August 4, 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 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, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the community-wide call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication. Our next monthly briefing call will be on Tuesday, August 23rd at 4pm.
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.
Medicaid Easements and Application Updates
Medicaid easements have been extended through October 2022. This includes the automatic extension for cases with an authorization that ends in January through October 2022 even if the client doesn't submit their renewal. Medicaid clients scheduled to renew a case that had or has an authorization end date in March 2020 through August 2022 automatically had or will have their Medicaid coverage extended for 12 months, even if the renewal is not returned.
The NYS Department of Health is not sending notices to these Medicaid clients to let them know that their Medicaid coverage has been extended.
Any case that is closed during the COVID-19 emergency for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage.
NYC Benefits RFP
In partnership with the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Strategic Initiatives and HRA, the CUNY Research Foundation has released the NYCBenefits Request for Proposals (RFP).
NYCBenefits is a cross-agency, cross-sector effort to undertake a systematic approach to connecting hundreds of thousands of eligible New Yorkers to the billions of dollars of government benefits that are currently going unused.
NYCBenefits aims to ensure all eligible New Yorkers are aware of all of the supports available to them, that accessing those supports is easy and efficient, and that eligible New Yorkers enroll, and stay enrolled, in those support programs. NYCBenefits will bring together the many City agencies and community-based organizations that inform and administer benefits programs by providing funding and enhanced collaboration and coordination to unify and fortify the social service benefits ecosystem.
NYCBenefits is seeking interested Community Based Organizations (CBO) with the mission of providing access to, supporting enrollment in, or expanding coordination of benefits and services to New Yorkers in need, to review the RFP and apply by September 13, 2022. Contract awards for this 3-year program will vary from 100K – 350K each year, with individual amounts variable depending on the proposed scope and eligibility.
A pre-proposal webinar for interested applicants will be held on August 17, 2022 at 11 am. Attendance details will be provided when they are available.
DHS Curfew Update
The objective of the NYC Department of Homeless Services is to provide clients with the structure, support, and resources they need to obtain permanent housing. With that said, it is critical that we give our clients the flexibility to integrate within their community, and visit family and friends.
In the past, advocates and some New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have cited strict shelter curfews as a deterrent to accessing the shelter services and supports they need to get back on their feet. That is why DHS has changed its curfew rules from 10 PM to 11 PM, in order to maintain the agency’s mission of serving with care and compassion, and so that we can treat our clients like the autonomous adults they are.
This shift does not change DHS’ good neighbor policy. Shelters will continue to reinforce the message that clients must be responsible members of the community. Most shelters have 24/7 contact numbers where the community can report any issues in real time, and run Community Advisory Boards that meet quarterly and provide a forum for discussion of issues.
- Note that safe havens and stabilization beds do not have any curfew.
- The curfew for families is 10 pm, 9 pm for children. That means if there are two adults in the family, the adult not supervising the children can be out until 10.
Family Court Updates
Effective immediately, all new petitions filed with the Family Court to establish parentage will be heard in-person. Virtual hearings will no longer be used, unless requested by a litigant. This only impacts cases filed as of Monday, July 25th.
Some Family Court hearings are being scheduled for as far away as one year. The length of time varies by Family Court. Given the extensive timeframe and the need for families to receive relief, we want to remind the public that we offer parents the opportunity to enter into an agreement to establish a child support order or modify one. The agreement must still be approved by the court, but in the interim parents can follow the agreed upon amount.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Update
Additional funds to support the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) were included in the 2022-23 New York State budget. As a result of the additional funding, State OTDA has indicated that they are actively reviewing and processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through June 30, 2022. This is an extension of the previous March 31, 2022 date.
NOTE: Under State law, applications submitted by subsidized housing tenants - including NYCHA, section 8, and FHEPS - cannot be paid until after all other eligible applicants have been reviewed and paid.
Extension of Public Health Emergency
The Biden Administration has extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 3 months. The PHE is now scheduled to expire on October 13, 2022.
Waiver Extensions
As previously announced, OTDA has extended a waiver permitting New Yorkers 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. The waiver is extended through close of business on September 30, 2022.
