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End of COVID-19 Emergency Allotments to SNAP Households
SNAP Emergency Allotments (EA) were issued to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient households that receive benefits for the month of February 2023.This was the last distribution of SNAP Emergency Allotments.
Households currently receiving SNAP benefits will see a reduction in the monthly benefits they receive with the end of these emergency allotments in the March payment.
To inform SNAP households of this reduction in benefits, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance conducted a targeted outreach campaign which includes the following:
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Emergency Allotment (EA) SNAP Benefits page on the OTDA website has been updated to reflect important information on the discontinuation of supplemental EA benefits.
· The FAQ includes links to and/or information on:
· SNAP Emergency Allotments are Ending Household letter (forthcoming)
· SNAP EA Ending flyer
· SNAP EA Ending social media announcement
· Text blast content and details
A letter titled, SNAP Emergency Allotments are Ending, was mailed to all SNAP households in February, informing them that February would be the last month they are eligible to receive EA and advising those who have experienced a loss of income and/or an increase in expenses which may result in an increase in their normal monthly SNAP benefit amount, to report changes to their local department of social services.
· OTDA is also deploying at least three text blasts during the first three months of 2023 to SNAP households to increase awareness that EA benefit issuances are ending and allow as much time as possible to prepare. The text messages will be sent from 1-877-902-0684. Clients can be informed that these text messages are legitimate and are not spam or a scam. The texts have used the following language:
· January Message: NY OTDA: SNAP Emergency Allotments (EA) end in February. Learn more: otda.ny.gov/EA-SNAP
· February Message: NY OTDA: This is the last month for SNAP Emergency Allotments (EA). Learn more: otda.ny.gov/EA-SNAP
· March message: NY OTDA: SNAP EA benefits have ended. Only regular SNAP will be issued in March: otda.ny.gov/EA-SNAP
Additionally, to help ensure clients are appropriately notified of this change HRA/DSS has:
· Posted a statement regarding the change on the agency and ACCESSHRA websites, which will also link to OTDA’s website and flyer.
· Issued an email notification to SNAP households with email addresses on file.
2022-23 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Second Emergency Benefit
As of February 27, 2023, a second HEAP Emergency benefit for heat and heat-related emergencies is available to eligible households until March 15, 2023, when the Emergency component closes.
The eligibility criteria for the Second Emergency benefit is the same as the First Emergency benefit, which began January 3, 2023, and is slated to end March 5, 2023, but will continue until funding allocated to this component is exhausted. Applicants must have exhausted, or have unavailable to them, both the Regular benefit and the First Emergency benefit to be eligible for the Second Emergency benefit. First and Second Emergency benefits cannot be issued concurrently.
All applicants for the Emergency benefit component may apply via telephone and in person.
More information, including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements, can be found here.
As a reminder, the HEAP application is now available on ACCESS HRA.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Plans and Issuance Schedule – SY 2021-22 & Summer 2022
The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) plans for School Age Children and Children in Child Care for the 2021-22 school year and Summer 2022.
The planned issuance schedule for the 2021-22 school year is as follows:
March 2023: Payments issued to SNAP-enrolled children in childcare. The State’s plan for SNAP-enrolled children in childcare covers the months of September 2021 through June 2022.
April 2023:
· Payments issued to eligible public and charter school children with five consecutive days of reduced attendance/absences. Summer 2022 payments will be included for eligible children enrolled in June 2022.
· Summer 2022 payments issued to all public and charter school children enrolled in June 2022 but who did not have five consecutive days of reduced attendance/absences.
May 2023: the State opens the reconsideration request portal allowing parents to submit a Reconsideration Request Application requesting payment for COVID-related absences.
Children in private schools (non-public, non-charter) will also be issued benefits for the entire school year on a rolling basis entirely established by the availability of non-public attendance data beginning April 2023. However, the State Education Department (SED) has communicated that the data will likely not be made available and transmitted to Information Technology Services (OITS) and OTDA until late Spring/early Summer 2023.
