July 26, 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.
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.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Update
Additional funds to support the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) were included in the 2022-23 New York State budget. As a result of the additional funding, State OTDA has indicated that they are actively reviewing and processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through June 30, 2022. This is an extension of the previous March 31, 2022 date.
NOTE: Under State law, applications submitted by subsidized housing tenants - including NYCHA, section 8, and FHEPS - cannot be paid until after all other eligible applicants have been reviewed and paid.
Extension of Public Health Emergency
The Biden Administration has extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 3 months. The PHE is now scheduled to expire on October 13, 2022.
Waiver Extensions
As previously announced, OTDA has extended a waiver permitting New Yorkers to submit SNAP and Cash Assistance applications and recertifications by telephone with HRA staff. In order to submit an application by telephone, applicants should reach out to Infoline to be referred for assistance. The waiver is extended through close of business on September 30, 2022.
The following waivers are also extended through the same time frame:
- Domestic violence waivers;
- Enabling districts with local procedures or other processes that require frequent contact with individuals experiencing homelessness and residing in emergency housing to conduct these contacts via phone, with reduced frequency, as appropriate for the population; and,
- Allowing temporary modifications to previously approved Case Supervisor Review (CSR) plans.
These waivers were previously set to expire on July 16, 2022.
Heat Emergencies and Cooling Centers
On extremely hot days, the National Weather Service may issue a heat emergency advisory. During these heat emergency days, the City offers additional resources for residents. Visit the NYC Department of Emergency Managements Beat the Heat website to learn more about extreme heat in NYC.
During heat emergencies, the City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Visit the Cooling Center Finder or contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to find out whether a cooling center is open near you.
Fair Fares NYC Enrollment
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online, without visiting an HRA office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!
While there is no need to visit an HRA office to apply or renew, Fair Fares NYC locations have reopened and are available to help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, or to report an issue with a Metrocard. Call 311 or find a location here.
Rainfall Ready NYC Action Plan
Protecting New Yorkers from the damaging effects of stormwater flooding in the immediate term requires action from both City government and New Yorkers. Rainfall Ready NYC outlines the shared responsibilities New Yorkers and City government can do to combat intense storms together, today.
Together, we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe and minimize property damage while larger scale infrastructure is designed and built.
Visit the Rainfall Ready NYC page for more information on how to plan, prepare, monitor, and recover from storms.
HRA Center Relocations
Waverly Job Center and SNAP Center
The HRA Waverly SNAP Center, currently located at 8-12 West 14th Street in Manhattan, will end operations at the current location, due to a loss of lease, effective Friday, July 29th at 5:00 PM. We are consolidating our operations at 12West 14th Street with 109 East 16th Street which are in close proximity of each other.
Clients will not experience any changes in their receipt of services and may avail themselves of in-person SNAP-related services at any HRA Job or SNAP center they choose to visit, including 109 East 16th Street which is the closest center.
Clients are not required to appear in person but if they choose to, they can go to any of our location and avail themselves of the following services:
- Drop off an application, recertification or supportive documentation with a staff member if they choose;
- Speak to a SNAP staff member regarding any issues with their application or case at Customer Service & Information Center (CSIC);
- Receive an in-person eligibility interview with a SNAP staff member if they so choose;
- File an application or recertification for benefits at a PC bank; and
- Utilize the self-service scanners to submit any supportive documentation.
Coney Island Job Center, SNAP Center, and Medicaid Office
As previously announced, the HRA Coney Island Job Center, Coney Island SNAP Center, and the Coney Island Medicaid Office will move to a new location at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn beginning Monday, August 15th at 8:30 AM.
The Coney Island SNAP Center is currently located at 2857 West 8th Street. The Coney Island Job Center and Medicaid Office are currently located at 3050 West 21st Street. Operations will end at these locations on Friday, August 12th at 5:00 PM.
All cases will be transferred to the new location. Regular operating hours at 1912 Mermaid Avenue will be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Signs will be posted outside of the current locations in lower Manhattan and Coney Island to notify clients of the relocation. Flyers will be posted in the waiting areas at each Job Center and SNAP Center, and notification will be posted in the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Authorized Resource Center (MARC) system, which is available to Medicaid advocates and providers. Additionally, HRA plans to send notifications to all current clients of the Waverly Job Center and SNAP Center, and Coney Island Job Center and SNAP Center, respectively.
HRA continues to encourage clients to use remote or online services through ACCESS HRA to complete and submit Cash Assistance (CA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications and recertifications, to submit supporting documentation, to manage their case, and to view case information.
