November 3, 2023



Dear Community Partner:


Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the community-wide conference calls, continues to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions.


As a reminder, sign up here to be added to the list of invitees for our quarterly community call and sign up here to be added to our distribution list to receive this weekly communication. The next community call will be held on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Invites with the Zoom link are sent the week prior to the calls.


Important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications are on our DSS Community Updates page. I encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered.


EBT Skimming Replacement Benefits Deadline Extension


Previously, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) stated that the below households impacted by electronic benefit theft had until October 31, 2023 (or 30 days from the date of discovery) to submit claims for replacement benefits.


  • Households that had SNAP benefits stolen from October 1, 2022, to August 20, 2023 and/or
  • Households Cash Assistance benefits stolen from January 1, 2022, to August 20, 2023.


Effective November 1, 2023, the deadline for these households has been extended through December 31, 2023.


Retroactive claims submitted through December 31, 2023 (or 30 days from the date of discovery) for the theft periods above will be considered timely and eligible for replacement (so long as all other conditions are met).


All other retroactive claims which fall outside of the periods listed above must be submitted within 30 days from the date the household discovered the theft.

Visit OTDA’s website or HRA’s Benefit Replacement page for more information on the extended submission dates. 


Important Skimming Claims Update


HRA has noticed a common error being made during the skimming claims submission process. 


When clients are using ConnectEBT to pull transaction dates, they must use the “Transaction” date (far left, circled in the screenshot at the bottom of this communication), and NOT the “Settlement” date.


We have seen a number of claims making this error, causing rejection or approval of a very low benefit amount, because the skimmed benefits were not transacted on the dates listed on the claim form.


Following the inconsistencies previously shared regarding the “Providers” app, we can confirm that the company has now resolved the issue. As a reminder, when obtaining transaction history online, both OTDA and HRA recommend relying on ConnectEBT to obtain this information instead of third-party applications. When assisting clients with submitting their claims, please confirm that the correct date information is entered.


Refer to the OTDA LDSS-5066 Cardholder Online EBT Account User Guide for instructions on using ConnectEBT. The User Guide is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.


IDNYC


Launched in 2015, IDNYC is the largest and most successful municipal ID program in the country!


IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. IDNYC benefits all city residents, including the most vulnerable communities - unhoused, youth, formerly incarcerated, and others who may have difficulty obtaining government-issued photo ID. The IDNYC card is free for all New Yorkers.


The free, municipal identification card for New York City residents, ages 10 and up, provides access to a wide variety of services and programs offered by the City. For cardholders 16 and older, cards are valid for five years from the date the application was approved. For cardholders under the age of 16, cards are valid for two years from the date the application was approved. IDNYC cardholders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institutions across the five boroughs. IDNYC can be used as your public library card, to access your own and your child's immunization records, and to open a bank account at select financial institutions.


You can schedule an appointment through IDNYC's Online Portal to apply for an IDNYC in person at an IDNYC Enrollment Center or an IDNYC Pop-Up Enrollment Center. Appointments are highly encouraged. During your appointment, you will fill out an application and present proof of identity and New York City residency. Many types of documents are accepted, all of which are listed on the Document Calculator. After you submit your application, and the application is approved your card will be sent to you in the mail.


Do not delay submitting your renewal application online. Learn how to renew your card today. To enroll, visit one of the IDNYC locations near you.


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Issuance


On Sept. 30, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (continuing resolution) into law, funding the federal government through Nov. 17, 2023. Under the terms and conditions of the continuing resolution, SNAP benefits will be issued through the end of December 2023.


In other words, SNAP benefits for November and December will remain unimpacted by a potential federal government shutdown. Replacement SNAP benefits for EBT skimming victims will also be unimpacted and issued accordingly through December 2023. Additional information is available in this USDA policy memorandum.


Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Waiver Extension


The USDA has granted an extension of the statewide waiver of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements through February 28, 2025. The waiver was previously set to expire on February 29, 2024. 


Therefore, ABAWD clients will continue to not be subject to the ABAWD requirements through February 28, 2025. 


Cash Assistance Six-Month Mailer Recertification Waiver


Effective immediately, the State OTDA has approved the City’s request to waive the regulation requiring households in receipt of Cash Assistance to complete the six-month mail-in recertification if the household is identified as having no earned income in order to maintain eligibility for CA benefits.


These households will still be required to complete a recertification once every twelve (12) months and to report any changes to the household circumstances (composition, income, etc) within ten (10) days of the change.


Households receiving CA will be reminded of their 10-day reporting requirement by HRA in the first month they would normally receive their 6-month mailer. The notice also provides information on how they can submit changes to their circumstances to the agency. 


Households sent six-month mail-in recertifications prior to the date of the OTDA announcement (October 3rd, 2023) should still complete and return the requested documentation in order to have their continuing eligibility determined. 


Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds (PEAF) Family Economic Support Payment


On October 14, 2023, PEAF benefits were issued to active Cash Assistance cases that contained children aged 17 and under in the month of September 2023. Each eligible household received an issuance of $100.00.


As a reminder, PEAF was established with the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on March 11, 2021. PEAF provides short term, non-recurring funding to assist needy families impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.


