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April 7, 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.
This communication typically covers a one week period, however this edition covers the two-week period of March 27th through April 7th, 2023.
ACCESS HRA Updates
ACCESS HRA is now offering the following new features:
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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. To go directly to the Fair Fares application or home page, go to www.nyc/accessfairfares.
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.
MyCity & Child Care Subsidy Portal Launch
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation has launched MyCity, a New Yorker’s streamlined online connection to City services and benefits.
MyCity is a one-stop shop for New York City services and benefits. Through this multilingual website, New Yorkers can check eligibility qualifications, complete applications, track service status, and securely store personal information and documentation for future use.
MyCity Child Care
The first service launched through MyCity is the subsidized child care application. It is now simplified to make it easier for families to apply for free or reduced cost child care and manage their benefits.
Through a single application, MyCity helps New Yorkers apply for several child care subsidy programs offered and administered by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Education, Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services, and New York State. Agency staff receive applications electronically immediately after they are submitted and can provide status updates to applicants through MyCity.
The new portal transforms the way families apply for care by screening for eligibility upfront, securely uploading and storing their documentation, tracking the status of their application, and receiving notifications if more information is needed. The portal provides parents with a seamless, user-friendly online application process that eliminates the need to print and mail forms from multiple websites to apply for subsidized child care.
Learn more about MyCity and provide feedback on current and future offerings at mycity.nyc.gov.
2022-23 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Extension of Emergency Benefit
The HEAP Emergency benefit component closing date has been extended to April 28, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. The benefit was previously extended to March 31 from March 15.
More information, including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements, can be found here.
CA and SNAP Waiver Extensions
The USDA/FNS has extended the waiver allowing for the continuation of permission for HRA to accept applications for CA and SNAP by telephone through May 31, 2023. While this SNAP adjustment is in effect, CA or Medicaid (MA) on CA case applications may also be accepted over the telephone.
To apply by telephone, applicants should contact Infoline to be referred for assistance. The waiver under the PHE is extended through close of business on May 31, 2023 but will continue under the traditional waiver process.
The following waivers are also extended through the same time frame:
- Domestic violence waivers;
- Enabling districts with local procedures or other processes that require frequent contact with individuals experiencing homelessness and residing in emergency housing to conduct these contacts via phone, with reduced frequency, as appropriate for the population; and,
- Allowing temporary modifications to previously approved Case Supervisor Review (CSR) plans.
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 beginning April.
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.
Housing Resource Fair
In honor of Fair Housing Month the CAMBA HomeBase Outreach team is hosting a Resource Fair in collaboration with Medgar Evers College on April 18th from 6 – 8 pm at Medgar Evars College. The Know Your Rights: Empowering Voucher Holders event will include a panel discussion, presentations, resources and refreshments. We will be addressing Tenant’s Rights, providing a presentation on housing vouchers, and UnlockNYC will present their tool.
This event can be attended in person or via Zoom. Register here.
This event is open to anyone wanting to learn more but space is limited so act now!
Should you have any questions contact the Outreach team at CAMBAHBOutreach@gmail.com or call 718.756.3498 ext.22263
Panelists:
- Council Member Crystal Hudson, New York City Council, District 35
- Nailah Abdul-Mubdi, Volunteer, Neighbors Together
- Katherine Carroll, Assistant Commissioner, New York City Commission on Human Rights
- Elizabeth Byrd, Leadership Collective Member, Unlock NYC
- Melissa Mowery, Senior Vice President of HomeBase, Workforce Development, and Refugee & Asylee Services, CAMBA
Participating organizations:
- CAMBA HomeBase
- Unlock NYC
- Medgar Evers College Transition Academy
- Neighbors Together
- NYC Commission on Human Rights
- NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson's constituent services
- New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie's constituent services
- NHS Brooklyn
- IMPACCT Brooklyn
- The Legal Aid Society
- Fair Housing Justice Center
Shelter Acquisition Fund for Nonprofit Homeless Service Providers
The City has launched a new $15 million shelter development and acquisition fund for nonprofit homeless service providers to build, own, and operate shelters. The revolving fund will alleviate the upfront financial burden that often prohibits experienced, mission-driven nonprofit homeless service providers from developing and owning their own shelter sites.
The application for the fund can be found here.
DYCD Community Moms & Dads 2023 Nominations
The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) invites you to join them in honoring Moms and Dads this June by nominating a "Community Mom" or “Community Dad” for their award. The theme of their #DYCDCommunityMomsnDads event is “The Thread that Makes Us Stronger” celebrating Moms and Dads as well as caregivers who provide inspiration and support to families and communities. These community moms and dads—whether volunteers, mentors, teachers, community leaders, healthcare staff, essential workers, caregivers, aunts, uncles, sisters, or brothers — dedicate their time and energy to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our City!
Help celebrate them this June by nominating a Community Mom or Community Dad. The deadline for submission is Thursday, April 13, 2023. Click here to nominate someone. For more information, visit their website.
NOMINATE TODAY!
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.
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.
