January 20, 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, 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. The next community call will be held on March 14, 2023 at 4 pm. Invites with the Zoom link will be sent the week prior.

We continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS 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. 

HOPE Count 2023

The City is actively recruiting volunteers for its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) count, which will be held on January 24, 2023 from 10pm – 4am. This annual survey helps the City support unsheltered New Yorkers and encourage them to come in off the streets and subways. Thanks to the efforts of past volunteers along with the ongoing 24/7/365 efforts of our street outreach teams, we have referred more than 5,000 New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to transitional and/or permanent housing in FY22 alone.

Volunteers will begin at a HOPE location of their choosing and will then canvass nearby streets and subways. Sign up to be a HOPE 2023 volunteer here.

Extension of the Public Health Emergency

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has again extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The PHE which had been previously extended until January 13, 2023 was further extended for an additional 90 days. 

The COVID-19 PHE, which was initially declared on January 31, 2020, has been renewed in 90-day increments. HHS will provide states with 60 days notice of its intent to terminate the PHE declaration for COVID-19. 

Continuation of The Temporary Expansion of SNAP Student Eligibility

With the extension of the PHE, the expanded SNAP student eligibility has been extended through the same time period. 

CA and SNAP Applications by Telephone

The USDA/FNS has granted a waiver allowing for the continuation of permission for HRA to accept applications for CA and SNAP by telephone. This was previously permitted under Public Health Emergency waiver. The current USDA waiver will continue on an annual review and extension basis by the USDA.

Bureau of Eligibility Verification (BEV) – Resuming Operations

Starting in February 2023, The DSS Bureau of Eligibility Verification (BEV) will resume operations. Similar to pre-COVID operations, DSS will make any necessary BEV referrals during the Cash Assistance eligibility interview. Unlike pre-COVID, however, BEV investigative interviews will be conducted over the phone. Cash Assistance applicants who are referred to the BEV for investigation will receive verbal notice of the date and time (two-hour window) when to expect the BEV investigator’s call. DSS will also mail the client a BEV referral with the date and time of the telephone interview. BEV will make a second outreach call if the first call is not answered. 

Medicaid Easements

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the continuation of Medicaid easements are no longer tied to the Public Health Emergency (PHE). As such, as of April 1, 2023, the easements will begin to be lifted. At that time, continuous coverage will no longer be required. This means that all cases with authorization dates ending June 30, 2023 will undergo 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. Deferrals for additional information will no longer be permitted. All Federal matches will also be back in use.

COVID-19 January Emergency Allotments to SNAP Households

SNAP Emergency Allotments (EA) will be issued to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient households that receive benefits for the month of January 2023.

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the SNAP Emergency Allotments are scheduled to end after the February 2023 issuance. The continuation of the SNAP Emergency Allotments is no longer tied to the continuation of the Public Health Emergency. 

As such, households currently receiving SNAP benefits will see a reduction in the amount of monthly SNAP benefits they receive with the end of these emergency allotments.

State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Updates

On January 11, 2023, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that New York State ERAP applications will not be accepted after January 20, 2023, at 9:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Individuals will not be able to submit applications, or complete applications that have been started but not submitted, after January 20, 2023 at 9:00 pm.

Applications submitted before the application portal closes on January 20, 2023 will continue to be processed in the order received, consistent with State law and program rules.

OTDA is actively reviewing and processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through October 31, 2022. Additional applications are expected to be reviewed and processed in the future as funds become available. After the portal closes to new applications, tenants and landlords may continue to upload required documentation for pending submitted applications.

Tenant households that apply for ERAP will continue to receive ERAP tenant protections until an eligibility determination is made on the ERAP application. For additional information on these protections, please see the “Tenant Protections” section of the ERAP FAQs located here.

As a reminder, applications from subsidized housing tenants whose rent is limited to a certain percentage of income (including public housing, Section 8, CityFHEPS and FHEPS) are not currently able to be paid. State law requires that these applications be paid after all other eligible applicants have been reviewed and paid. Therefore, at this time, none of the subsidized housing applications can be paid regardless of the date their application was submitted. Residents of public housing are urged to contact their public housing authority to determine if their rent can be adjusted retroactively based on a previous change in circumstances, including a reduction in income. If these households have arrears, and have applied for ERAP, they will not need to wait for a determination on their ERAP application in order to get help from HRA, if otherwise eligible.

