July 21, 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, July 26th 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.
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
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; and,
- Allowing temporary modifications to previously approved Case Supervisor Review (CSR) plans.
These waivers had previously been set to expire on July 16, 2022.
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.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC)
HEAP Emergency Benefit Closing Date
The application period for the HEAP Emergency benefit component closed on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Applications for first, second, and third benefits were accepted through close of business. Mail-in applications postmarked on or before July 20, 2022 will be accepted. Clients are only eligible for this type of benefit if they pay for a heating account and meet the eligibility requirements.
HRA Centers and Virtual Resources
HRA continues to strongly encourage clients to use ACCESS HRA to submit applications and recertifications for benefits, case changes and special grant requests to the agency. HRA is encouraging clients to only come into a Center if they are unable to complete their request online, by mail, by fax, or over the phone. HRA can help clients in person if they require assistance and are unable to use the methods described above.
FIA Job Centers and SNAP Centers can issue a temporary vault card to clients who cannot wait to receive their permanent CBIC card (which should arrive within 10 days of their case becoming active) in the mail. Clients can use ACCESS HRA or the ACCESS HRA mobile app to apply and recertify for most benefits or to get information about their case, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
HRA Center Relocations
Waverly Job Center and SNAP Center
As previously announced, the HRA Waverly Job Center and Waverly SNAP Center will each be relocating, effective Monday, August 1:
The HRA Waverly Job Center, will relocate to 109 East 16th Street. HRA will end operations at the current location on Friday, July 29th at 5:00 PM. Services will resume on Monday, August 1 at 8:30 AM at the new location. All cases will be transferred to the new location.
The HRA Waverly SNAP Center, currently located at 8-12 West 14th Street in Manhattan, will end operations at the current location effective Friday, July 29th at 5:00 PM and resume operations at the East End SNAP Center at 2322 Third Avenue in Manhattan. All Waverly SNAP-only cases will be transferred to the East End SNAP Center.
Hours of operation at 109 East 16th Street and 2322 Third Avenue are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Coney Island Job Center, SNAP Center, and Medicaid Office
On Friday we announced the relocation of the HRA Coney Island Job Center, Coney Island SNAP Center, and the Coney Island Medicaid Office. All three locations 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.
Transitional Child Care Expanded Eligibility
Effective August 1, 2022, the Transitional Child Care (TCC) eligibility will use the 300% state income standard (SIS) as a threshold rather than 200% SIS. The child care guarantee provides assistance to help eligible working families with their child care expenses. Families may be eligible to receive TCC for up to 12 months after they become ineligible for Cash Assistance (CA) or Child Care in Lieu of Cash Assistance (CILOCA) due to an increase in earned income, increased income from child support or by voluntary request.
SNAP Emergency Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who are issued SNAP benefits for July 2022. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.
These emergency allotments are scheduled to continue for one month beyond the end of the federal public health emergency. The public health emergency has been extended and is currently set to end on October 13, 2022.
On October 1, 2021, permanent changes to SNAP went into effect, resulting in a sizeable increase in the benefit issuance by household size. SNAP households have continued to receive emergency allotments on top of this permanent increase. Once the emergency allotments are no longer being issued, the permanent SNAP increase will remain in effect, but families and individuals will see a decrease in the total amount of SNAP received per month. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
Fair Fares NYC & NYC Ferry Forward
Starting in September 2022, NYC Ferry will expand its discount program to offer $1.35 one-way tickets for seniors, people with disabilities, and other riders who participate in the Fair Fares NYC program. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to apply for the ferry discount program using the NYC Ferry website or by mailing in an application. Once verified, eligible riders can buy discounted tickets through the app or from NYC Ferry ticket windows and agents. This discounted rate will make the ferry accessible to even more New Yorkers.
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 Management’s 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.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Updates
Social Security Administration offices continue to expand their in-person service, however, clients are strongly encouraged to continue going online, calling for assistance, and scheduling appointments in advance. While appointments are not required, they are strongly recommended. An appointment reduces wait times, ensures that you know what documents to bring, and reduces the number of visits to SSA offices. SSA offices tend to be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month. To learn more about scheduling an appointment and safety measures and restrictions before visiting SSA offices, visit the SSA webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.
