April 13, 2022
Dear Community Partner:
Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the bi-weekly community calls, continues to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions. We will continue our work toward the shared goal of fighting poverty, income inequality, and addressing homelessness in our city with care and compassion for our clients, staff, and provider partners.
As a reminder, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the Tuesday call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication.
We continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households receiving SNAP benefits in April 2022. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.
On October 1, 2021, permanent changes to SNAP went into effect, resulting in a sizeable increase in the benefit issuance by household size. SNAP households have continued to receive emergency allotments on top of this permanent increase. Once the emergency allotments are no longer being issued, the permanent SNAP increase will remain in effect, but families and individuals will see a decrease in the total amount of SNAP received per month. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
CA Six-Month Mailer/SNAP Periodic Report
Starting in April 2022, all Cash Assistance and SNAP households that are due to return either a CA Six-Month Mailer or a SNAP Periodic Report must do so to keep getting benefits. Households who failed to return their mailer/report in January, February or March 2022 did not have their case closed for failing to return the mailer/report.
Clients who must submit a CA six-month mailer or SNAP Periodic Report will receive notice from HRA by mail and/or email notification. Clients who must submit their SNAP Periodic Report can do so on ACCESS HRA. Clients who must submit a CA six-month mailer can view and print the mailer from their ACCESS HRA account and then use ACCESS HRA to upload images of the signed and completed six-month mailer, or mail the completed six-month mailer to HRA. Clients who fail to submit their CA six-month mailer or SNAP Periodic Report will receive a Notice of Intent (NOI) from HRA, which includes a blank copy of the six-month mailer or Periodic Report for a second chance to submit the required report prior to facing negative actions.
Re-opening of St. Nicholas Job Center
The St. Nicholas Job Center and located at 132 West 125th Street has re-opened to the public as of Monday April 11,2022.
Office of Child Support Services Updates
New York State courts, including NYC Family Courts, are open but are offering limited in-person assistance for health and safety reasons. All hearings are being conducted virtually by phone or video. Clients who do not have access to technology or do not have access to a safe space to attend hearings can use equipment in the Family Court facilities to do so. LIFT’s TechHub also offers people with a Family Court hearing access to a computer, reliable internet, phone, or assistance with technology.
Petitions for new and existing child support orders can be filed in several ways with the Court:
Filing a petition to establish a child support order and opening a child support case with the Office of Child Support Services require two separate applications for custodial parents who are not applying for or in receipt of cash assistance. To learn more about how to obtain child support services, visit nyc.gov/hra/ocss. Custodial parents can also use the new NYC Child Support – ACCESS HRA Mobile App to apply for child support services.
Parents looking for an alternative way to establish a child support order are encouraged to learn more about creating an agreement before filing a petition for child support.
Finally, as noted on the Family Court website:
EBT Card Skimming Scam
There is a new scam in which thieves are using card-swiping machines to steal personal information from debit and credit cards. In some cases, skimmers have been used to steal EBT card information. The thieves clone client EBT cards and are able to access and steal the benefits.
HRA is actively investigating this fraud and is working with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to try to make clients whole.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component
The 2021-2022 Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) will open on Monday, May 2, 2022.
Applications for the 2021-2022 CAC will be accepted starting on Monday, May 2, 2022. Benefits will be provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants through Wednesday, August 31, 2022, or until funding allocated to this component is exhausted.
To be eligible for a CAC benefit, applicants are no longer required to have a household member with a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat.
HEAP Application Fax
As a reminder, HEAP applications can now be submitted via fax at 212-387-1639.
SNAP and CA Waiver Extensions
OTDA has extended the following waivers through May 31, 2022, or the end of the month after which the public health emergency declaration ends, whichever is earlier:
- Permission to submit SNAP and Cash Assistance applications and recertifications by telephone with HRA staff. In order to submit an application by telephone, applicants should reach out to Infoline to be referred for assistance.
- Partial interview waiver for SNAP
Virtual HRA Trainings
DSS is offering online ACCESS HRA training sessions. These are open to all CBOs and elected officials’ offices. Please see the training descriptions below and register for an upcoming session.
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The ACCESS HRA Overview provides a general overview of the three main components of ACCESS HRA: the client-facing website, the mobile application, and the provider portal case management tool.
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The Provider Portal Webinar provides an in-depth overview of the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal. After completion, participants will be familiar with the features of the Provider Portal case management tool.
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The ACCESS HRA Benefit Application Webinar walks through a simulated benefit application step-by-step. After completing this training, participants will be familiar with the ACCESS HRA application process for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Emergency Assistance (One-Shot Deal) and with how to use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit documents.