As a reminder, qualifying households do not apply for the P-EBT program; OTDA administers the program and automatically issue benefits to all eligible children.
Individuals can check their family's P-EBT food benefit transaction history by visiting www.connectebt.com or calling 1-888-328-6399.
All P-EBT related inquiries should be directed to the State's P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at 833-452-0096 or to the P-EBT Information Form at otda.ny.gov/PEBT-Info to submit questions in writing. OTDA's SNAP COVID-19 webpage also provides a wealth of information about P-EBT and links to further and more detailed information about P-EBT.
Child Support Training Institute
HRA’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Training Institute presents The Child Support Information Hour – a webinar series designed to shed light on the potentially complicated issues around child support. This year, in addition to programs designed for staff at city agencies and community-based organizations, the office is holding special lunchtime presentations intended for both clients – custodial and noncustodial parents – and professionals that work with those clients.
All trainings are held virtually on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am unless otherwise noted. There is no cost for these programs, and everyone is welcome. Information on upcoming sessions and links for registering are below:
MOTS - Modification of Orders Through Stipulation
Tuesday, March 14 at 10:00 am – Click Here to Register
· Description: OCSS is devoting March to raising awareness of our updated program that allows parents the opportunity to modify their child support order through an agreement crafted before going to Family Court. This allows the parents to ask questions and work with child support professionals to determine the modified order amount prior to going to court. The process is intended to reduce stress and limit time in court. Unlike the previous version of this program, MOTS is available to all parents regardless of whether the order is payable to the government or the CP.
· Best Suited For: Noncustodial parents and staff of organizations that work with NCPs who need to have their child support order modified to reflect their current income.
Fundamentals of Child Support
Tuesday, March 21 at 10:00 am – Click Here to Register
· Description: This webinar provides an overview of the child support process, including information on the value of child support, the lifecycle of a child support case, and a description of programs designed to benefit parents who have a child support case.
· Best Suited For: Parents and staff of organizations that serve families or individuals that are new to child support or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
Special Lunchtime Session
Child Support Agreements and Mediation Options
Tuesday, March 28 at 12:30 pm – Click Here to Register
· Description: This session is open to all noncustodial and custodial parents with a child support order – to explore the ways that agreements -either a new order or a modification - can be used to simplify and expedite obtaining or modifying a child support order by limiting visits to family court. This session will also cover how mediation can be used to address child support debt that is owed to the custodial parent.
· Best Suited For: Parents involved with child support and staff of organizations that work with individuals who have a child support case or may be considering applying for child support.
Child Support Enforcement Actions: What You Need to Know
Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 am – Click Here to Register
· Description: This training takes a deep dive into enforcement actions that are taken when child support payments aren't made in a timely fashion. Participants will learn about when enforcement actions occur, exemptions, and how to respond to these actions.
· Best Suited For: Attorneys, parents, and staff of organizations that have a working knowledge of child support and want a deeper understanding of the administrative enforcement mechanism.
Child Support: What New Custodial Parents Need to Know
Tuesday, April 25 at 10:00 am – Click Here to Register
· Description: This training provides new mothers with information on child support – how it works, how to apply, and the benefits – including the long-term effects of child support on children. Child support can make a difference in moving a family out of poverty and many families that could benefit from the program are not taking advantage of it. The session will also address how to obtain child support safely if there is a domestic violence concern.
· Best Suited For: New custodial parents and staff of organizations that support parents.
Medicaid Easements Ending – March 31, 2023
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the continuous coverage requirement (CCR) and continuation of Medicaid easements are no longer tied to the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). As such, as of April 1, 2023, the easements will begin to be lifted. At that time, continuous coverage will no longer be required. States have been issued guidance detailing requirements for readying Medicaid eligibility systems and processes for restarting Medicaid redeterminations and returning to pre-pandemic regular Medicaid program rules and operations.
Renewals with authorization end date through May 31, 2023, will be extended. However, renewals with authorization end dates in June 2023 must be fully processed (i.e., clients must return their renewal and provide relevant documentation to continue their coverage).