Online services allow individuals to apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more.
Individuals who are unable to complete their business online can call the SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213 from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to speak to a representative. SSA also offers many automated telephone services 24 hours a day, without speaking to a representative.
Medicare Orientation - Understand Your Costs and Choices in Medicare
Join The NYC Department for the Aging’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at one of their bi-weekly Medicare orientation sessions. Attendees will learn about eligibility and enrollment rules, choices in Medicare, when they can make changes to their coverage, and ways that they may be able to save money on Medicare costs.
The next orientation date is Wednesday, July 27 (2 – 3:30 p.m.). Register Here
Guidance on Providing Assistance to Ukrainians
In response to the “Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act” passed by Congress on May 21, 2022, OTDA released a GIS Message explaining that effective May 21, 2022, Ukrainian humanitarian parolees are eligible for resettlement assistance and "other benefits available for refugees." This applies to Ukrainian nationals paroled into the US between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023 (this will include many participants in the Department of Homeland Security’s “Uniting for Ukraine” program) and Ukrainian nationals paroled into the US after September 20, 2023 who are either 1) a spouse or child of a Ukrainian national paroled into the US between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023; or 2) a parent, caregiver, or legal guardian of a Ukrainian national unaccompanied minor paroled into the US between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023.
DSS clients who meet the definition in the Act would be eligible for the same level of benefits as refugees including Cash Assistance (including emergency assistance), SNAP, HEAP, and Medicaid as long as they also meet the non-immigration eligibility requirements for the programs. Once an applicant is able to show that they meet the definition of a Ukrainian parolee, they will immediately meet the non-citizen requirements for these programs. There is no 5-year waiting period for eligibility for federal benefits for this group.
Free, confidential language support, including Ukrainian interpretation, is available in all DSS/HRA locations. All applicants, regardless of immigration status, should go to their nearest Center for assistance.
This new change does NOT apply to Ukrainian nationals with any other status aside from parole, or with no status, including:
- Ukrainian nationals with only Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These individuals may be eligible for State funded benefits from DSS/HRA. There is no 5-year waiting period for State funded benefits
- Ukrainian nationals with Legal Permanent Residence (green card holders). These individuals may be subject to a 5-year waiting period for federal benefits. But they may be eligible for State funded benefits from DSS/HRA without a 5-year waiting period
- Ukrainian nationals in the US on B1/B2 visitor visas
- Undocumented Ukrainian nationals
Second Round of Child Care Center Grants
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is accepting applications for a second round of child care stabilization grants made available through federal funding relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Child Care Stabilization grant (also known as Stabilization 1.0) was released on August 3, 2021 and applications were closed on November 30, 2021. Based on the success of the Child Care Stabilization 1.0 grants, OCFS will distribute another round of funds to child care providers to strengthen their infrastructure and support their workforce.
The Child Care Stabilization Grant 2.0 for Workforce Supports application period is 07/05/22- 11/30/22.
Funds will be rolled out in two phases.
Phase 1: The grant application portal opened on July 5, 2022, for recipients of Stabilization 1.0, except those that are School Age Child Care (SACC) programs.
Phase 2: The grant application portal will be available on August 22, 2022 to the following eligible child care providers:
- those eligible providers who did not receive Stabilization 1.0, and
- SACC programs who received Stabilization 1.0
Grant payments will be made directly to the child care provider. Eligible providers must be OCFS licensed or registered child care programs, NYC permitted group day cares, or enrolled legally exempt group child care programs (enrolled with an enrollment agency).
Earned Income Disregard for Summer Youth Employment Program Participants
All earned income derived from participation in the SYEP or similar workforce development program by individuals not older than 24 at the time of enrollment is exempted from the determination of need for Temporary Assistance (TA). This policy applies to all Family Assistance (FA) and Safety Net Assistance (SNA) case types.
