or computers as well as personal transportation or safety devices like a child's car seat or motorcycle helmet can be claimed.

The Office of Victim Services also reimburses eligible people for counseling and medical bills as well as funeral and burial expenses.