All cases with authorization dates ending June 30, 2023, will undergo a full review with no easements applied. Clients will be required to provide all documentation for application and renewal as was required pre-pandemic. Beginning on July 1, 2023, all new applications will return to full eligibility review, including full documentation.
The following conditions of eligibility will be required for new applications and requests for increases in coverage received on or after July 1, 2023:
· Individuals turning 65 must apply for other benefits as a condition of eligibility, including, but not limited to, Medicare, Social Security, and Veteran's benefits.
· Districts must resume application of the requirement to pursue all available income and resources as a condition of Medicaid eligibility. This includes the requirement to pursue maximum periodic payments from a retirement account. If a consumer who is eligible to receive periodic payments without incurring a penalty does not show proof of filing for such payments, the consumer is ineligible for Medicaid; the retirement fund cannot be treated as a countable resource if a consumer fails to pursue periodic payments.
· Referrals to comply with absent parent requirements will resume effective July 1, 2023.
· Individuals with third-party health insurance (TPHI) will again be required to provide information concerning available insurance, and local districts are required to make new cost-effective determinations for possible reimbursement. Information provided regarding terminated or changed TPHI will require verification with the carrier or written documentation to substantiate the termination or changes. Districts should request necessary information whenever they become aware of a possible change or during any renewal process.
NYC Free Tax Prep: Tax Season 2023
The Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA) is partnering with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) for the City’s Annual Tax Season Initiative to help working individuals and families learn about and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)and the Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) EITC in order to reach more eligible New Yorkers. New Yorkers who earned $80,000 or less in 2022 can use NYC Free Tax Prep to file for free with the help of an IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteer preparer. NYC Free Tax Prep volunteer preparers can help New Yorkers claim valuable tax credits, including a bigger NYC EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).
Help spread awareness so that New Yorkers don’t miss out on valuable tax credits or spend their money on tax prep fees. Below are some tools to help amplify NYC Free Tax Prep:
· Digital Toolkit
· Print materials.
· Download flyer in: English | Español (Spanish)
· Download multilingual brochure.
Note: Additional translations will be available on the DCWP Tax Campaign page in the coming weeks.
Quick Links:
Official NYC Free Tax Prep URL: nyc.gov/taxprep
DCWP Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram handle: @helloDCWP
Hashtags: #FreeTaxPrep #EITC
City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC
As of March 1, 2023, over 49,000 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. Over 30,500 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 92 emergency shelters and 7 HERRCs to meet this unprecedented need. This does not reflect the total number of asylum seekers in New York City, it does not include those who are staying with family, friends, and networks here after being connected.
Additional information on the City’s efforts to support asylum seekers can be found here.
Ride for Half Price – Fair Fares
Encourage everyone to ride for half price with Fair Fares by sharing our Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video. Share and amplify!
Many Cash Assistance and SNAP household members can ride for half price. Each non-elderly adult should log into Access HRA or create an account if they are not the head of the case and click “Enroll Now” button.
The Fair Fares NYC program offers eligible New Yorkers regardless of immigration status a 50% discount on NYC subway and eligible buses and Access-A-Ride paratransit fares. NYC residency requirement does not include a minimum timeframe. Many of the Department of Homeland Security documents provided to asylees are accepted as proof of identity.
Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA! Share the “How to Enroll” videos in English and Spanish.
If you need assistance to apply or have questions please visit the Fair Fares website to find a location near you. Fair Fares enrollment assistance is also available at the NYC Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center.
Clients who need a replacement card or a refund can visit an office or mail in their damaged or expired card to:
Fair Fares NYC
P.O. Box 7099
New York, NY 10008-7099
Clients who mail their card must include their Fair Fares Client ID number, first and last name, date of birth, in the envelope with the card.
All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.
Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials
The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that can be ordered by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website, after registering on the login page.
To learn more about the income eligibility levels for the Fair Fares discount, check out the quick guide to the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines here.
