July 6, 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 will provide notification as soon as we have confirmed the date of our next monthly briefing call.
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.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC)
EBT Card Skimming Scam
There is a new scam in which thieves are using card-swiping machines to steal personal information from debit and credit cards. In some cases, skimmers have been used to steal EBT card information. The thieves clone client EBT cards and are able to access and steal the benefits.
HRA is actively investigating this fraud, and is working with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to try to make clients whole.
People who experience this should call the EBT Helpline at 888.328.6399 immediately to get a new EBT card and change their PIN, then call the HRA Fraud Unit at 718.722.8001. If they know or suspect where their card was skimmed, they should call the NYPD Financial Crimes Unit at 718-330-1805.
To-date, the DSS Accountability Office has identified 2,297 distinct CINS likely effected by this scam. The investigative team at DSS-AO's Referrals and External Affairs (REA) division conducts client outreach to validate these findings. Not all clients identified by DSS-AO as potential skimming victims are responsive to investigative outreach.
DSS-AO also notes that the impacted population identified to-date is assumed to be a subset of the full scope of the issue. Our ability to identify this fact pattern through EBT transaction data is limited since we are only able to isolate the trend when benefits are being accessed simultaneously both locally and out-of-state. We are unable to identify clients who may have had their benefits skimmed, cloned, and fraudulently used at the local level, unless a client contacts us with an allegation.
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.
IDNYC Renewals
IDNYC has made renewals easy and fast with the NEW and Improved Online Portal. For those who have no changes to make, renewing online takes 5 minutes or less. Even a renewal with a change of address this can be done online, saving a trip to an enrollment center.
For those that need to make a change that requires an appointment, we have 15 convenient locations around the city open to the public. These locations require an appointment. New Yorkers can visit https://a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov/IOPWeb/IOPWeb/#/EN/Dashboard or call 311 and say “IDNYC” to learn about the amazing benefits of the card, and for more information on how to enroll or renew.
Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be done completely online without coming in to an HRA office. To apply, please visit ACCESS HRA here.
In our ongoing efforts to get the word out about this valuable benefit, 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.
While there is no need to come in to an HRA office to apply for Fair Fares, the Fair Fares NYC (FFNYC) locations have reopened, if needed. Clients are able to go to offices for help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, and to report that a card was lost/stolen/damaged/not working/lost in MTA vending machine. To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website. Clients will also able to request an in-person appointment by calling 311.
Clients who need a replacement card or a refund must mail in their card to:
Fair Fares NYC
P.O. Box 7099
New York, NY 10008-7099
Clients must include their first and last name, date of birth, and Fair Fares Client ID number in the envelope with the card.
All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.
USCIS Budget Letters for Fee Waivers
USCIS’s fee waiver process for certain applications has an option to indicate receipt of a means-tested benefit as a reason cited for requiring a fee waiver. This can be demonstrated with a budget letter from the agency administering the benefit. HRA is able to provide these letters to clients/consumers upon request, including at Centers and via ACCESS HRA.
The 4 things every budget letter for a means-tested benefit must have in order to be acceptable to USCIS for fee waiver purposes are:
- The client’s name
- The agency’s name
- The name of the benefit received
- The validity dates for the benefit
These validity dates do not need to include the date when the client originally began receiving benefits from the agency, the most recent recertification date is fine. The end date can either be the next recertification date or “12/31/9999” which is understood to mean indefinite. Either of these will be acceptable.
Please note that a signature is not required on these letters.
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.
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
Affordable Connectivity Program for Broadband Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives a discount on a household's monthly broadband internet service. If eligible, participating broadband providers will apply this discount to the household's broadband plan.
The City has created ACP flyers in 30 languages to download and use at events, programs, and more: ACP Flyers.
If eligible for the ACP, the household can receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (recipient will need to pay a copay between $10 and $50)
- Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Event by Media Justice
This July, MediaJustice Network and the National Consumer Law Center are hosting “ACP Summer” to learn all about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The event will focus on the ACP’s enhanced consumer protections, what local practitioners are seeing in their community, what the ACP complaint process is and how to get an FCC speaker for community events.
Thursday July 14th from 4-5pm ET.