ACCESS HRA System Updates - Join Mailing List
Updates related specifically to ACCESS HRA, such as new releases, outages and scheduled maintenance, are shared periodically with our partners via e-mail. If you would like to receive these communications, please click here to sign-up for our ACCESS HRA mailing list.
Additional Resources and Information
NYC Speaks Releases Survey Results
62,000 New Yorkers responded to the “NYC Speaks” Survey on topics including public safety, housing, transit, mental health, broadband, workforce policy, child-care and climate change
Findings and community engagement events will culminate in Action Plan to inform the Adams administration, city policy.
Full results of the survey are available on the NYC Speaks Dashboard at nycspeaks.org/data, where data points can be viewed by income, race, gender and more.
Community Conversations
Expanding on the work of “NYC Speaks” the City is holding conversations with communities across the the five boroughs on various topics of concern to New Yorkers. Please sign up to discuss issues from the survey and other critical local issues. Register Now.
OMNY for Senior Citizen Reduced-Fare
OMNY, the MTA’s new contactless fare payment system, will start to roll out for Senior Citizen Reduced-Fare customers (65+) this summer, either as a smartphone app, a contactless tap-and-go credit card, or a custom OMNY card that resembles a MetroCard. Sign up for reduced fare OMNY here.
April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM)
One in three women and one in six men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. New York City’s goal is to stand with survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and promote mutual respect. An important part of SVAM is Denim Day when people across the world wear denim to raise awareness of sexual violence.
To participate, visit the Denim Day website to learn how to help spread awareness, and to find Denim Day events like the April 27th march over the Brooklyn Bridge to New York City’s Foley Square to rally to end sexual violence. Or, show support for survivors in the Bronx Denim Day march on April 28th. Stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence to firmly declare that there is never an excuse or an invitation for violence.
Celebrate Denim Day and Spread Awareness throughout April:
- Join the Denim Day social media campaign – Make a social statement with your fashion statement - and share support and photos donning your denim style on social media with hashtags #MyJeansMyChoice #SpeakOutInStyle
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Visit the Denim Day Calendar regularly for updated lists of SVAM and Denim Day events citywide, throughout the month. Host your own Denim Day event and enter it here to have it added to the Denim Day calendar.
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Include information about sexual violence-related resources in communications with your networks this month – i.e. newsletters, e-blasts, social media, etc. – using the below information, and attached social media images with SVAM hashtags: #svam #sexualviolence #consent #awarenesshelphope
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Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!) will host a free, virtual, one-hour interactive training with ENDGBV and New York City’s Commission on Gender Equity (CGE), the “5D’s of bystander intervention” to train people on how to safely intervene when they witness anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment in public on Tuesday, April 19th, 5-6pm; register here for this event, and visit the Right To Be website to set up a training for your networks.
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Exhale to Inhale is hosting a free trauma-informed yoga workshop for hospital-based providers on Monday, April 25th, 6-7pm. This workshop will be focused on giving providers who respond to sexual assault in emergency settings a space to develop and practice tools for self-care. You can register here.
Help is available:
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Find resources and support in NYC by searching NYC HOPE Resource Directory online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE
- Call 311 to be connected to the nearest NYC Family Justice Center
- Call NYC’s 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at 212-227-3000, or NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 800-621-4673 (HOPE) for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. TDD: 800-810-7444
- In an emergency, dial 911.
Student Loan Payment Pause Extended through August 31, 2022
The pause includes the following relief measures for eligible loans:
- a suspension of loan payments
- a 0% interest rate
- stopped collections on defaulted loans
Borrowers are advised not to accept unexpected offers of financial aid or help (such as "pandemic grant" or "Biden loan forgiveness"). Learn how to avoid scams.
Summer Youth Employment Program Applications Close April 22, 2022
The 2022 program will include two six-week cohorts beginning July 5 and running through August 20. Applications can be completed online or at a participating community-based organization during the application period, which ends on Friday, April 22, 2022. For more information, New Yorkers can call 311 or DYCD Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646.
NY Yankee-Stonewall College Scholarship Application
The Department of Education in partnership with the Stonewall Inn and the New York Yankees are partnering for the 4th Annual Yankee-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative. This one-time scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to a student from each borough. Now in its fourth year, these $10,000 college scholarships celebrate the achievements of New York City public school graduating seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and impactful support of the LGBTQ community.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:
- A current Senior in high school
- Intending on attending a two-year or four-year college.
