May 10, 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 bi-weekly community 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 Tuesday 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.
SNAP On-Demand Interviews
SNAP On-Demand telephone eligibility interviews will resume on June 1, 2022.
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 make this call and fulfill the interview requirement.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households receiving SNAP benefits in May 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.
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 July 16, 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.
Suspension of the Billing Process for SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid Overpayment Cases
Billings for recovery of overpayments and repayable grants for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid remains stayed through July 16, 2022, which is the date of the current extension of the public health emergency. Where we are legally required to continue collection efforts and the case is approaching the Statute of Limitations, HRA is sending a payment request letter. Enforcement actions on judgments remains stayed until July 16, 2022.
HEAP Third Emergency Benefit Available
The 2021-2022 Regular HEAP benefit closed on April 29, 2022.
A third Emergency HEAP benefit will be available from May 2, 2022, through August 31, 2022, or until funds allocated to this component are exhausted, whichever occurs first. The eligibility criteria and the benefit amounts for the third Emergency benefit will be the same as the first and second Emergency benefit. Applicants must have exhausted, or have unavailable to them, the first or second Emergency benefit to be eligible for the third Emergency benefit. First, second, and third Emergency benefits cannot be issued concurrently.
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component
The HEAP Cooling Assistance Component opened up on May 2, 2022. Applicants can now apply for NYS HEAP Cooling using ACCESS HRA.
As a reminder, an applicant household member does NOT need to have a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat to be eligible for HEAP Cooling Assistance.
HASA Updates and Resources
HASA strongly encourages clients to refrain from coming into the office when possible as COVID is still with us. When clients are required to provide documentation, they can do so via ACCESS HRA, US Mail or drop boxes located in the HASA offices. Clients can request a postage paid self-addressed envelope for the purpose of mailing in completed forms to the centers, and clients using lock boxes can request an envelope at the reception desk that they can seal their documents in.
Clients seeking emergency housing can call the HASA office and receive placement via telephone at (212) 971-0626. Clients can also recertify Cash Assistance cases and access case management services via telephone.
Clients with questions can call Service Line (212) 971-0626.
ACCESS HRA Updates
The NYC Department of Social Services - Human Resources Administration (DSS HRA) is pleased to announce the following ACCESS HRA updates are now live.
Featured updates within ACCESS HRA client portal:
- New HEAP Cooling Application
- Clients are now able to submit an application for HEAP Cooling Assistance on ACCESS HRA.
- View HEAP Benefits on ACCESS HRA
- Clients can now view HEAP case information such as:
- Application/case status for this season and last season
- Payment information
- Vendor name
- Request Child Care on Cash Assistance Cases
- Active Cash Assistance clients are now able to request or change their childcare. As a reminder, cash assistance clients must be working or participating in an HRA work activity in order to be eligible for childcare from HRA
- Ability to pursue Child Support on Cash Assistance Cases
- Clients submitting a Cash Assistance application or recertification now have the ability to indicate if they are able to pursue child support for an absent parent or if they are unable to for fear of potential harm to them or the child(ren)
- A LexisNexis integration will enhance the agency’s ability to perform residency verifications
- Fair Fares Document Completion
- Clients now have the ability to indicate they have completed the upload of the required documents needed to process the Fair Fares initial and Fair Fares Renewal applications to bypass the 10-day document upload hold
- Fair Fares Access-A-Ride Request
- Clients now have the ability to cancel their Access-A-Ride request, if their application is pending approval or has not been verified by NYCT
- Fair Fares Access-A-Ride and MetroCard Question
- Updates were made to make it clear to the client that they can only choose either a Metro Card or Access-A-Ride discount
Featured updates within ACCESS HRA mobile app:
- HEAP Benefits on ACCESS HRA Mobile App
- Clients are now able to view their HEAP benefits within the ACCESS HRA mobile app
- Clients who have submitted a HEAP cooling application will see a list of documents they need to return to the agency and will be able to submit them directly from the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
IDNYC Updates
IDNYC is a free municipal ID card for all New Yorkers that not only provides government photo identification, but can serve as a library card, provides free memberships to more than 30 cultural institutions, qualifies an individual for discounts at health and wellness centers, and a multitude of other benefits. New Yorkers can also use the card to access City services, and apply for jobs when submitted with proof of work authorization. Certain financial institutions will accept IDNYC as identification to open a bank account.