Full call description is here on the registration page: bit.ly/ACPSummer. The call is public, so please feel free (and encouraged) to share. A flyer for the event is available here.
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.
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, or the end of the month subsequent to the month in which the public health emergency declaration is lifted. The public health emergency is currently set to expire on July 16, 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.
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 abut 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:
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.
Treatment of Health Care Worker Bonus Payments for TA, SNAP and HEAP
OTDA has issued guidance on how these payments will impact recipients of TA, SNAP, and HEAP, available here.
Temporary Assistance (TA)
Health Care Worker Bonus payments received by eligible individuals are excluded as income when determining eligibility for Cash Assistance. In addition, the bonus payment(s) are also excluded as a resource for Cash Assistance and emergency assistance.
The Health Care Worker Bonus payment(s) is also excluded as a lump sum for the month of receipt of the bonus payment(s) and the following two months.
For example, if a household receives the bonus payment(s) in April 2023, the district must not count it as income or a resource for April and must exempt it as a countable resource for May and June. In July, if the household has remaining funds from the bonus payment(s), the district must count the remaining funds as a resource.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
For SNAP, any Health Care Worker Bonus paid to individuals are excluded from consideration as income. For any household subject to a resource test, these payments are considered countable resources in the month received and in subsequent months as long as they remain readily available to the household.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Health Care Worker Bonus payments are excluded as countable income and liquid resources for HEAP eligibility determinations.
Revised Maximum Child Care Rates
The Maximum Child Care Rates (W-667F) form has been updated to correspond with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) current rates. OCFS establishes maximum child care market rates. The child care market rate determines the maximum amount that the Agency can pay to providers who care for children eligible for a child care subsidy. The current 2022 market rates became effective on June 1, 2022.
Hourly rates for child care assistance will no longer be permitted. Staff must review cases to identify and adjust cases that were previously paid on an hourly basis to reflect the applicable market rates.
The rate of payment for child care services provided for a child determined to have “Special Needs” will now be 15% above the market rate that would otherwise apply to such a child based on the child’s age, location of care, type of care, and rate type. The JOS/Child Care Specialists must add 15% to the current New York State Maximum Allowable Child Care Subsidy Rate that the child with Special Needs would fall under if they were not determined to have Special Needs.
Medicaid Resources and Updates
Help for beneficiaries
CMS has updated Medicaid.gov to help beneficiaries prepare for renewal of their Medicaid or CHIP coverage. The enhancements will make it easier for beneficiaries to connect to their state Medicaid agency, where they can update their contact information, get information on how to prepare for renewal and complete renewal forms.
DSS Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) is now Community Food Connection (CFC)
We are pleased to share that what was formerly the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) has a new name and new program. The Community Food Connection (CFC), is partnering with a new vendor, H. Schrier & Company, to provide supplemental food and funding to approximately 600 emergency food programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Our new model of emergency food distribution will provide a variety of fresh produce, and shelf-stable and frozen foods, and increased flexibility when ordering and setting up convenient deliveries.
For more information on DSS’ Community Food Connection, contact 929-221-7679 or efap@hra.nyc.gov.
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
New Online Portal for DFTA Volunteers
On Thursday, June 9, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) launched a new volunteer portal to to make it easier for individuals and public/private partners to sign up for opportunities to support older adults. With the portal's new streamlined process, New Yorkers can see what opportunities are available and register online.
To learn more about these opportunities, click here to explore the new portal.
Additional Resources and Information
Reproductive Rights Resources
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.
In New York, information and resources are available here.
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.
The virtual 90-minute community roundtables will be held in July (12th) and 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
Citywide Participatory Budgeting
The NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is launching NYC’s first ever citywide Participatory Budgeting process! Residents across the 5 boroughs will be able to decide how to spend $5 million of public funding.
To kick-off Phase 1: Idea Generation, the CEC is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) application for groups, entities, and organizations to apply for funding to hold Idea Generation Sessions and to support civic engagement activities in their community. In these sessions, residents can discuss their needs and priorities, learn about Participatory Budgeting, and share ideas. The application will be open to all NYC residents, including but not limited to community-based organizations, faith-based groups, school clubs, community boards, and M/WBEs.
Applicants must submit an RFI by July 8, 2022 to be considered.
