April 21, 2023

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 community-wide conference 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, sign up here to be added to the list of invitees for our quarterly community call and sign up here be added to our distribution list to receive this weekly communication. The next community call will be held on June 6, 2023, at 4 pm. Invites with the Zoom link will be sent the week prior.

Important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications are on our DSS Community Updates page. I encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered.

Cash Assistance Application Interviews On-Demand

HRA is rolling out a new on-demand system for Cash Assistance applications. Applicants as well as recipients of Cash Assistance who submit a new application or a recertification will be able to complete the Cash Assistance interview by calling for an interview rather than waiting for a call from HRA. This new on-demand interview model launched on April 17, 2023, and will be rolling out to serve all new and existing clients. During this phase in period, clients who should be using the on-demand interview system will be provided detailed instructions on how to do so. In order to optimize roll-out, only those clients and applicants who receive instructions with a phone number to call should be utilizing this option. We look forward to the completion of this implementation period when we can welcome all clients and applicants to utilize this new service. We will continue to provide updates here.

ACCESS HRA Updates

ACCESS HRA is now offering the following new features:

• Medicaid Renewals – most Medicaid only clients with authorizations ending June 30, 2023 or later will now be able to submit their renewal online by logging in to ACCESS HRA. This provides an online alternative to completing the MAP-206F or MAP-909E
• Submit Medicaid renewal documents through the ACCESS HRA mobile app – after submitting their Medicaid renewal questions, clients will see a list of required documents to complete their renewal in the mobile app and client portal. These required documents can now be uploaded using the mobile app.

The ACCESS HRA client portal can be found at www.nyc.gov/accesshra. For the ACCESS HRA User Guide, click here.

Trainings on ACCESS HRA are available for community organizations! Sign up here.

Medicaid Renewals

As a reminder, Medicaid easements were lifted as of April 1, 2023. At this time, the continuous coverage requirement (CCR) and continuation of Medicaid easements are no longer tied to the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).

Renewals with authorization end dates through May 31, 2023, will be extended. However, renewals with authorization end dates in June 2023 and beyond 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.

Availability of Two Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards to Certain SNAP Households

Effective immediately, certain SNAP households are now permitted to have two EBT cards with access to their SNAP benefits. For a SNAP household to be eligible for a second EBT card, the SNAP household must include two parent(s)/guardian(s) who:

• Are both on the SNAP case,
• Live in the household full-time, and
• Are over the age of 18 or, regardless of age, are a parent/guardian of a minor child.

Households that meet the above criteria may request an additional EBT card by:

• Calling Infoline at 718-557-1399
• Going into a Benefits Access Center or SNAP Center
• Going to the Over-the-Counter site at 227 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn

The second card does not entitle a SNAP household to any additional SNAP benefits. Both EBT cards are associated with the household’s SNAP case and transactions made using either card will draw down from the same SNAP account. The second EBT card will contain the payee/head of household’s name and the name of the second parent/guardian in the household. Each card will have its own card number.

Extension and Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024. DHS previously announced the decision to extend and redesignate TPS for Haiti on December 5, 2022.

This extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS allows nationals of Haiti (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have continuously resided in the United States since November 6, 2022, and who have been continuously physically present in the United States since February 4, 2023, to apply for TPS. Those who have been continuously residing in the United States since November 6, 2022, and have a pending TPS application with USCIS do not have to refile at this time.

2023 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for EAF & ESNA

The 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) and Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA) Categories of Temporary Assistance are effective April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024.

Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) provides assistance to meet the emergency needs of pregnant persons and families with at least one child under age 18, or under age 19 and regularly attending full time secondary school. For a household to be financially eligible for EAF, the household’s immediately available income on the date of application must be at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Guideline for their household size and the applicant must not have available resources to meet the emergency need.

Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA) provides emergency assistance to single adults and childless couples. For a household to be financially eligible for ESNA, the household’s total monthly gross income (regardless of its availability) must be at or below the 125% Federal Poverty Guideline for their household size.

The new Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for EAF & ESNA can be found at the bottom of this email.

Cooling Assistance Benefit

The application period for the 2023 Cooling Assistance benefit opens on May 1,2023 and will end close of business on August 31,2023 or until funds are no longer available (whichever comes first). Eligible households receive a cooling benefit of up to $800 for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner. If one cannot be installed safely, a fan will be provided. Benefits are provided on a first come first served basis to eligible applicants. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance Benefit once every five years. Visit Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for more information on the Cooling benefit.