Renewing IDNYC:
Individuals may renew their IDNYC card starting 90 days before and up to 1 year after the expiration date on their card, and are encouraged to complete the renewal application online.
The IDNYC Program has expanded the renewal period for all cardholders whose cards expired in 2020. If a card expired in 2020 or 2021, the cardholder may renew their card through December 31, 2022. After this date, the cardholder will need to submit a new application at an Enrollment Center.
Services provided at Enrollment Centers are currently available by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted. To schedule an appointment, visit the Online Portal and click “Make an Appointment” or call 311 and say IDNYC. View the latest information about open Enrollment Centers by visiting the Locations page.
Temporary Expansion of SNAP Eligibility for College Students
With the extension of the public health emergency through July 16, 2022, the amended SNAP federal eligibility qualifications for student now runs through August 16, 2022, or 30 days after the COVID–19 federal public health emergency is lifted.
Rent Freeze and Homeowner Tax Exemption Events for People with Disabilities/65+
New Yorkers with a disability or over the age of 65 may be eligible for the NYC Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) Program to help participants stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent.
To be eligible, individuals must:
- Be 62 years old OR at least 18 years old and disabled
- Be the primary tenant named on the lease/rent order or have been granted succession rights in a rent controlled, rent stabilized or a rent regulated hotel apartment;
- Have a combined household income for all members of the household that is $50,000 or less; and
- Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent.
Join the Public Engagement Unit (PEU) at one of their upcoming library office hours to learn more about how you could freeze your rent or get a homeowner tax exemption:
- Brooklyn Central Library Wednesday, 5/18, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238
- Seward Park Library Thursday, 5/19, 10:30am - 2:30 pm, 192 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
- Francis Martin Library Wednesday, 5/25, 10:30am - 2:30 pm, 2150 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10453
Interested individuals who can’t attend the events can also speak to a PEU Specialist directly by calling the rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption hotline at (929) 252-7242.
NYC Tenant Helpline
The Tenant Helpline was launched in April 2021 by NYC to serve as a one-stop shop to inform New York City tenants about their rights and connect them to housing-related resources, including free legal services:
- Information and education on tenant rights
- Referrals for enforcement
- Landlord/tenant mediation
- Referrals to cash assistance, SNAP, Homebase
- Other resources to help tenants feel safe and secure in their homes
The Tenant Helpline is staffed by housing Specialists from PEU's Tenant Support Unit (TSU) who can triage a wide variety of calls and immediately determine whether a client will need comprehensive case management or a simple referral (to another agency or CBO). To accurately identify a client's needs and provide them with the personalized care necessary to address sensitive cases requires extensive training, and our Specialists are uniquely equipped with the skills required for these conversations.
Additional Resources and Information
DYCD’s CBO/MWBE Exchange
This year’s CBO/MWBE Exchange Conference, “Empowering Communities, Advancing Businesses,” is a dynamic one-day event connecting New York City and State-certified Minority/Woman-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) to contract opportunities with New York City Not-for-Profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Participants will engage in content-rich sessions focused on the benefits of CBO partnerships, how to support locally-led change while growing a business, and ways to empower leaders and organizations with ideas and expertise.
Registration is FREE and includes a downloadable list of upcoming CBO contract opportunities.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Volunteering With NYC Parks
Wednesday, 5/18, 6 - 7 pm: Partnerships for Parks (PfP) and NYC Parks Stewardship present a webinar that showcases the different stewardship and volunteering opportunities within NYC Parks and PfP. Learn more about leading stewardship projects in parks, natural areas, and on street trees, and pitching in to paint, clean, rake, and care for our city’s park system. Click here to register.
Love Your Block Grants
Love Your Block (LYB) is a special partnership between NYC Service and Citizens Committee for New York City that provides a unique opportunity for City residents to transform and beautify their neighborhoods while leveraging City services. Resident-led volunteer groups (grantees) receive a grant of up to $1,000 to transform a city block. Grantees receive project-planning and community-building assistance, as well as assistance with local media coverage for the project.