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 Enforcement Actions: What You Need to Know
Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 am – Click Here to Register
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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.
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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
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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.
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Best Suited For: New custodial parents and staff of organizations that support parents.
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 hard-earned money on tax prep fees. Below are some tools to help amplify NYC Free Tax Prep:
Digital Toolkit:
Print materials:
Note: Additional translations will be available on the Tax Campaign page in the coming weeks.
ACCESS HRA Multi-Factor Authentication
As a reminder ACCESS HRA's optional multi-factor authentication process will become mandatory when clients try to access their SNAP, Cash Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Fair Fares, or Medicaid case data online in 2023. We are exploring methods for clients without an email address or phone to access their benefit information online, such as via challenge questions, to be in place when multi-factor authentication becomes mandatory.
City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC
As of April 5, 2023, over 53,000 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. Over 33,400 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 100 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.
IDNYC
Help your DSS Clients get/renew their IDNYC card, the only government issued ID by New York City.
The IDNYC card grants access to government buildings, programs, cultural institution partners, and discount benefits for all New York City residents. IDNYC has several new benefit partners including The Africa Center, Blink Fitness, Partners Coffee, and Wollman Rink, plus discounts at over 30 cultural institutions throughout the city. Now is a great time for you and your clients to renew your IDNYC card or get a new IDNYC card to access these and many other wonderful benefits! Visit IDNYC’s website for more info: nyc.gov/IDNYC. And remember…getting an IDNYC card is still FREE!
Additional Resources and Information
Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) – Deadline Extended
The application deadline for the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has been extended. The new deadline to apply is April 14, 2023. 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.
Employers seeking workers can also apply to hire NYC youth through SYEP.
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce – Tech Office Hours
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers free one-on-one consultation for business owners with their technical support specialist during “Tech Office Hours” on Zoom, offering advice about a range of technical business processes, guidance on how to grow your business's reach on-line, and how to use technology to improve your business workflow. Click here to make an appointment.
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Workplace Residency Program
Applications for Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Workspace residency program are now live. Apply by Tuesday, 4/18. It’s a nine-month studio-based program that focuses on the creative process and cohort development of emerging artists. Participating artists are provided round-the-clock access to semi-private studio spaces and are expected to engage with the cohort for the full duration of the nine-month program, beginning in September.
CUNY Dominican Studies Institute
CUNY’s Dominican Studies Institute offers summer interns—graduate and undergraduate—meaningful research experience in the field of Dominican Studies, working collaboratively with and under the guidance of CUNY DSI scholars. The program is fully in-person at the City College of New York (160 Convent Avenue) and typically begins in June and ends in August (with flexibility to meet the needs and requirements of students and their home institutions). All interns must commit to at least four weeks and cannot exceed 35 hours of work per week. The application deadline is 4/30; applicants will be notified by 5/10. Click here to apply.
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.
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Find out if you qualify and enroll at getinternet.gov
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.
STEM Matters NYC
Students entering school in September 2023 can apply to attend summer enrichment programs with STEM Matters NYC. The deadline is Wednesday, 4/26.
Students starting Kindergarten through Grade 9 in September 2023 can apply for weeklong camps; those entering grades 10-12 in September 2023 can apply for multi-week programs at a huge range of NYC institutions, including:
- Genovesi Environmental Study Center
- Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics
- Bronx Zoo
- Central Park Zoo
- DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech
- Intrepid, Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Makerspace NYC
- New York Aquarium
- Pellettieri Stone Carvers' Academy
- Prospect Park Zoo
- Queens Botanical Garden
- Queens County Farm Museum
- Queens Zoo
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
- The Horticultural Society of NY
- UrbanGlass
- Wave Hill
Fresh Air Fund
The Fresh Air Fund, is a not-for-profit youth development organization that provides free outdoor summer experiences to children from New York City’s most under-resourced communities.
At sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, visiting volunteer host families along the East Coast and in NYC-based programs, children have new experiences, learn new skills and gain new perspectives. Fresh Air children also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. See the Fresh Air Fund’s Outreach flyer to learn more: English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Learn more about Fresh Air Fund 2022. Attend Fresh Air Funds Annual Community Partner Kick Off Meeting by registering here.
Fresh Air Fund is hiring! Click here to view their job openings.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) has launched the state's first-ever statewide Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults. Individuals 60+, are invited to take NYSOFA’s anonymous survey. The survey takes approximately ten minutes, and feedback will directly influence age-friendly policies and programs.
NYSOFA also offers unpaid caregivers—of which there are an estimated 4.1 million statewide—access to the caregiver education and support portal Trualta at newyork-caregivers.com online on smartphones, iPads or computers. There, caregivers can view tips—in English and Spanish—for caring for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, diabetes, disabilities, and heart disease. Those who’ve used Trualta report a reduction in stress, loneliness, and burnout—and an improvement in the care they provide. Read more at the NYSOFA website.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online Support: Resolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Food Help NYC: Free food locations, including food pantries & soup kitchens.
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NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.
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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.
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Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
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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.
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Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.
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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
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