The following applications submitted to the ERAP portal will be denied:

• Households that have income over 80 percent of the area median income
• Households that have already received 12 months of ERAP assistance for rental arrears

For those non-subsidized households who applied for ERAP prior to 11/14/2021, the date of the initial program closure, and who still have an ERAP application pending, the TA eligibility policy communicated in GIS_21TA/DC039 and GIS_22TA/DC004 still applies requiring a decision on the ERAP application before issuance of TA to address rent arrears.

For assistance, please contact the State OTDA ERAP call center at 800-691-7368. Webchat is also available from the OTDA ERAP website at https://otda.ny.gov/program/emergency-rental-assistance/help/applying/

2022-2023 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Emergency Benefit Component

As we previously reported, the Emergency HEAP Benefit opened on January 3, 2023. Emergency benefits are available to assist eligible households with a heating emergency or a heat-related domestic emergency. Only one Emergency benefit of each type is available per HEAP household for the 2022-2023 season. Regular component benefits, if available, must be utilized first to resolve heating emergencies for eligible households.

Temporary relocation for housing emergencies and propane tank deposits to obtain new propane vendors are also available under the Emergency benefit component.

All applicants for the Emergency benefit component may apply via telephone and in person.

Requirements

To be eligible for an Emergency benefit, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• A Regular HEAP benefit must not be available and/or any credit remaining on an account must be insufficient to resolve the applicant’s emergency.
• The applicant must be facing a heating emergency or heat related domestic emergency:
• The applicant’s utility service for heating (natural gas or electric) is terminated or scheduled for termination;
• The applicant’s electric utility service necessary to operate the primary heating equipment is terminated or scheduled for termination;
• The applicant is without heating fuel or has less than one quarter tank of oil, kerosene, or propane; or less than a ten-day supply of other heating fuels;
• The applicant requires temporary relocation due to a living situation deemed to be detrimental to the health and/or safety of household members; and/or
• The applicant is without or has less than one-quarter (¼) tank of propane, their current propane vendor will not make a delivery, and the applicant requires a propane tank deposit with a new propane vendor.
• The applicant must be the customer of record for the utility or deliverable fuel account.
• The applicant household must not have more than $2,000 (or $3,000 if the household contains a member aged 60 or older) in available liquid resources.

Note: HEAP applicants in receipt of ongoing Cash Assistance (CA) do not need to be resource tested.

More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here.

As a reminder, the regular HEAP season opened on November 1, 2022. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here.

The opening date for the 2022-2023 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) and Heating Equipment Clean and Tune (C&T) was Monday, October 3rd. Applications are now being accepted. Benefits will be provided on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants through September 29, 2023, or until funding is exhausted.

Please find more information about HERR here. More information about C&T can be found here.

As a reminder, prospective applicants can use any of the following methods to apply for HEAP:

• Fax: 212-387-1639
• In-person: visit one of the six designated HRA Benefits Access Centers or four community assistance sites
• By mail: send a completed LDSS-3421 application to: NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
• Drop off: leave a completed LDSS-3421 application with any HRA Benefits Access Center

Click here to download an LDSS-3421 application or call (212) 331-3126 to request one.

EBT Scams Currently Impacting Recipient Households

In response to increasing incidents of temporary assistance and SNAP benefits theft via several scams, including phishing and card skimming, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has created a public service announcement (PSA): Act Fast: Protect Your EBT Benefits Against Skimming Thieves

Phishing scams have employed deceptive tactics ranging from “smart tablet giveaways”, in which recipients are asked to submit personal case information to participate. OTDA will never send correspondence prompting a recipient to provide their account information. Households can help safeguard their benefits going forward by:

• Frequently changing the EBT account PIN. It is recommended that cardholders avoid selecting a PIN that is easy to guess such as a repeated or consecutive numbers.
• Clients should NEVER give their PIN to anyone, not even to an HRA employee. HRA employees will never ask a client for their EBT card PIN. Clients also shouldn’t give their PIN to a person if they are told that their case will close.
• Reviewing the account and transactions on a regular basis. Households should regularly review their account transactions and balances and immediately report their card lost or stolen should they notice any suspicious or questionable activity or transactions.
• Reporting suspicious devices and activity. If they notice any sign that a skimmer may be in use, it’s recommended that they alert the retailer and refrain from using the possible compromised machine.

