January 9, 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.
DSS Community Call
As discussed on our most recent community call, we will be moving these calls to a quarterly schedule moving forward.
Please find a link below to the recording of our last community call held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Links to all of the calls we’ve held since April 2020 can be found on our Community Updates webpage. If you are not on the list to receive invitations to the monthly call, please contact DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Access the audio recording here
Password: Covid-19
Our next quarterly community call will be held on March 14, 2023 at 4 pm.
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.
IDNYC Identity/Residency Verification and Attestation Form at Benefits Access Centers (BAC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Centers
Effective immediately, all Benefit Access Centers (BAC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Centers will be able to assist IDNYC applicants and current HRA clients with fulfilling the IDNYC identity verification and proof of residency requirements if they are without photo ID.
After a DSS/HRA worker has found sufficient information in agency systems on a IDNYC applicant who lacks photo ID and has an active CA, SNAP, or MA case, they may provide the individual with official documentation which must be submitted to an IDNYC Enrollment Center before they can complete the application process for an IDNYC card.
2022-2023 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Heater Benefit Increase and Supplement
On December 11, 2022, NYS increased the regular 2022-2023 benefit amounts for households that incur a direct heating expense. A system generated supplement will be issued to adjust regular benefits authorized prior to December 11, 2022. There are no changes to any other HEAP benefits.
OTDA will conduct a Mass Authorization Autopay to issue HEAP Regular benefit heater supplements to households that received a 2022-2023 Regular heater benefit (H1) at the lower base benefit amount. Supplement amounts are dependent on the household’s primary heating type at the time the original H1 was issued.
The new base benefits and supplement amounts can be found in a chart at the bottom of this email.
Please note that add-ons are not impacted by this change.
As we have reported previously, the regular HEAP season opened on November 1, 2022. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here.
The Emergency HEAP Benefit opened on January 3, 2023. The Emergency HEAP Benefit assists those who are in a heat related emergency. 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: Regular fax number is temporarily offline. Please use 917-639-2901 in the interim to submit HEAP application by fax.
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In-person: visit one of the six designated HRA Benefits Access Centers or four community assistance sites
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By mail: send a completed LDSS-3421 application to: NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
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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
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has been made aware of increasing incidents of temporary assistance and SNAP benefits theft via several scams, including phishing and card skimming. 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. OTDA has shared information that can be used by households to help safeguard their benefits going forward by:
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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.
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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.
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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 Helpline (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 are 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.
January 2023 Social Security (RSDI/SSI) COLA Increases
Effective January 1, 2023, all individuals in receipt of Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and/or SSI received a federal COLA of 8.7 percent. This 8.7 percent federal COLA results in an average increase of $73 per month for SSI recipients. For the purposes of Cash Assistance and SNAP benefits, this is unearned income, and this increase may impact eligibility and/or benefit levels. OTDA will send notices to all affected households.
During the PHE, individuals with Medicaid coverage will be held harmless by maintaining their current budgets pending any other direction to districts from the Department regarding the COLA increase.
CityFHEPS Expansion
HRA is proposing to increase eligibility and simplify the administrative process for the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) program.
The public hearing for the proposed rule will take place remotely via Zoom on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 10 am. Those who would like to attend the hearing may do so by:
Zoom (video and audio): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86144791528?pwd=SEp0aFNmanhUd1Nab0J5Um1lUmdkdz09
Or at www.zoom.us, click on “join a meeting” and enter meeting ID 861 4479 1528. Passcode is DSS.
Phone (audio only): +1 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 861 4479 1528 Call-in passcode: 844918
The proposed rule is available on our website, can be viewed at the NYC Rules website http://rules.cityofnewyork.us, and has been published in the city record.
Anyone can comment on the proposed rule by:
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Website. Comments can be submitted to HRA through the NYC Rules website at rules.cityofnework.us.
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Email. Comments can be emailed to NYCRules@HRA.nyc.gov. Please include “CityFHEPSAmendments” in the subject line.
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Mail. Comments can be mailed to: HRA Rules, c/o Office of Legal Affairs, 150 Greenwich Street, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10007
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By speaking at the hearing. Individuals can sign up to speak at the hearing by calling 919-221-7220, or by emailing NYCRules@hra.nyc.gov on or before Thursday, January 5 at 5 pm. Speakers will be called in the order that they signed up and will be able to speak for up to two minutes.