Child Support Pay It Off Program Opens in June

The DSS Office of Child Support Services will be offering its Pay It Off program again for the month of June 2023 (June 1-30th). This program matches dollar for dollar when Noncustodial parents make a minimum payment of $500 towards their permanently assigned debt to the DSS, up to the total DSS debt owed. For those who pay off the principle of a money judgment, will have their DSS interest removed.

Those who sign-up to participate in our Arrears Credit Program will receive a $2,500 sign-on bonus that will be applied to DSS debt that is permanently assigned. More details will be made available soon. 

OCSS will be hosting a conference titled, Confronting Structural Racism in the Child Support Program: Listening, Understanding, and Taking Action. It will take place on October 26th, please save the date. More details will be forthcoming. 

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:

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.

Transition of the Pharmacy Benefit from Managed Care to NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program

Effective April 1, 2023, the prescription drug benefit under Mainstream Managed Care (MMC), Health and Recovery (HARP), and HIV Special Needs (SNP) plans will be administered through NYRx, formerly known as the Medicaid Fee-For Service Pharmacy Program.

Consumers must now present their Medicaid Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), which has their client identification number (CIN) and sequence number listed on the card to obtain medication. Consumers should no longer provide their MMC card or plan card. Nearly all drugs currently covered by MMC plans will continue to be covered by NYRx. However, some drugs under Medicaid fee for services may require NYS prior authorization. This pharmacy benefits transition does not apply to members enrolled in Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC), the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus (CHP).

Click here for more information.

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). Please find a helpful flyer with more information about applying for HRA open positions which can be shared widely here.

City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC

As of April 19, 2023, over 56,000 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. Over 34,800 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 104 emergency shelters and 8 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

Fair Fares NYC is a City program that offers eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.

Fair Fares is open to all eligible New Yorkers aged 18-64 at or below the Federal Poverty Level without discounted transportation from the MTA or the City. The program’s 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.

Many Cash Assistance and SNAP recipients 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 their case and click “Enroll Now”.

Encourage everyone to ride for half price with Fair Fares by sharing our Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video. Share and amplify!

Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA! View the “How to Enroll” videos in English and Spanish

If you need assistance applying 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 refund can visit any Fair Fares office or mail 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 the following information in the envelope along with the card:

• First and last name
• Date of Birth
• Fair Fares Client ID number

All new and replacement cards are mailed to the address provided by the client. 

Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials

The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that community organizations and others can order. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website after registering on the login page.

Additional Resources and Information

BronxWorks Youth Hiring Event

The BronxWorks Workforce Development Department will host a Youth Hiring Event for individuals aged 18-24 on Wednesday, April 26 from 10 am – 2 pm at 1130 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456. Over a dozen employers from various industries will be recruiting for available positions including maintenance, warehouse, customer service, social services, hospitality, and food service. Individuals aged 18–24 are encouraged to attend.

Contact BronxWorks to learn more!

Summer Rising 2023

Applications for the Summer Rising 2023 program are available as of April 17th. Students in Summer Rising will have access to both academic and enrichment programming over the course of the day, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor recreation. It is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8, pending seat availability. For more information and to apply visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer/grades-k-8

Parking Tickets Payment Plans

The New York City Department of Finance is now offering online payment plans for parking tickets that have not been paid and are in default – known as judgment debt. Those with $350 and more in parking ticket judgment debt can now enter an online payment plan with DOF to make payments over time instead of paying all at once, which can prevent enforcement actions such as having a vehicle booted or towed. 

Entering into an online payment plan with DOF and making payments in installments can prevent future enforcement actions.

Enrollment and eligibility details can be found at: https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/vehicles/services-payment-plans.page

NYC Department of Environmental Protection – Amnesty Program

The City’s Dept. of Environmental Protection offers an Amnesty Program which is designed to provide much-needed relief to qualified delinquent customers struggling to pay their water and wastewater bills due to the pandemic. This limited one-time amnesty started on 1/30 and runs for only 90 days until 4/30. Your accrued interest can be reduced or forgiven by paying the principal balance. Click here to learn more. Contact DEP at (718) 595-7000 Monday–Friday (8 am–7 pm) and Saturday (9 am–2 pm) or amnesty@dep.nyc.gov.

NYC Department of Environmental Protection Internships

NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection offers paid and unpaid undergraduate and graduate internships. See the variety of positions and apply at the link; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

For answers to commonly asked questions about their internships, visit Internship Opportunities FAQs.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives a discount on your household's monthly broadband internet service if you are eligible. Participating broadband providers will apply this discount to your broadband plan.