Households may report their card lost or stolen at the EBT Customer Service Helpine (1-888-328-6399), or on the web here, or on the ConnectEBT mobile app. For additional information about what steps can be taken to safeguard information and benefits, please click here. A flyer with useful information about fraud prevention and protection can be found here.

Emergency Food Grant for EBT Card Scams

Clients who have their benefits stolen because of skimming (EBT card scam) and who have a food emergency (they have no food or money to buy food) may be eligible for a food emergency grant. However, these grants may be subject to repayment.

• CA participants should submit a request for an emergency/additional allowance. If found eligible, the grant is subject to recoupment. No interview is required.
• SNAP participants can apply for a One Shot Deal (OSD) for the emergency food allowance.

Federal law prohibits the replacement of stolen benefits. The “EBT How to Use Your Benefit Card to Get SNAP and/or Cash Benefits” states “If someone else uses your card or card number and PIN, your BENEFITS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.” This includes both Cash Assistance and SNAP benefits.

NYS Private Health Insurance Application Deadline for 2023

The open enrollment period for NYS private health insurance coverage for 2023 will continue to remain open during the active Public Health Emergency. For more information visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Office of Child Support Services – Customer Service Hours

As a means to ensure services continued during COVID, OCSS’ Customer Services Walk-in Center located at 151 W. Broadway, 4^th floor, NY, NY 10013. offered telephone interviews for customers seeking assistance with their child support case. Now that customers can get their child support questions answered by telephone or by visiting a child support worker located in a Family Court, there has been a significant drop in the number of visitors during the 6:00-and 7:00 pm time slot. Therefore effective January 17^th, the office hours will change from 8am – 7pm to 8am – 6pm.  , OCSS changed its hours of operation at its 151 West Broadway location.

Clients with questions or who need to schedule an interview can email or send mail. They must include their name, Child Support case number, a description of their issue/concern(s), phone number and the best time to be reached.

Online: www.nyc.gov/hra/ocss

NYS Call Center: 888-208-4485

Email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us

Mail: OCSS, PO Box 830, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013

As a reminder, the OCSS website at www.nyc.gov/hra/ocss includes links to specific topics relevant to custodial and non-custodial parents.

The ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile app is also available for assistance and can be used by both HRA and non-HRA clients.

ACCESS HRA Updates

DSS has recently updated several features in ACCESS HRA to further improve the user experience.

Below are new and improved features that are now available in the AHRA Client Portal:

• Additional information about Medicaid benefits including:
• Coverage details
• Surplus amount
• Individual status
• Coverage start/end dates
• Additional security features to gather a recovery phone number for client accounts.
• Users will now be able to optionally provide a phone number and elect to receive a text message or voice call to enable multi-factor authentication on their account.

On Monday, January 9^th, the following update went live within the Child Support mobile app:

• Child support payments for noncustodial parents can now be made through the mobile app.  
• Credit card, debit card and PayPal payments are accepted.

Detailed screenshots of the payment form can be found on slides 75-78 of the ACCESS HRA User Guide.

Winter Electricity and Gas Bill Increases – Con Edison & National Grid

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice is anticipating higher prices for gas and electric services this winter. Con Edison & National Grid utility bills are increasing because of geopolitical events, supply constraints, and dynamic market forces which have resulted in an increase to the commodity price of fuel. 

There are financial assistance and payment assistance programs available to help income-eligible customers manage their utility bills:

• Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program – apply online or on paper (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Korean)
• National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program – sign up online or on paper. National Grid offers help through their consumer advocates. Call (718) 643-4050 or email ConsumerAdvocatesNYC@nationalgrid.com.
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Visit the OTDA website or call (800) 342-3009.
• Emergency Temporary Assistance – may be available for income-eligible customers. 
• Payment of past-due bills may be available if the customer’s utilities are shut off, are about to be shut off, or a 72-hour disconnect notice has been received. Visit OTDA, NYS myBenefits, or HRA.