The deadline to submit comments is midnight on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Comments, including those sent by mail must be received by HRA on or before Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
Those that require assistance must inform DSS in advance if language interpretation services or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hearing is required. Please submit requests on or before Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 5 pm by email at NYCRules@HRA.nyc.gov or by phone at 929-221-7220.
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.
2023 Standard Medicare Part B Premium Amount
On September 27, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2023 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2023 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A.
Each year the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees with modified adjusted gross income which is less than or equal to $97,00 for individuals, and less than or equal to $194,00 for couples will be $164.90 for 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $226 in 2023, a decrease of $7 from the annual deductible of $233 in 2022.
Most Medicare beneficiaries will pay this amount. Less than 1% of Medicare beneficiaries will pay less than the full Part B standard monthly premium amount in 2022. Due to the SSA 8.7% COLA, some beneficiaries who were held harmless against Part B premium increases in 2022 will pay the full monthly premium of $164.90 in 2023. This is because the increase in their Social Security benefits will be greater than or equal to the increase in their Part B premium.
The “hold harmless” provision does not apply to beneficiaries who do not receive Social Security benefits; are directly billed for their Part B premium; are new Medicare Part B beneficiaries; have Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicaid pays the premiums; and pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
Medicaid Income Eligibility Expansion for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Effective January 2023, Medicaid income eligibility has expanded for people who are 65 and older or living with a disability. Currently, a single person and a married couple are eligible for Medicaid at $934/month and $1,367/month, respectively. As of January 2023, a single person will be eligible at $1,563/month and a married couple at $2,106/month. The resource level for an SSI-related individual will increase from $16,800 ($24,600 for a couple) for 2022 to $28,133 for an individual ($37,902 for a couple) effective January 1, 2023.
The new Medically Needy income and resource levels apply to new applications and requests for an increase in coverage received on or after January 1, 2023. HRA will do a one-time mailing to clients with a surplus in January asking if they would like to have their surplus amount reviewed. The mailing will include a postage-paid business reply envelopes, so clients can mail their request.
Income eligibility has also expanded for the Medicare Savings Program, which helps people pay for Medicare costs.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
Clients with income less than or equal to 138% of the FPL are QMB eligible, as of January 1, 2023. QMB eligible clients may also have active Medicaid coverage. NY Medicaid will pay Medicare Part B premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles for those eligible at the QMB level. The current SLMB level will be subsumed by QMB in January 2023.
Qualifying Individuals (QI) Clients with income above 138% of the FPL and less than or equal to 186% of the FPL are QI eligible, as of January 1, 2023. Clients cannot be enrolled as QI and enrolled in NY Medicaid at the same time. They must choose which program they prefer. NY Medicaid will pay only Medicare Part B premiums for those eligible at the QI level.
Health Insurance: Facilitated Enrollment for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Free enrollment assistance is available to help New Yorkers apply for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program, which helps cover Medicare costs if you are:
- 65 or older
- Living with a disability
- Visually impaired
To schedule a telephone enrollment appointment, please call 347-396-4705. Help is available in many languages, regardless of immigration status.
DHS Code Blue
A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values. No one who is experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied.
Code Blue Weather Emergencies include the following options for individuals experiencing homelessness:
- Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is experiencing homelessness homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
- Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day when Code Blue procedures are in effect and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
- Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists to ensure safety and bring them to shelter. DHS coordinates Code Blue efforts directly with agencies such as DSNY, and the Parks Department, at a borough level.
State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The 2022-2023 New York State budget includes additional funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). As a result of the additional funding, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is actively reviewing and processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through September 30, 2022.
Applications from subsidized housing tenants whose rent is limited to a certain percentage of income (including public housing, Section 8, 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.
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
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:
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Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program – apply online or on paper (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Korean)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
To simplify this process for more of our clients, as of December 10, clients can now use either email or a phone number to set up multi-factor authentication. Previously this could only be done through email. Clients are now able to receive a phone call, text, or email in order to authenticate.
DSS is 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 January 8:
- Over 38,700 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since this spring.
- Over 26,100 asylum seekers are currently in our care.
- We have opened 71 emergency shelters and 4 HERRCs to meet this unprecedented need.
This is not the total number of asylum seekers in New York City, it does not include people 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.
Additional Resources and Information
Martin Luther King Day Service Opportunities
Hunger Free America is joined by partners across the country to host 45 volunteer events in honor of MLK Day on January 16, 2023. These events are being held both in person and virtually on and around MLK Day. All events are listed on the MLK Serve-a-thon VolunteerHub site.