If eligible, your household can receive:

• Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (you will need to pay a copay between $10 and $50)
• Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household

Your household may be eligible if someone in the household falls under just one of these criteria:

• If a household income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guideline (ex: at or less than $35,775 for a household of 4)
• If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
• If you or your child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit
• If a child in your household attends an NYC public school that participates in the free or reduced lunch program (all NYC public schools do!)
• Note: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you can provide other documents.
• Note: Additionally, customers are not required to submit to a credit check.

Find out if you qualify and enroll at getinternet.gov  

NYC CERT

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members receive intensive training in emergency preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and more.

If you are 18 or older and want to join NYC CERT, please follow the link below and complete the online application.

The next NYC CERT Basic training cycle is due to begin in late May 2023, so APPLY NOW!

ANHD/Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowships

Applications are open until 5/15 for The Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD)/Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowships.

Nine graduate students in urban planning, public administration, or a related field will be selected and paired with a neighborhood-based ANHD-member community development organization for the school year starting in September. Working on a unique, affordable housing, economic development, or community planning project, the Fellow will gain hands-on experience, skill-building, and build a network of support in the field. Apply now!

Phil for All: NY Philharmonic Ticket Access Program

The NY Philharmonic offers a limited quantity of $10 seats for their 2022–23 concerts, 4-8 weeks in advance, as part of their “Phil for All” program. Those who qualify for $10 seats include:

• Current or former US Military
• Medicare / Medicaid recipient
• SNAP or WIC recipient
• Public housing resident
• Undocumented New Yorkers

Click here to learn more and apply. Contact their Customer Relations team at (212) 875-5656 or TAP@nyphil.org if you have any questions.

The NYC Public Engagement Unit GetCoveredNYC Event Round-Up

GetCoveredNYC continues to connect New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. Our weekly social media roundup of GetCoveredNYC events helps people find free health care support in-person. This week’s round-up is posted here. Please share widely.

SUNY Queens Educational Opportunity Center (Queens EOC) College Preparation Workshops

The SUNY Queens Educational Opportunity Center (Queens EOC) College Connections Initiative (CCI) is currently providing Online College Preparation workshops to the greater New York Community for residents to enrich their personal awareness, exploration, and preparation to enroll in post-secondary educational institutions as a realistic path to improve their economic conditions while building professional networks to enhance their lives and career opportunities:

How to Access and Complete the College Application 

• Thursday, May 4, 2023 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM / 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Federal/State Financial Aid Application: Getting Started

• Thursday, May 18, 2023 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM / 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Click here to register. For a list of available trainings and classes, visit their website.

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.

Resources/Links

• DSS Quarterly Community Call: Members of the Department of Social Services' (DSS/HRA/DHS) leadership team will provide important agency updates followed by time for Q&A.
• ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online Support: Resolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
• ACCESS HRA Trainings: The Office of Community Outreach offers trainings and presentations to community-based organizations, elected officials and their staff, and other municipal agencies. These trainings are conducted multiple times per month and allow for flexible scheduling. Click here to view our current offerings and register for an upcoming session.
• ACCESS HRA Client Portal: New Yorkers can apply and recertify online for SNAP and Cash Assistance, view benefits, and more.
• DSS OneNumber: 718-557-1399
• Find a Partner Organization: Community-Based Organizations can help complete applications and screen applicants for eligibility to the various programs. Some locations also assist with submitting documents to DSS electronically. Contact the organization for more information.
• DSS Disability Access: If you have a disability, HRA can help by providing supports or accommodations to make getting the services clients need easier. This type of help is called a reasonable accommodation.
• Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Guide to Resources: The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has crafted a guide to resources for immigrants, in over a dozen languages.
• Action NYC: 1-800-354-0365
• Food Help NYC: Free food locations, including food pantries & soup kitchens.
• NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.
• Mental Health For All: A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.
• Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
• COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses: Resources, including test kits, treatment, vaccines, and masks available to New Yorkers as New York City experiences high levels of COVID-19, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses.
• Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.
• NYC 311: Non-emergency municipal services are available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115

Community-wide Conference Call

We look forward to your continued participation on our quarterly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our quarterly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.

The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what is being shared on our community-wide conference calls 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 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 community-wide calls, or if you would like to be added to our distribution or community call invitation list, please reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Molly Wasow Park

DSS Acting Commissioner

2023 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for EAF and ESNA