City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC

As of January 18 2023, 41,000 asylum seekers have come to New York City seeking services, over 27,300 of whom remain in the City’s care. The City has opened 77 emergency shelters and 4 HERRCs to meet this unprecedented need. This does not reflect the total number of asylum seekers in New York City, it does not include those who are staying with family, friends, and networks here after being connected.

Additional information on the City’s efforts to support asylum seekers can be found here.

Ride for Half Price – Fair Fares

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

The Fair Fares NYC program offers eligible New Yorkers regardless of immigration status a 50% discount on NYC subway and eligible buses and Access-A-Ride paratransit fares. NYC residency requirement does not include a minimum timeframe.

Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!

If you need assistance to apply or have questions please visit the Fair Fares website to find a location near you. Fair Fares enrollment assistance is also available at the NYC Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center. 

Clients who need a replacement card or a refund can visit an office or mail in their damaged or expired card to: 

Fair Fares NYC

P.O. Box 7099

New York, NY 10008-7099

Clients who mail their card must include their Fair Fares Client ID number, first and last name, date of birth, in the envelope with the card.

All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.  

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

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  

Additional Resources and Information

FRAC and UnidosUS Webinar - Skimming: Preparing to Mitigate the Harm of Stolen SNAP Benefits (English & Spanish)

FRAC and UNIDOS invite you to learn about the impact that Skimming has had on SNAP recipients. This past year, states have seen a dramatic increase in benefits being stolen electronically through “skimming” and phishing crimes. 

Join to learn about what advocates are doing across the country in outreach, reimbursement, and working with their SNAP agency. We will also learn best practices in working with underrepresented communities in doing this work.   

On Tuesday, January 24, FRAC and UnidosUS will be hosting two separate webinars on EBT Skimming. The first, at 12:00 p.m. ET, will be in English; the second, at 3 p.m. ET, will be in Spanish. 

NY Consortium for Higher Education in Prison – Webinar Announcement

The NY Consortium for Higher Education will be hosting a Virtual Webinar, January 25 @ 6pm dedicated to formerly incarcerated students residing in the city seeking employment with New York City Department of Social Services (DSS). The starting salary range for these positions is approximately 40k-82k. There are hundreds of positions available for which formerly incarcerated scholars living in NYC can qualify. 

One of the scholars from the Cornell Prison Education Program was just hired by the City. His journey from prison education to city agency is informing best practices, which includes recognizing that many previously held jobs in prison can satisfy city requirements of past work experience. 

STRIVE Targeted Programs

STRIVE provides a pathway to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement.

STRIVE currently has three targeted programs starting in January:

Career Path – next Construction/Masonry training starts January 17 (9 weeks)

• Over 18 years of age
• Residing in any of the 5 boroughs
• No High School Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Needed at this time.
• Available to attend a daily training M-F from 9am-5pm 
• Certifications: ​ OSHA 30 & Site Safety (OSHA 40)​, 4 hour Supported Scaffold​, 16-hour Suspended Scaffold​, Silica​, Flagging​
• Hands On Component - Brick Laying, Patching, Cement Mixing, Stucco, Painting, Roofing, Water Proofing​ 

Fresh Start – next Construction training starts January 23 (5 weeks)

• Justice involved adults (25 and over) who have been released in the last 180 days
• Currently on parole or probation
• Certifications include: ​OSHA 30 & SST​, Flagger​, Scaffolding (Fall Prevention)​, COVID Awareness, Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID, Review of FDNY F-60 Process, Drug & Alcohol Awareness and Sexual Awareness​
• Paid 6-8 weeks Internship

Future Leaders – next training starts January 27 (2-3 months long based on certifications)

• 18 - 24 years old
• Involved with the justice system
• Residing in Manhattan or the Bronx
• Training (in-person): Construction & Medical
• 8 Week Internships available 

Potential candidates are invited to STRIVE’s virtual information sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1PM.

Zoom meeting ID: 823 9986 4270

Feel free to contact Stephanie Gillette at sgillette@strive.org if you have any questions or need more information.