Homeowner Tax Exemption and Rent Freeze Application Assistance for Older New Yorkers
The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU), 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.
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.
Domestic Worker Mediation Program
On December 6, 2022, the City announced the launch of a new Domestic Worker Mediation Program to help domestic workers and their employers resolve workplace issues in a respectful, confidential, and free way without going to court.
Mediation is voluntary, beneficial to both workers and employers, and available to resolve workplace issues related to:
- Unpaid Wages
- Minimum Wage and Overtime
- Paid Safe and Sick Leave
- Retaliation
Under the Domestic Worker Mediation Program, mediation is free, confidential, offered regardless of immigration status, and provides a fair resolution faster than pursuing legal action in court. If the worker and employer agree to mediation, a neutral mediator from OATH’s Center for Creative Conflict Resolution will meet with the two parties to understand the issues and reach an agreement that is fair for everyone. A Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) staff member and worker or employer representatives may also participate in mediation.
In general, mediation will be at the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution, 66 John Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
For more information or to make an appointment, New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/workers for a multilingual overview, email OLPS@dcwp.nyc.gov, or call 311.
Department of Education Admissions Changes for Gifted and Talented and Kindergarten
The Department of Education (DOE) has made some changes to Kindergarten and Gifted and Talented admissions that aim to make the process more accessible.
The application will now be the same for both regular and G&T programs, beginning with the 2023-2024 admissions process. Any family that lists a Gifted and Talented program anywhere on their application will be considered for eligibility. Waitlisting will also become available at the same time for both Kindergarten and G&T. Families will only be able to accept one offer at a time—but the G&T offers will be provided sooner.
Kindergarten applications are open through the MYSchools website. The deadline for submitting a Kindergarten application for the 2023-2024 school year is Friday, January 20, 2023. Additional information on Kindergarten admissions can be found on the DOE website. The 3-K and Pre-K applications will be available in late January.
More changes, according to the DOE:
Central Open House Calendar – Parents can use the new events calendar in MySchools to find all admissions events and school open houses and tour information in one place. Families will be able to add events to their personal calendar and RSVP to events directly from MySchools.
Clearer Admissions Information – Additional information will be displayed about a student’s chance of getting an offer to various programs.
Information Sessions and Admissions Events – Parents are encouraged to sign up for an information session for help with this application year’s process. The DOE will be hosting elementary school admissions events for families applying to Kindergarten and 3-K/Pre-K, with more information on both opportunities available at schools.nyc.gov/ESEvents. If families have any additional questions, they can email ESenrollment@schools.nyc.gov.
Federal Student Loan Repayments - Extended
As a result of the federal student loan debt cancellation litigation, the student loan payment pause has now been extended again until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 – payments will resume 60 days after that. Borrowers will be notified before payments resume. Information about contacting loan servicers can be found here.
Federal Student Loan Debt Cancellation Paused
On November 14, the federal U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit issued an injunction against the Biden Administration halting the student loan debt cancellation plan. As a result, the Federal Student Aid Office has paused acceptance of applications until further notice. More information can be found on the Federal Student Aid website here.
OMNY for Reduced Fare MetroCards
OMNY, the MTA’s contactless fare payment system, is now available for Reduced-Fare customers (this does not include Fair Fares currently). There is no need to re-apply for Reduced-Fare program – if you have a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, you can make the switch to OMNY immediately.
You can now put your Reduced-Fare benefit on a contactless credit or debit card or the digital wallet on your smart phone or wallet at any time, from anywhere, using the MTA’s online Digital Assistant. It is as easy as 1-2-3: go to omny.info to create an OMNY account, open the Assistant and enter your Reduced-Fare program info, and enter your payment info.
To switch to the OMNY system, customers will need their Reduced-Fare MetroCard number along with the bank card number that will carry the Reduced-Fare benefit. Once the contactless debit/credit or digital wallet is linked to the Reduced-Fare MetroCard, users will receive a success message and can begin using the selected payment method immediately. Those using a physical credit or debit card can tap and go using the physical card at the turnstile. Those using a smart phone or watch need to make sure the card chosen for payment is uploaded into that digital wallet.
A video demonstration of how make the switch can be found here, or call users can call the OMMY call center at 877-789-6669 (8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST any day of the week) 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
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