Additionally, LYB grantees are able to receive facilitated access to services provided by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NYC Department of Transportation, and Department of Sanitation of New York to help improve their block.
NYC Save for College Program Updates and Resources
Starting this school year, and every year going forward, kindergarten students enrolled in a New York City public school — including participating charter schools — automatically receive a scholarship account invested in a NY 529 Direct Plan, with an initial $100 from NYC Kids RISE, unless their families choose not to participate.
Families of NYC kindergarteners participating in the Save for College Program can go to nyckidsrise.org/activate to activate and view their kindergarteners’ new NYC Scholarship Accounts and start earning more money for their educational futures.
The Save for College Program is a scholarship and savings platform that provides families, schools and communities with a way to work together to invest in and save for children’s futures. The public-private-community partnership is designed to make college and career training more accessible and achievable for public school students, regardless of their income or immigration status.
Special Education Website to Support Families and Education Professionals
The Educational Partnership is a professional development and technical assistance network run through the New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education, and is designed to support and empower schools and families in improving equity, access, opportunities, and outcomes for students with disabilities.
The Educational Partnership has recently launched a new website, intended to be used by the public, including parents and families of students with disabilities, young adults with disabilities and education professionals. The website includes contact information for Regional Educational Partnership Centers and Family and Community Engagement Centers as well as links to register for upcoming professional development and training offerings.
Questions or requests for more information may be directed to the Office of Special Education at osepartnership@nysed.gov.
City & State Diversity Summit for MWBE’s
New York’s government is striving to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs & working hard to eliminate barriers to participation in state contracts. Connect with key government agencies, prime contractors and state & local representatives at the City & State Diversity Summit, a full-day conference dedicated to fostering business partnerships between the state and local government, prime contractors and MWBEs.
Thu, May 19, 2022
9:00 AM – 3:35 PM EDT
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
1 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10012
DOE - Family and Caretaker Zoom Series
- June 8 - “Tips on how to Advocate for your Student's Needs in School”
Summer Rising 2022: Kindergarten Through Grade 8
Summer Rising is a partnership between the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), and will connect elementary and middle school students to fun, culturally relevant, hands-on experiences to strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills. Summer Rising is free and open to any NYC student currently in kindergarten through grade 8. Seats are limited, so families should apply early to secure a seat at their preferred location. Students who are required by their school to attend over the summer are guaranteed a spot.
The program will begin July 5, and will run Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the months of July and August. Students will be provided with free breakfast and lunch, with snacks available in the afternoon on request. Learn more at nyc.gov/SummerRising. Applications for the program opened on April 25 on a first come first served basis. For questions or support with the application, contact summer@schools.nyc.gov.
COVID-19 Related Updates
New York City entered a “Medium” risk level for COVID-19 on May 2, with health officials advising residents to take extra precautions when out in public. At this time, the city has not announced any new restrictions or mask/vaccine mandates. Learn more about the NYC COVID-19 alert levels here.
“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.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Test Scams
There have been reports of scams which claim to provide at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for personal or medical information. Individuals should not give out Medicare Numbers for COVID-19 test kits.
As a reminder, each household in the U.S. can access four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing.
Call 800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
Free, at-home testing for COVID-19 is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. To schedule an in-home appointment, call (929) 298-9400 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 p.m. (7 days a week). For more information visit the NYC COVID-19 Testing Locations site
Testing in NYC
Free testing continues to be available at City-run sites throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Sites page includes detailed information about all City-run mobile, brick-and-mortar, and micro testing sites across the five boroughs, including location, schedule, and types of testing offered. Locations of testing sites can also be accessed by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.
COVID-19 testing at most City-run sites is walk-in only. All New Yorkers are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites allow pre-registration through this link, which will streamline check-in upon arrival.
To search for all nearby testing sites, including those not affiliated with the City, please visit the NYC Testing Locations site. NYC Test & Trace recommends calling these testing sites before visiting. Please note that some sites that are not City-run may charge for testing.
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 bi-weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our bi-weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our bi-weekly call 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 bi-weekly 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