Additional Resources and Information
Mayor’s Office Public Safety Briefings
As of Friday, February 24, Deputy Mayor Philip Banks will be hosting regular public safety briefings to the public at noon on the NYC Mayor’s Office’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Leaders from across NYC government will provide updates on public safety efforts and answer questions from the public.
NYC Unity Grants
The NYC Unity Project, the City’s LGBTQ+ interagency coordinating body, executes LGBTQ+ policy, programs, communication, internal engagement, strategic advising, and outreach at the Mayor’s Office.
The NYC Unity Project, in partnership with the Office to Prevent Hate Crimes (OPHC), the Mayor’s Office of Equity (MOE), and Destination Tomorrow, is pleased to announce for the first time the availability of Capacity Building Innovation Grants (“NYC Unity Grants”) for Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary (TGNCNB) - serving organizations demonstrating strong TGNCNB leadership to serve their communities now and in the years ahead.
The purpose of this grant opportunity is to invest in the sustainability of TGNCNB- serving organizations by centering community identified needs, as well as equitable, effective, and efficient delivery of services.
All submissions must be submitted electronically by March 17, 2023. Applications will be reviewed, and grantees announced in March. All projects must be concluded by June 30, 2023.
For additional information on the funding criteria, qualifications, and requirements for the NYC Unity Grants, visit Unity Project TGNCNB Capacity Building Grants (“Unity Grants”) - Generation NYC (cityofnewyork.us)
Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) – Applications Open
Applications are open for the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for young people aged 14-24. The program connects youths to paid work experience each summer, allowing them to explore their interests and possible career paths, develop workplace skills, and develop their social, civic, and leadership skills. To apply, visit nyc.gov/syep. Applications are due 3/31/2023.
Employers seeking workers can also apply to hire NYC youth through SYEP.
Statistical Summary of NYC Data
The Partnership for New York City publishes a regular statistical summary of NYC data; here's a link to the current “Signs of Progress.”
NYPD Scam Hotline
The NYPD has established a scam hotline, (646)610-7226, to help those who receive requests for money to verify whether the request is a scam
City Bike Community Grants
Citi Bike’s Community Grant applications are now open, awarded to nonprofits and other community-based organizations to help support initiatives that leverage bikeshare in new ways. Applicants will be asked to choose from one of three proposal types, and funds will be awarded in the amount of $10,000 each. Deadline for applications is 3/30. There’s a webinar on 2/28, 5 – 6 pm to explain more about the program and answer questions. Register and download the application materials at the link.
Sadie Nash Summer Institute Summer Program for Girls
Applications for the Sadie Nash Summer Institute are open, funded in part by discretionary funds from the City Council through the STARS Citywide Girls Initiative. Their Summer Institute is an award-winning six-week program for participants to explore their leadership skills and build a strong community. Participate in workshops about identity and social justice; meet accomplished women and gender-expansive elected officials, business owners, and artists. More information and application at the link; priority given to applications received before 4/3 (final deadline 4/17).
First Tech Program – Virtual Fellowship Program for High School Students
First Tech Fund is recruiting low-income high school students for their virtual fellowship program. Fellows will participate in weekly virtual workshops on careers and foundational digital skills, are eligible to receive free laptop and/or WiFi hotspot, and can opt into mentorship with a young professional. Learn more and apply here (Spanish translation available here) by 4/1.
Parks Department Requests for Proposals
The Parks Department has issued a Request For Bids for 5-year mobile food concessions in certain parks. View the 48-page bid document here. Call or email the Project Manager for Manhattan, Glenn Kaalund (Glenn.Kaalund@parks.nyc.gov, 212-360-3482) with any questions. Bids are due 3/10/23 at 2 pm.
NYCParks has also issued an RFP for the “Renovation, Operation and Maintenance of the Central Park Tennis Center.” including a tennis professional concession, pro shop concession, and snack bar concession for a 20-year term. Questions go to Lindsay Schott, Project Manager, (212) 360-3405 or lindsay.schott@parks.nyc.gov. The deadline is Sunday, 3/26.