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
- Allowing temporary modifications to previously approved Case Supervisor Review (CSR) plans
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Suspension of the Billing Process for SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid Overpayment Cases - Billings for recovery of overpayments and repayable grants for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid remains stayed through October 13, 2022. Where we are legally required to continue collection efforts and the case is approaching the Statute of Limitations, HRA is sending a payment request letter. Enforcement actions on judgments remains stayed until October 13, 2022.
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New York State Private Health Insurance Application Deadline for 2022 Extended - The open enrollment period for New York State private health insurance coverage for 2022 is also extended through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on October 13, 2022. Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov for more information.
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Temporary Expansion of SNAP Eligibility for College Students - the amended SNAP federal eligibility qualifications for student now runs through November 12, 2022, or 30 days after the COVID–19 federal public health emergency is lifted. More details will be included in our weekly communication.
These waivers were previously set to expire on July 16, 2022.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) and Emergency Benefit
The application period for the HEAP Emergency benefit component has also closed as of Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Mail-in applications must be postmarked on or before July 20, 2022 to meet the deadline. Clients are only eligible for this type of benefit if they pay for a heating account and meet the eligibility requirements.
Heat Emergencies and Cooling Centers
On extremely hot days, the National Weather Service may issue a heat emergency advisory. During these heat emergency days, the City offers additional resources for residents. Visit the NYC Department of Emergency Managements Beat the Heat website to learn more about extreme heat in NYC.
During heat emergencies, the City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Visit the Cooling Center Finder or contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to find out whether a cooling center is open near you.
Fair Fares NYC Enrollment
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online, without visiting an HRA office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!
While there is no need to visit an HRA office to apply or renew, Fair Fares NYC locations have reopened and are available to help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, or to report an issue with a Metrocard. Call 311 or find a location here.
HRA Center Relocations
Waverly Job Center and SNAP Center
The HRA Waverly SNAP Center, which was located at 8-12 West 14th Street in Manhattan, has ended operations at the current location, due to a loss of lease, effective Friday, July 29th at 5:00 PM. We have consolidated our operations at 12West 14th Street with 109 East 16th Street which are in close proximity of each other.
Clients will not experience any changes in their receipt of services and may avail themselves of in-person SNAP-related services at any HRA Job or SNAP center they choose to visit, including 109 East 16th Street which is the closest center.
Clients are not required to appear in person but if they choose to, they can go to any of our location and avail themselves of the following services:
- Drop off an application, recertification or supportive documentation with a staff member if they choose;
- Speak to a SNAP staff member regarding any issues with their application or case at Customer Service & Information Center (CSIC);
- Receive an in-person eligibility interview with a SNAP staff member if they so choose;
- File an application or recertification for benefits at a PC bank; and
- Utilize the self-service scanners to submit any supportive documentation.
Coney Island Job Center, SNAP Center, and Medicaid Office
As previously announced, the HRA Coney Island Job Center, Coney Island SNAP Center, and the Coney Island Medicaid Office will move to a new location at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn beginning Monday, August 15th at 8:30 AM.
The Coney Island SNAP Center is currently located at 2857 West 8th Street. The Coney Island Job Center and Medicaid Office are currently located at 3050 West 21st Street. Operations will end at these locations on Friday, August 12th at 5:00 PM.
All cases will be transferred to the new location. Regular operating hours at 1912 Mermaid Avenue will be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Signs will be posted outside of the current locations in lower Manhattan and Coney Island to notify clients of the relocation. Flyers will be posted in the waiting areas at each Job Center and SNAP Center, and notification will be posted in the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Authorized Resource Center (MARC) system, which is available to Medicaid advocates and providers. Additionally, HRA plans to send notifications to all current clients of the Waverly Job Center and SNAP Center, and Coney Island Job Center and SNAP Center, respectively.
HRA continues to encourage clients to use remote or online services through ACCESS HRA to complete and submit Cash Assistance (CA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications and recertifications, to submit supporting documentation, to manage their case, and to view case information.
Clients who are unable to use ACCESS HRA may also submit completed CA, HEAP, and SNAP applications, as well as supporting documentation, using self-service drop boxes at all CA and SNAP sites, or using the self-service PC banks and scanners available at all HRA SNAP and Job Centers, including at 109 East 16th Street and 2322 Third Avenue in Manhattan, and at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn.
Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families
A one-time, low-income utility bill credit is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This credit, which will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit. The bill credit is expected to be applied to customers' accounts by August 1, 2022. Any eligible low-income customer that enrolls in EAP before December 31, 2022 will be included in the bill credit program.
Learn more about the program here.
Temporary Assistance Implication
Temporary Assistance (TA) funding may continue to be utilized to pay utility arrears when the applicant presents with an emergency or immediate need, after first exploring the availability of HEAP. A payment can be made to prevent termination if it is determined that an immediate threat of shut off is present and the applicant/recipient (A/R) is otherwise eligible.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Inquiries
To check on a family's P-EBT food benefit transaction history clients can visit www.connectebt.com or by call 1-888-328-6399. For other P-EBT related questions, please call the P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at 1-833-452-0096 or send an email inquiry using the P-EBT Information Form. OTDA's SNAP COVID-19 webpage also provides a wealth of information about P-EBT and links to further and more detailed information about P-EBT.
IDNYC for All New Yorkers
In the last seven years since the launch of IDNYC, this innovative program not only became an international model for cities globally but has provided more than 1 million New Yorkers with proof of identification, which is vital for vulnerable individuals looking to access the city resources and support to which they are entitled.
This is the perfect time to enroll – or renew – in IDNYC, as we build a more equitable, diverse, and accessible city for every New Yorker, regardless of background. If you already have your card, remember that now it’s easier than ever to renew it.
Renew your IDNYC card here to enjoy the many benefits it offers, including free memberships to more than 30 arts venues and discounts to many others; discounts at Costco, Citi Bike, Zip Car Blink Fitness, and more; discounts at Food Bazaar stores in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx; faster check-in for your appointments at Health + Hospitals; as a citywide library card at the Brooklyn, New York, and Queens Public Library systems, and more.
Additional Resources and Information
New York Primary Elections
This year’s primary elections are occurring across two days: Tuesday, June 28, for all planned offices except Congressional and State Senate offices, and Tuesday, August 23, for Congressional and State Senate offices.
Friday, July 29 was the voter registration deadline for the August Primary Election in New York.
The Board of Elections has changed polling places from the June locations for many voters. New Yorkers can use the online BOE lookup tool at findmypollsite.vote.nyc/ to enter in their address and get the correct polling site, either for early voting or for primary day.
Monday, August 8 is the deadline for voters to request an absentee ballot online or by mail. Find out how to vote by mail or get an absentee ballot. New Yorkers who wish to vote by absentee ballot for the August 23rd Primary Election will need to request a new absentee ballot even if they requested an absentee ballot for the June Primary Election.
NYS Department of Labor Courses
The NYS Department of Labor has partnered with Coursera, the leading online training provider. New Yorkers will have access to nearly 4,000 courses across high-growth industries; many are pathways to professional certificates. Sign up here using this form.
New Homeowner Handbook
Mayor Eric Adams released “Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC,” a comprehensive guide to help New Yorkers protect and maintain their homes and navigate the responsibilities of home ownership. It’s an initiative of the Homeowner Help Desk and a partnership between the City’s Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Attorney General Tish James.
City Council Re-Districting
The New York City Districting Commission has released draft maps for the 51 NYC Council districts; average resident count in a district grew from the current 160,710 to 172,882. These maps are based on the 2020 US Census, showing growth of 600,000+ new New Yorkers since 2010; and also on input from 500+ NYC residents who testified at public hearings held in each borough last spring.
The Commission will now hold another set of five hearings in each of the boroughs to get public feedback on these new maps: Aug. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22. More information can be found here. Testimony also may be provided via Zoom during the public hearings, by email at publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov, and by mail at 235 Broadway, NY, NY 10007.
NYC Racial Justice Commissioner Ballot Proposals
Click the links above to learn more.
DOT Reconnecting Communities Grants
DOT is now accepting applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot discretionary grant program. The $1 billion RCP Program was established under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in keeping with the Biden-Harris Administration’s belief that the promise of our nation is that every American has an equal chance to get ahead. It is the first-ever Federal program to reconnect communities cut off from opportunities by transportation infrastructure, such as highways and rail lines, through solutions like high-quality public transportation, infrastructure removal, and community and main street revitalization.