Clients who are unable to use ACCESS HRA may also submit completed CA, HEAP, and SNAP applications, as well as supporting documentation, using self-service drop boxes at all CA and SNAP sites, or using the self-service PC banks and scanners available at all HRA SNAP and Job Centers, including at 109 East 16th Street and 2322 Third Avenue in Manhattan, and at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn.
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.
Earned Income Disregard for Summer Youth Employment Program Participants
As a reminder, 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.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) and Emergency Benefit
The application period for the HEAP Emergency benefit component has also closed as of Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Mail-in applications must be postmarked on or before July 20, 2022 to meet the deadline. Clients are only eligible for this type of benefit if they pay for a heating account and meet the eligibility requirements.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Inquiries
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.
IDNYC for All New Yorkers
In the last seven years since the launch of IDNYC, this innovative program not only became an international model for cities globally but has provided more than 1 million New Yorkers with proof of identification, which is vital for vulnerable individuals looking to access the city resources and support to which they are entitled.
This is the perfect time to enroll – or renew – in IDNYC, as we build a more equitable, diverse, and accessible city for every New Yorker, regardless of background. If you already have your card, remember that now it’s easier than ever to renew it.
Renew your IDNYC card here to enjoy the many benefits it offers, including free memberships to more than 30 arts venues and discounts to many others; discounts at Costco, Citi Bike, Zip Car Blink Fitness, and more; discounts at Food Bazaar stores in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx; faster check-in for your appointments at Health + Hospitals; as a citywide library card at the Brooklyn, New York, and Queens Public Library systems, and more.
Additional Resources and Information
GetCoveredNYC and NYC Care Healthcare Week of Action
Tuesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 30 the Public Engagement Unit’s GetCoveredNYC team is partnering with NYC Care to let New Yorkers know there are options available to seek health care that fits their budget. If you need support in enrolling in health care, please contact GetCoveredNYC at nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC or call 311 and say “GetCoveredNYC” to speak with a Specialist today.
The Public Engagement Unit (PEU) and Univision’s “Contigo A Salvo” Host Events at NYC Parks
Join PEU and Univision to raise awareness about City resources as well as Univision’s Contigo A Salvo initiative to promote swimming safety at pools and parks. Join us Thursday, July 28, 4-6pm at Highbridge Park in Manhattan outside the pool area for tabling and music. The next event will be Thursday, August 4, 4-6pm at Orchard Beach.
City Council Re-Districting
The New York City Districting Commission has released draft maps for the 51 NYC Council districts; average resident count in a district grew from the current 160,710 to 172,882. These maps are based on the 2020 US Census, showing growth of 600,000+ new New Yorkers since 2010; and also on input from 500+ NYC residents who testified at public hearings held in each borough last spring.
The Commission will now hold another set of five hearings in each of the boroughs to get public feedback on these new maps: Aug. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22. More information can be found here. Testimony also may be provided via Zoom during the public hearings, by email at publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov, and by mail at 235 Broadway, NY, NY 10007.
Cash-less Retail Establishment Ban
The City Council passed a law banning cashless retail establishments in late 2020. The City continues to accept complaints from residents concerning cashless business. Please email complaints to consumers@dca.nyc.gov, and provide as many details as possible.
The City’s Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection has so far received a total of 572 complaints, issued more than 90 cease-and- desist letters, conducted 212 inspections, issued 161 violations to 64 businesses, and assessed $169,350 in penalties.
NYC Racial Justice Commissioner Ballot Proposals
Click the links above to learn more.
Suicide and Crisis Emergency Hotline
There is a new Suicide and Mental Health Crisis hotline (like 911 for mental health). This new emergency number is 988. More information can be found here.
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.
This 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.
Updated Alternatives to Incarceration and Reentry Program Booklets
The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ)-funded Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs and Community Justice Reentry Network have released updated program booklets to reflect changes to program contacts and services. These program booklets are geared toward individuals seeking services, service providers, judges, prosecutors, defenders, and other City agencies interested in these services and supporting justice-involved individuals.
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.
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.
Grandparent Resource Center (GRC)
The Department for the Aging’s (DFTA) Grandparent Resource Center can help older adults with primary caregiver responsibilities for their grandchild or another young relative. Grandparent Resource Center services include:
- Workshops on legal issues, benefits and entitlements, nutrition, budgeting, and other topics
- Referrals and information about available resources and services
- Peer support groups and guidance on starting individual groups
- Virtual Empowerment Series course for kinship caregivers
- Computer classes and technology support
- Parenting a Second Time Around classes
- Grandparent Sensitivity training, Kinship Care 101 for professionals and the basics of kinship care for caregivers
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.
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
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