For SNAP eligibility determinations, the earned income is excluded if the earner is a household member who is under age 18, attends elementary/high school or classes to obtain a High School Equivalency diploma, and lives with a parent or another household member who has parental control over the individual.
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) Food Benefits Updates
P-EBT Scam Text Messages
OTDA has been sending texts to households of children that are being issued their summer 2021 P-EBT benefits. It has come to the attention of HRA and OTDA that clients and some SNAP workers are receiving messages about P-EBT that appear to be suspicious.
Official texts about P-EBT will come from the phone number 877-902-0684 and include the following text:
Recipients should not respond to any messages from a different number, especially those including the following information:
Message is from: 21125686 @ access (dot) nyc (dot) gov
Message instructs the person to call 1(888) 984-1165
Message also contains the following: #MSGID 2096589 P-EBT Blocked
Summer P-EBT Benefits
Nearly all eligible children throughout the state, who had their in-person attendance reduced during the 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic will receive P-EBT food benefits. Each eligible student will receive $375 in food benefits.
Recipient households should receive a text message alert when their food benefits are distributed. Families can check www.connectebt.com to see if the summer benefit was deposited. Learn more here.
Qualifying households do not apply for the P-EBT program, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) administers the program and automatically issues benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
For assistance with general questions or to request a replacement Medicaid CBIC that was issued for P-EBT food benefits:
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 833-452-0096
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Benefits
As a reminder, all P-EBT related inquiries should be directed to the State's P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at 833-452-0096 or to the P-EBT Information Form at otda.ny.gov/PEBT-Info to submit questions in writing. 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.
Infoline Extended Hours of Operation on Wednesdays
On June 8, 2022, the Infoline call center began a pilot that extends the hours of operation on Wednesdays to 7 PM until further notice. The Infoline hours of operation will remain 8 AM to 5 PM for all other weekdays.
SNAP On-Demand Interviews
SNAP On-Demand telephone eligibility interviews resumed on June 1, 2022. SNAP recertifications that are expiring in July and SNAP applications submitted after May 31 must now complete an interview or be rejected for failing to interview.
The availability of On-Demand interviews gives clients more flexibility as they do not have to wait for HRA to call them to complete their eligibility interview. Beginning June 1st, once they submit their application or recertification form via ACCESS HRA, at a PC Bank, in-person, or by mail, clients are able to call HRA at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) anytime between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, for an “on-demand” telephone interview. If an applicant has an emergency need for SNAP they should call right after they submit their application. Clients have up to 30 days from the time they submit their form to complete an interview either over the phone or in-person.
NYC Care Health Care Access Program
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals .
NYC Care is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive initiative to guarantee health care for New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Eligibility
You must live in the five boroughs of New York City
Must not qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State
Not be able to afford health insurance based on government guidelines
To enroll: 646-NYC-CARE
Additional Resources and Information
Reproductive Rights Resources
Abortion is legal and protected in New York. Abortion services are still available to all patients seeking care. Patients seeking a medication abortion may be able to receive their medicine by mail without visiting their doctor's office. To learn more, access resources, and for help getting services, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/abortion.page.
In New York, information and resources are also available here.
HHS has launched a new website, ReproductiveRights.gov, to provide accurate, up-to-date information about access to and coverage of reproductive health care and resources.
Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James, 24 national law firms, and eight reproductive rights organizations announced the launch of a legal hotline that will provide legal guidance and resources to patients, healthcare providers, and supporters seeking information about their legal rights to access and provide abortions. The legal hotline, which is part of Attorney General James’ new Pro Bono Task Force on Reproductive Health, will be available to anyone who is seeking legal information and legal advice about abortions in New York, patients seeking to travel to New York to obtain an abortion, healthcare providers, and people and organizations providing material support. The hotline is free and will be available in the 12 most common languages spoken in New York.
Hotline Number: (212) 899-5567
Learn more about the hotline and other NY resources here.