Eligible applicants include States, Local and Tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, nonprofit organizations, and transportation facility owners.
The application submission deadline is Thursday, October 13, 2022 on grants.gov.
DOT is hosting a webinar the following webinar on the Reconnecting Communities grant
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“Interested in Applying?” Overview on Thursday, July 28 at 2:00 PM EDT (register here)
NYCHA Legislative Package
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislation to support residents of public housing and improve conditions in the New York City Housing Authority. Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to create and maintain a searchable database of ticket numbers showing complaints filed by residents. Legislation S.72-A/A.9387-A requires that data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same manner as it is for privately owned housing.
Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to have a searchable database of ticket numbers, which will expand transparency and accountability in the authority's operations. Ticket numbers and complaints will be viewable by the public, but will exclude personal information about the residents who file any grievances.
Updated Alternatives to Incarceration and Reentry Program Booklets
The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ)-funded Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs and Community Justice Reentry Network have released updated program booklets to reflect changes to program contacts and services. These program booklets are geared toward individuals seeking services, service providers, judges, prosecutors, defenders, and other City agencies interested in these services and supporting justice-involved individuals.
Citi Bike Memberships for NYCHA Residents and SNAP Recipients
Citi Bike, the nation's largest bike share system, is partnering with Healthfirst to expand access to bike share through $5 monthly memberships for NYCHA residents and SNAP recipients that do not require an annual commitment.
How to Join
NYCHA Residents:
All New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents 16 years and older are eligible for a discounted membership of only $5 per month.
Applicants will need the following to verify their eligibility:
- NYCHA Account Number (found on their tenant rent bill)
- Credit or debit card
SNAP Recipients:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamp) recipients 16 years and older are eligible for a discounted membership of only $5 per month.
Applicants will need the following to verify their eligibility:
- EBT card number (for verification purposes only)
- Credit or debit card
If more than one person in a household wants to sign up, they should call 1-855-BIKE-311 for assistance.
Monkeypox Information
New Yorkers can also text MONKEYPOX to 692692 for updates.
Palm Cards, information for providers, and other materials are available in multiple languages here.
Additional Resources
COVID-19 Related Updates
COVID-19 Mobile Response Initiative
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, joined by NYC Test & Trace Corps, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha launched a new COVID-19 mobile response initiative.
The mobile “Test and Treat” program, managed by the NYC Test & Trace Corps, will see participating mobile testing units include a clinician on board to provide instant access to COVID antiviral medication at no cost to eligible New Yorkers who test positive at these sites. The program, which was launched June 30, will be the first of its kind in the nation with three starting units and will expand to include over 30 units through July.
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.
Paxlovid from Pharmacists
On July 6th, The Food and Drug Administration added pharmacists to the list of health care professionals who are allowed to prescribe Paxlovid, a series of pills for treating Covid-19. The move, aimed at making it easier for patients to get the drug, will significantly increase the number of prescribers who can order the treatment.
Previously, only doctors, nurses and physician assistants were allowed to prescribe the treatment.
Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication
The City is providing 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.
Vaccines for Children
On June 22, NYC opened 10 dedicated Moderna vaccine hubs exclusively for children ages 6 months up to and including 5 years old. These City-run sites are accessible either by appointment or walk-in. For appointments call 877-VAX-4NYC or visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov.
Parents and guardians can use New York City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find convenient locations across the five boroughs to vaccinate young children, including the 10 city Vaccine Hubs where the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged six-months through, and including, five years of age. NYC's Vaccine Finder website (vaccinefinder.nyc.gov) is also updated with info on non-City sites – such as pharmacies – offering vaccination to children under 5.
Many pediatrician offices have ordered a supply of vaccines for children under 5. It's recommended that New Yorkers reach out to their child's pediatrician to see if they will be offering the vaccine.
Vaccine Booster Updates
CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older, recommending that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
COVID-19 Testing
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.
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.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our monthly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our monthly 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 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 community-wide conference 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