- A member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) community or someone who has contributed significantly to the LGBTQ
All New York City Public school seniors are eligible to apply HERE or at schools.nyc.gov/lgbtq. Applications will close on April 15th. Any questions should be directed to Kalima Mckenzie-Simms, Manager of the LGBTQ program, at LGBTQ@schools.nyc.gov.
Senior Centers Capacity Limits Lifted
3-K Applications
3-K applications are due 4/14. Children who are NYC residents and born in 2019 can apply through MySchools or by phone at 718-935-2009 or through a Family Welcome Center. Sign up for the admissions email list to get updates and key reminders. Individuals with questions about 3-K admissions can email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov.
NeighborhoodStat RFP for East New York and Castle Hill
NeighborhoodStat (Community Led Approached to Public Safety) is a program developed by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice as part of the Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP). NeighborhoodStat brings together community-based-organizations and local residents to identify public safety priorities and the implementation of solutions.
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United Way of NYC is calling on any interested community-based organizations who have ties to East New York (Bk) and Castle Hill (Bx) to respond to funding opportunities for NeighborhoodStat in these communities. The RFP opened on March 28th and closes on April 18th. Interested organizations can email nstatinfo@uwnyc.org to register for ongoing communication about the RFP.
NYC Votes Trusted Ambassador Training for Partners
NYC Votes is looking for partners to become Trusted Messengers to the communities and populations they serve. Partners in this program will share information and materials they receive from NYC Votes with their communities to increase voter engagement. Upcoming training will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, April 27 from 6pm – 7pm. Register here.
Medicare Information, Counseling, and Assistance
The NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is a completely free resources to educate Medicare beneficiaries about:
- Medicare Part A and Part B plans
- Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medigap insurance to supplement Original Medicare
- How Medicare works with retiree coverage
- Medicare Savings Programs and Low-Income Subsidy to help pay costs
To connect with a HIICAP counselor, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 (212-AGING-NYC) or call 311 and ask for HIICAP.
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DFTA will be hosting a free Medicare Orientation Session intended for those who are new to Medicare, or who plan to enroll soon. The class includes information on Medicare Part A and Part B, Medigap/Medicare Supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D, EPIC, and the Medicare Savings Programs. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 19th from 2pm – 3:30pm.
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Register here.
Lime Scooters Pilot in Bronx
DOT plans to expand its e-scooter pilot in the eastern Bronx this June, which will double the program's footprint and bring new micromobility options to more residents. Limited free access to a scooter is available for low income New Yorkers living in certain Bronx zip codes. Lime Access also provides access to Lime scooters for people without smartphones or credit cards. To qualify, an individual must demonstrate participation in an eligible local, state or federal public benefits program. Individuals interested in the Lime Access program can apply at this website https://v1.li.me/en/community-impact, and learn more about the program here.
COVID-19 Related Updates
Second Round of COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Food and Drug Administration authorized second booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines for everyone 50 and older. People meeting those criteria can get the additional shot at least four months after their first booster. The agency also authorized a second booster for people 12 and older with certain immune deficiencies. Learn more here.
These second booster doses are available at City-run vaccination sites as of March 31, 2022.
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 of 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.
COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-up Sites for Children ages 5-11
Due to rising concerns over the BA-2 variant, NYC Health and Hospitals is partnering with NYC DOE to offer 100 pop up sites for children 5-11. These sites are only offering the pediatric dose of the vaccine. Get more information in multiple languages here and find a location here. Sites operate each day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- Proof of immigration status or a social security number is not needed to get vaccinated. Identification is only required for proof of age.
- Health insurance is not needed to get vaccinated.
- Students aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent or guardian, or another adult caregiver designated by the parent or guardian. Consent must be provided.
NYC Test & Trace Updates
Distribution of Rapid at-home COVID-19 tests
The NYC Test & Trace Corps will provide an additional 6.3 million free at-home tests in April to over 2,500 community organizations, libraries, cultural institutions, houses of worship, and elected offices across the city. Any New York City-based community organization that would like to participate as an at-home test distribution partner is encouraged to sign up online. New Yorkers can find an at-home test distribution location most convenient to them by visiting the city’s coronavirus testing page.
COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool
The NYC Test & Trace Corps has expanded its COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool to offer personalized guidance to New Yorkers who were exposed to or test positive for COVID-19. The COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool will provide a mechanism for New Yorkers to navigate complex COVID-19 guidance based on their history of infection, date of exposure or positive test, symptoms and vaccination status. After answering a few short questions, users will receive quarantine or isolation guidance specific to their circumstances. In addition, they will be directed to appropriate resources on the Test & Trace Corps COVID-19 Resources page to connect them to whatever support they may need, including testing, a free hotel room or meal delivery to safely separate from others, medical treatment and assistance taking leave from work to quarantine or isolate. Learn more here and access the tool here.