The City’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC) and NYC Parks will hold a joint hearing on the contract to operate Loeb Boathouse being proposed for Legends Hospitality on Friday, 3/3, 2:30 pm, at Spector Hall, 22 Reade St. about the concession. Written testimony may be submitted in advance to fcrc@mocs.nyc.gov or in person that day. A draft copy of the agreement may be obtained by emailing concessions@parks.nyc.gov. Legends Hospitality runs concessions at Yankee Stadium and other venues.
Preserve New York (PNY) Grants
Preserve New York (PNY) grants provide funding to eligible nonprofits and municipalities in New York State for projects that identify, document, and preserve New York’s cultural and historic buildings, structures, and landscapes. Pre-applications for the 2023 PNY grant cycle are due Friday, 3/31. Learn more about eligibility requirements, types of projects funded, and how to apply at a drop-in help session for personalized assistance:
Wednesday, 3/15, 12–1 pm, Click here to register
Monday, 3/27, 9:30–10:30 am, Click here to register
Wellness Program Finder
The Tisch Food Center at Columbia has a Wellness Program Finder, a searchable database of over 100 food, nutrition, physical and mental health programs serving Pre-K–12 students.
State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Requests Input on Expansion Plans
Governor Hochul’s 2023 State of the State plan and Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget include historic proposals and resources that will allow the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to expand, strengthen, and revitalize the State’s mental healthcare system. Public input will be integral in OMH’s planning process for this expansion.
In the months ahead, OMH will be developing new programs and policies that will greatly expand access to housing, outpatient, school-based clinics, and hospital services, and increase insurance coverage for mental health services.
OMH is seeking input from valued partners, providers, advocates, people and families that receive services, community leaders, and community members. OMH requests the help of service providers to share this announcement with the people and families they serve and assist with registration if needed.
OMH will be hosting a series of virtual and in-person community engagement feedback sessions to gain insight from the experiences and knowledge of members of the communities they seek to serve. In this process, public feedback will help determine how to best implement new programming and use new resources to enhance the mental health system, increase access to mental health services, and eliminate service gaps and promote equity in access for all New Yorkers, while fortifying the continuum of care.
OMH leadership will provide an overview of the planning initiatives and then we will break into groups for focused discussion. The sessions below will be held virtually. In-person sessions across the state soon will be announced soon. Additional virtual sessions will be added if needed.
Please see the details below and register information below:
Thursday, March 2, 2023, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Register here.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Register here.
Please direct questions to the OMH Office of Planning at Planning@omh.ny.gov.
Employment Opportunities with the City of NY
The City Dept. of Administrative Services (DCAS) manages job recruitment for city government, including examinations for Civil Service. Start at this page, or search for jobs here (to search by agency or area of interest) or here (to search by job ID# or agency)
Composting Expansion Schedule
The City has announced an expansion of the curbside composting program, scheduled to provide curbside composing to all boroughs by October 2024. For more information on the announcement visit: https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/084-23/mayor-adams-roadmap-nation-s-largest-compost-collection-program-including-achieving#/0
Expansion schedule below:
· March 27, 2023: Service restarts in Queens following a brief winter pause and becomes year-round. There will be no further seasonal breaks in any borough.
· October 2, 2023: Service begins in Brooklyn.
· March 25, 2024: Service begins in Staten Island and the Bronx.
· October 7, 2024: Service comes to Manhattan, marking the first citywide curbside composting program ever.
Drop off composting sites continue to be available here.
New Digital Resources to Support NYC Outreach
The City’s Public Engagement Unit is proud to partner with many of you to support New Yorkers and get them the benefits they deserve. We’re grateful for our collaborations to serve New Yorkers. So, we’re excited to announce a new collection of digital resources, toolkits, and flyers available for your use! This content helps connect New Yorkers to housing benefits, tenants' rights, health coverage, and more.
We hope that you can share this with your teams to help us support New York City residents. We have posting text, translations, and graphics in many sizes. Find all resources on our website at nyc.gov/PEURESOURCES.