Administration for Children and Families – Black Experience Community Roundtable Invitation
The Biden administration is continuing to advance equity and support for underserved communities, including Black people who have historically been treated poorly by human services programs over many generations. In order to facilitate this work, HHS is looking to meaningfully engage with Black individuals who have participated in various federally-funded human services programs (child care, Head Start, TANF, refugee programs, runaway and homeless youth services, foster care, adoption, child support) via virtual community roundtables to provide feedback.
Virtual 90-minute community roundtables will be held on August 3rd and 4th. HHS is interested in diverse representation from Black communities including, but not limited to those that are:
- Adults, young adults (18-24 years old), parents, and caregivers
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Persons with disabilities
- Members of the refugee and immigrant community
- Individuals who may not have engaged in discussions with federal agencies in the past
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. The June 28 primary has already occurred.
Friday, July 29 is the voter registration deadline for the August Primary Election in New York.
Wednesday, August 3 is the deadline for voters to update their address if they have moved since the last election. Voters must notify the NYC Board of Elections as soon as possible by re-registering to vote: Re-register to vote here.
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.
Saturday Night Lights Program Expansion
The Saturday Night Lights program provides safe and engaging activities for young people, providing a productive place to gather on Saturday evenings. New York City youth can enjoy an array of indoor activities at 131 sites in all five boroughs, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, dance, martial arts, and more. Saturday Night Lights is an interagency partnership through the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the New York City Department of Education (DOE), and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, working with the city’s five District Attorney’s Offices and community-based organizations that administer the programs.
On July 9, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of the Saturday Night Lights program to include 25 additional sites with an additional $1.25 million investment.
Gyms are open Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for seven weeks in the summer (through August 20), and during the school year from September 10, 2022 through June 24, 2023.
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.
Free Summer Meals
The NYC Summer Meals Program is available throughout New York City to anyone ages 18 years old and under. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks will be open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal. Learn more about Summer Meals here.
Meals are being offered from June 28 – September 2. Breakfast is provided from 8 am – 9:15 am and lunch from 11 am – 1:15 pm.
Grab and go meals are being offered. The City is also offering Halal meals.
Food service trucks offering Free Summer Meals are located at:
Manhattan: Sara D. Roosevelt - Chrystie St & Forsythe St, NY, NY 10002
Manhattan: Holcombe Rucker - 280 W. 155th Street, NY, NY 10039
Queens: Rufus King Playground - 150-29 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY 11435
How To Find Locations
Text: NYC Food to 304-304 (standard text messaging rates may apply)
Call: 311
NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides
The Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center has created 59 Neighborhood Food Resource Guides. Click HERE to find your neighborhood.
City of New York Jobs
The City of New York is hiring! Search for open positions and learn more about NYC government employment here.
Many City jobs require a civil service title. The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is responsible for administering civil service exams. Find out about upcoming civil service exams citywide by subscribing to the DCAS mailing list and select "City Jobs and Civil Service Announcements” to receive announcements for upcoming exams. Learn more here.
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.
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and audible test results. Read more about the tests.
NOTE: Due to very limited supplies when the program began, each order included only two test kits. People were asked to order these tests only if they did not have options for using the traditional kits. As of July 8, the program is expanding. People will now receive 12 test kits with each order. In addition, anyone who is blind or who has low vision is now encouraged to order the more-accessible tests.
Individuals who placed an order before July 7 and received only two tests may place another order now to receive 12 additional tests.
How to get the tests:
Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
Orders will ship free, while supplies last.
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.
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
“Test-to-Treat” Pharmacy Program
A new federal Test to Treat program gives people a fast and easy way to get lifesaving treatment for COVID-19. In this program, people can get tested at Test to Treat sites. If they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them, they can get a prescription from a healthcare provider and have the prescription filled all in one location. People can also bring test results obtained from a home testing kit to Test to Treat sites and get evaluated by a healthcare provider for treatment.
People can use the COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator to find Test to Treat sites near them. A call center is also available at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8:00 am to midnight ET, 7 days a week. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to specifically help people with disabilities access services. To get help, call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
Learn more about the program and download fact sheets in numerous languages here.
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