AfterCare Program for Long COVID
The NYC Test & Trace 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.
Second Round of At-Home COVID Tests Delivery
At this time every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Starting March 7, every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 tests. Order Free At-Home Tests. For help placing an order for at-home tests, individuals can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
COVID-19 Tests for Medicare Part B Enrollees
The Biden-Harris Administration announced that Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, authorized, or cleared over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per calendar month from participating pharmacies and health care providers for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. For more information, please see this fact sheet https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-covers-over-counter-covid-19-tests.
Mask Mandates and Key to NYC Updates
NYC's school mask mandate and the Key to NYC vaccination requirement for patronizing restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, and other cultural institutions expired on March 7. The school mask mandate has also been lifted. Some public indoor businesses have chosen to keep their mask and vaccine requirements in place through at least the end of the month Masks will still be required on public transit, in health care settings, correctional facilities, and shelters. All other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect. Under the rules, employees will still be required to be vaccinated unless they have received a reasonable accommodation from their employer.
Additionally, Mayor Adams released a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of the risks they face in New York City. This new system will better help New Yorkers understand the current level of COVID-19 risk and how they can best protect themselves and others based on the current risk. The system consists of four alert levels that outline precautions and recommended actions for individuals and government based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Community Burden Indicator.
Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication
The City has begun free home delivery -- as long as there is a prescription-- of oral antiviral pills Paxlovid (made by Pfizer), and Molnupiravir (by Merck), via Alto Pharmacy, a medication provider which has partnered with the City. Since supplies of the new drugs are extremely limited, deliveries will be prioritized to those who test positive and considered to be at higher risk for COVID.
Those who have tested positive and are otherwise qualified can visit Virtual ExpressCare for a phone or video visit or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) and press 9.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The City continues to offer in-home Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who requests one. Even if individuals who received their first dose through a different program can receive the second, third, or booster dose in-home. Those who are interested in receiving an at home vaccine can fill out this form.
Vaccination sites can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC. New Yorkers can also text their ZIP code to 438829 to receive information on vaccination sites near them, including what age groups can be served at each site.
For more information about vaccines and the vaccines for children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ, or call 212-COVID19 with questions about the vaccine.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
- CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
- NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from a health care provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
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NYC COVID Safe App. Android. iOS. This app can be used to upload a photo of a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days.
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CLEAR Health Pass. Android. iOS. Individuals can use the digital vaccine card option in the CLEAR app if they are age 18 or older and are fully vaccinated.
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NYS Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). Allows an individual to find and store proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. New York residents who were vaccinated out of State can learn more about their options at the Excelsior Pass FAQ. The app, called NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Test Scams
There have been reports of scams which claim to provide at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for personal or medical information. Individuals should not give out Medicare Numbers for COVID-19 test kits.
As a reminder, each household in the U.S. can access four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing.
Call 800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
Free, at-home testing for COVID-19 is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. To schedule an in-home appointment, call (929) 298-9400 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 p.m. (7 days a week). For more information visit the NYC COVID-19 Testing Locations site.
Testing in NYC
Through NYC Test & Trace Corps, 14 landmark City cultural sites and 27 branches of The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library will receive at-home COVID-19 test kits to give to New Yorkers free of charge. Weekly walk-up distributions began Monday, February 14. Tests will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one per person while supplies last. Test & Trace will update its testing website daily with the hours and pick up locations of cultural sites and library branches with tests available. The distribution of tests will not impact other aspects of cultural site or library branch operations. A list of participating cultural sites and their hours is available here.
Free testing continues to be available at City-run sites throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Sites page includes detailed information about all City-run mobile, brick-and-mortar, and micro testing sites across the five boroughs, including location, schedule, and types of testing offered. Locations of testing sites can also be accessed by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.
COVID-19 testing at most City-run sites is walk-in only. All New Yorkers are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites allow pre-registration through this link, which will streamline check-in upon arrival.
To search for all nearby testing sites, including those not affiliated with the City, please visit the NYC Testing Locations site. NYC Test & Trace recommends calling these testing sites before visiting. Please note that some sites that are not City-run may charge for testing.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our bi-weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our bi-weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our bi-weekly call as well as new developments and useful information regarding other City benefits and services. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates webpage.
Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our bi-weekly calls, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