Health Coverage Access for the Arabic-Speaking Community 

GetCoveredNYC is partnering with the Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA) and Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) to create a new pathway for Arabic speakers to access health coverage. GetCoveredNYC specialists are now holding bi-weekly office hours and providing health education at the YAMA office to the Arabic-speaking community in New York City. GetCoveredNYC Specialists can refer you directly to a certified enroller at AAFSC who can help you enroll in health insurance. 

New Yorkers can connect with a GetCoveredNYC Specialist every first and third Friday at 6740 5th Ave, Brooklyn 11220, from 1 - 5 pm.

Sanitation Foundation Rat Academy

The following Rat Academy sessions are being offered publicly for building owners, maintenance staff and tenant:

Thursday, 1/26 6-8 pm

Tuesday, 1/31 5-7 pm

Thursday, 2/9 5-7 pm

NYCHA Resident Training Academy

Applications are open for NYCHA’s Resident Training Academy (NRTA) which provides employment linked training opportunities for NYCHA residents on 3 tracks: Construction, janitorial and pest control. A collaboration between NYCHA, the Robin Hood Foundation, and employment training providers across the city, the NRTA provides residents with technical training. Click here to learn more about the entrance exam, prescreening appointment, and interview process. Applicants must have valid working documentation, be able to lift 50 lbs or more, and 100% available during the work week to participate.

DOE Information Sessions for 3-K, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Gifted and Talented Programs

Below are the remaining info sessions for NYC admissions for 3-K, Pre-K, kindergarten, and gifted and talented programs:

1/26/23 from 6-7 pm. Interpretation services will be available in Chinese (Mandarain), French, Urdu

2/1/23 from 2-3 pm. Interpretation services will be available in Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian

2/15/23 from 6-7 pm. Interpretation services will be available in Bangla, Korean, Spanish

Each event will be hosted live online; visit schools.nyc.gov/ESEvents the day before the event to find the password and any other information needed to join, as well as how to receive interpretation. Log onto Zoom at the event’s start time here.

Reimagining Special Education

The Department of Education is “Boldly Reimagining Special Education” by creating an Advisory Council. Applications are open, to be considered for the Council, please complete this form. Applicants will be selected on a rolling basis. 

Education Council

Applications are open to run for a community or citywide education council; applications are due and are due by 2/13.

Homeowner Tax Exemption and Rent Freeze Application Assistance for Older New Yorkers

The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) started tabling on a limited basis at the Queens Borough President's Office to offer enrollment and renewal support for Homeowner Tax Exemption and Rent Freeze programs. , in collaboration with their partners at the NYC Department of Finance (DOF) and NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), launched a week of action to enroll eligible residents to housing benefit programs, like Homeowner Tax Exemption and Rent Freeze programs, that help New Yorkers save money on housing costs. To kick off the week of action, PEU, DOF, and NYC Aging held a press conference Tuesday, December 13th at YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood. The press conference highlighted the importance of enrolling in both rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption programs as soon as possible before its March 15th deadline. Staff from PEU, DOF, and NYC Aging were onsite canvassing with information about the programs and helping people enroll. 

Homeowner Tax Exemption Deadline: Wednesday March 15th, 2023  

Learn about eligibility requirements for these programs by visiting PEU’s Tenant Support Unit website or by calling PEU’s Rent Freeze Hotline at 929-252-7242 to connect with a PEU Specialist for assistance.

Health-Related Updates

COVID Vaccines

The CDC has approved the use of updated Covid booster shots that specifically target the two prominent omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.

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.

Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available to order online and by phone from the Federal Government. These rapid tests give results within 30 minutes. Lab drop-off is not required.

Every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home tests per residential address. Tests were shipped out starting the week of December 19, 2022.

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.

If you provide an email address, you will receive email notifications with shipping updates. Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with an estimated delivery date and a tracking number. You can track the status of your delivery on USPS.com.

Online

Learn more and order free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests at covidtests.gov.

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

The New York City Test & Trace Corps, established during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is rebranding as the Test & Treat Corps to reflect the priority to provide New Yorkers with life-saving COVID-19 treatments.

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.

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 conference 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,

Gary P. Jenkins

DSS Commissioner