Important Details:
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:
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Manhattan: Sara D. Roosevelt - Chrystie St & Forsythe St, NY, NY 10002
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Manhattan: Holcombe Rucker - 280 W. 155th Street, NY, NY 10039
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Queens: Rufus King Playground - 150-29 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY 11435
How To Find Locations
FreshConnect Checks For Veterans And Families
In collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Veterans Benefits Advisors with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services are offering FreshConnect checks to Active Duty members, veterans and their immediate family members, as well as un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans.
New York State employees who are veterans and their immediate family members are now eligible to receive FreshConnect checks. Recipients can use FreshConnect checks for fresh produce and other food items at participating farmers markets throughout New York State.
Veterans Benefits Advisors distribute FreshConnect checks on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the state of New York, beginning in July.
Each recipient or household receives a booklet of FreshConnect checks worth a total of $20 at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands. For more information, regarding farmers markets and finding the one nearest you, click here.
To find a Veterans Benefits Advisor or learn more, call 1.888.838.7697 (VETSNYS) or click here.
There are no income restrictions, combat service requirements, or length of military service requirements for a Veteran, Servicemember, or eligible family member to receive an allotment of FreshConnect Checks.
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.
SYEP MAP to $uccess
The Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP) is a comprehensive neighborhood-based strategy to increase safety through coordinated crime reduction efforts at 15 NYCHA developments across New York City.
The SYEP MAP to $uccess Program is designed to provide SYEP opportunities to youth ages 14 to 24 who currently reside in one of these MAP Housing Developments.
The goal of the MAP to $uccess is based on agency partnerships that help youth to navigate life's challenges and empower them through a project /work-based lens.
Special programming available for NYC youth through various service options:
- NYC Teens ages 14—15 can participate in paid project-based activities which will help them explore different career opportunities
- Young people ages 16—24 can apply for paid summer jobs in a variety of industries throughout NYC
Requirements:
- Must be a resident of the five boroughs of NYC.
- Legally allowed to work in the United States.
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Must be a resident of one of the identified MAP developments
Learn more about SYEP MAP to $uccess here.
Individuals with further questions about SYEP can contact NYC Community Connect at (800) 246-4646.
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Once a year, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives eligible, low-income older adults 20 dollars in coupons to buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets in New York State. Booklets are available in July and may be used through November. They are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is no cost for the coupon booklet. Farmers markets may accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits, and many markets accept the Electronic Benefits Card (EBT).
Eligibility
SFMNP checks are provided to individuals 60 years or older, who are, or affirm that they are, low-income based on income standards.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver
For a limited time, Federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced a temporary period during which borrowers may receive credit for payments that previously did not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF). This waiver makes it easier for public service employees to receive credit for more payments. All waiver forms must be submitted by October 31, 2022.
SAHMSA Behavioral Health Recovery Innovation Challenge
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced its first-ever behavioral health Recovery Innovation Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to identify innovations developed by peer-run or community-based organizations, and entities that may partner with them—such as local or state governments, health systems, hospitals, or health plans—that advance recovery.
As part of this challenge, participants are encouraged to share details about the practices they are using to advance recovery and demonstrate how these practices have: 1) expanded upon SAMHSA’s definition of recovery, or 2) helped them overcome challenges in incorporating recovery into their behavioral health services or systems.
The deadline for submission is July 15, 2022. The purse prize is up to $400,000. The competition will offer up to 10 awards, depending on the judges’ overall scores. All submission materials must be submitted through the SAMHSA Recovery Innovation Challenge page on the challenge.gov website.
NYCHA Residents CUNY Scholarships
NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability announced that applications for college scholarships are now open. One-time $1,000 grants are awarded to eligible NYCHA residents who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at a City University of New York (CUNY) college.
All applications must be submitted online by July 14, 2022.
To apply, please use the NYCHA self-service portal and select NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship on the left hand navigation pane. If an applicant does not already have access, they must create a username and password.
For a full list of scholarships and eligibility criteria, please visit here. Any questions or requests for additional information should be sent to scholarships@nycha.nyc.gov.
COVID-19 Related Updates
On June 21, the COVID-19 alert Level in NYC was reduced to “Medium” risk.
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.
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.
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.
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
