Small Claims

Pursuant to State Finance Law §8 (12-a) & (12-b), the University is authorized to pay claims against the University up to the amount of $5,000.00 only in those circumstances where loss or injury is directly caused by the acts or omissions of an officer or employee of the State while acting within the scope of their employment.

Counsel’s Office coordinates the University’s Small Claims procedure from intake, to investigation, to corresponding with witnesses and claimants, through final review and recommendation to the Controller. If approved, claims are then processed according to the amount of damage incurred, in compliance with SUNY’s Small Claim Policy. Claims for $250.00 are approved by the President (or designee), claims for $250.01 - $1,000.00 require the approval of the President and the University Counsel’s Office on behalf of the Chancellor, and approval by the Attorney General for claims over $1,000.00.