GetCoveredNYC Virtual Information Session in Spanish
PEU’s GetCoveredNYC team is partnering with NYSOH, NYC Care, OCHIA, and DOHMH, to bring a virtual Town Hall in Spanish on March 7th at 2 PM! Staff will be speaking about health insurance and answering questions! Join and share the link: on.nyc.gov/seguroNYC.
The NYC Public Engagement Unit GetCoveredNYC Event Round-Up
GetCoveredNYC has continued to connect New Yorkers to health coverage and health information during the New Year. We’ve partnered with our partners at the Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access and Queens Public Library on a series of Health Insurance 101 Workshops, presented during NYC Health + Hospitals’ Health Care Access digital info sessions and continued our routine tabling efforts at libraries, community centers, and HRA offices in every borough. Excitingly, we just launched our weekly social media roundup of GetCoveredNYC events, helping people find free health care support in-person. This week’s round-up is posted here. Please share widely!
Health-Related Updates
COVID Vaccines
Coronavirus vaccines have been added to the list of routine immunizations recommended by the CDC for children, adolescents and adults
To be eligible for the new bivalent booster you must be at least two months out from completing your primary two-dose vaccination series or your last booster and be aged 12+ for the Pfizer shot and 18+ for Moderna. If you have recently had Covid, you must be fully recovered with negative tests to receive another vaccine.
Find a location to receive your booster shot here.
COVID-19 Testing
Resources and information about COVID-19 Testing is available at the NYC Test and Treat home page, as well as our COVID-19 Community Updates page.
When the public health emergencies end on 5/11/23, Medicare recipients will no longer be eligible for free at-home COVID tests, but those with Part B will be covered for COVID tests done at labs.
Currently, free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests continue to be available to order online and by phone from the Federal Government. Every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests per residential address.
The United States Postal Service will deliver tests to anyone who wants them. All orders in the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service.
By Phone
You can get assistance by phone if you are having difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support to place your order.
· Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
· Division: Test Kit Fulfillment Line
· Phone Number: (800) 232-0233
· Business Hours: Daily: 8 AM - Midnight
· Staff is available during business hours. Most languages are available through a representative.
Test-and-Treat
New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find a city-run testing site most convenient and accessible to them. Multiple COVID-19 treatments are available for people ages 12 and older and can be delivered to New Yorkers’ homes for free.
For more information on COVID-19 treatments, call 212-COVID19 and press 9 or visit nyc.gov/health/covidtreatments. Calling 212-COVID19 provides New Yorkers an immediate connection to a clinician who can refer them to monoclonal antibody treatment or prescribe antiviral medications, like Paxlovid, and arrange to have it delivered to their home that same day.
Federal COVID-19 Resource Website
The Biden administration has introduced covid.gov, a federal website meant to help Americans who are infected with the virus find the treatment they need quickly and at no cost. On the website, people can find locations to get tests and anti-viral pills, find the locations of vaccination sites and places to acquire high-quality masks; fill out a form to order eight free at-home coronavirus tests per household; view their community’s risk level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and get general information on Covid symptoms, treatment, testing and travel.
The website is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The administration is also making all these tools available over the phone through the national vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), which supports over 150 languages.
AfterCare Program for Long COVID
The NYC Test & Treat Corps AfterCare program has launched a hotline for New Yorkers seeking information and resources to recover from Long COVID. New Yorkers who are suffering from or suspect they may have Long COVID can now call AfterCare Navigators directly. AfterCare Navigators are health outreach specialists with experience supporting people during their COVID infection and will assess patients for their specific health and social needs and connect them to Long COVID resources. AfterCare Navigators connect patients to holistic resources – including physical and mental health referrals, community support, and financial assistance – to address the various physical symptoms, as well as the social and economic impacts, that New Yorkers with Long COVID may experience.
New Yorkers can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319), select their preferred language, and press 4 to speak directly to an AfterCare navigator. Learn more on the AfterCare website and through AfterCare’s Long COVID recovery guide.
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide assistance with:
· Ordering tests.
· Understanding instructions for test administration and test results.
· Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
· For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
· Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
· Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
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