New SNAP Standards and Changes to New York State Nutrition Improvement Project (NYSNIP) Benefit Amounts - October 1, 2023


New SNAP standards went into effect on October 1, 2023 and some items used to figure the amount of SNAP benefits a household gets has changed. These changes are a result of federally-required changes to the following standards and deductions. The information below outlines the new standards:


  • The Standard Deduction for households of one to three persons is $198.
  • The Standard Deduction for households of four persons is $208.
  • The Standard Deduction for households of five persons is $244.
  • The Standard Deduction for households of six persons or more is $279.
  • The SNAP Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction is $672.
  • The SNAP Maximum Homeless Shelter Deduction is $179.66.
  • The Boarder/Lodger Exclusion is $291 for one person and $535 for two persons


The standard deduction amounts that are now used in the annual SNAP mass re-budgeting effective October 1, 2023, are also at the bottom of this communication.


The minimum allotment for one and two-person households remain $23.


The new Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) amounts for NYC, as of October 1, 2023 are:

Heating/Air Conditioning SUA:

  • Old SUA : $1,002
  • New SUA : $992


Basic Utility SUA:

  • Old SUA : $395
  • New SUA : $391


Phone SUA: $31


The new Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) thresholds effective October 1, 2023 are at the bottom of this communication.


These changes may affect the amount of SNAP benefits New Yorkers get. Depending on their individual circumstance, the amount of their monthly SNAP benefit may not change, or it may decrease or increase as a result of these changes.


For more information about updated federal poverty levels and October 2023 changes to SNAP, click here.


Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program Overview and Application Webinar


In an effort to support our community partners and their work with our shared clients, the DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) is currently offering a virtual Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program Overview and Application Webinar to community partner organizations.


This webinar provides an overview of the Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) ACCESSHRA application process and will simulate a mock application. After completion, participants will have general familiarity with the Medicaid and MSP benefits and the ACCESS HRA application process. This training will not cover Medicaid or MSP eligibility criteria.


If you’re a community-based organization, municipal agency, or staffer for an Elected official, please click here to register for an upcoming session.


If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.


For more information on additional Medicaid training (including eligibility training) please visit the MAP Authorized Resource Center (MARC) website: MAP Authorized Resource Center (nyc.gov)


HRA Return to Mandatory (RTM) - October 2, 2023


On October 2, 2023, HRA began making mandatory appointments for Cash Assistance recipients who are required to participate in an Employment Services program.


Engagement with HRA Employment Services and Support Administration (ESSA) providers is mandatory for Cash Assistance recipients but was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment Services offers Cash Assistance clients opportunities to learn new skills, improve their chances of connecting to careers, works closely with clients to identify opportunities that match their needs, skills, and career goals, with a goal of establishing long-term financial stability and security. Clients work with an appropriate Employment Services providers as described below. These providers will also assist clients who need them with connecting to childcare services.


CareerCompass assists clients with finding employment, training, or education programs, as well as internship and community service opportunities, to match their skills and reach their goals.


YouthPathways provides career, education, and training services for clients ages 18-24, including internships and community service opportunities tailored to their goals and needs.


CareerAdvance offers career, education, and training services in specific employment sectors, including people with limited English proficiency and older adults.


WeCARE provides a continuum of services to help cash assistance clients and applicants with medical and/or mental health conditions that affect their employability to attain their maximum levels of self-sufficiency.


Substance Use Centralized Assessment Program (SUCAP) provides assessment and referral treatment based on client needs for clients with a substance use disorder.


Office of Reasonable Accommodations (ORA) provides a clinical review of requests for Reasonable Accommodations that support clients with physical, mental, or medical disabilities in accessing HRA programs and services. ORA clinicians review clinical documentation and make recommendations on Reasonable Accommodation requests that support clients in accessing HRA programs and services.  


SNAP Eligibility for Undocumented Individuals and Minors


In response to questions received during our 9/19 community call regarding SNAP eligibility for undocumented minors, we are providing the below information for clarity on SNAP eligibility. Children as well as adults who fall under the following categories are eligible for SNAP immediately, as long as they also meet all other program requirements:

  • Refugees
  • Asylees
  • Cuban/Haitian Entrants
  • Victims of Human Trafficking
  • Those who have been granted withholding of removal
  • Ukrainian parolees paroled on or after 2/24/2022
  • Afghan Evacuees with appropriate documentation indicating they were a part of Operation Allies Welcome


Additionally, children under 18 are eligible to receive SNAP (as long as they also meet all other program requirements) if they are:

  • Lawful Permanent Residents, regardless of numbers of years in qualified status
  • Paroled for one year or more, regardless of country of origin
  • Qualified battered noncitizens or the children thereof


DSS encourages all those who feel they need benefits to apply for benefits. All are eligible to apply for benefits regardless of immigration status. Benefits eligibility determinations will be made on an individual, case by case basis, using the documentation and information submitted by applicants.


We appreciate these questions and the opportunity this provides us to offer clarity on questions and concerns that are impacting our community partners.


EBT Skimming Benefit Replacement Resources


Following the launch of the EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefit claims process, DSS/HRA released the following resources which are available by visiting https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/benefitreplacement.page.


These resources are available in the following languages: Arabic, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Urdu.


The materials can be ordered through DPOS using the instructions below:


Community Partners interested in ordering materials from HRA and are ordering for the first time, should email DPOS (Design and Print Ordering System) Customer Service at DPOSCustomerService@dss.nyc.gov to have their organization/agency registered in the system. Once completed, the requestor will receive an email with a link to create an account, allowing their organization/agency the ability to order from HRA's catalog.


Organizations and agencies with already existing DPOS accounts, should log into their account using the appropriate link below:


Additionally, DSS created a social media toolkit for increasing awareness of the EBT skimming benefit replacement claims process. Help us spread the word on social media.

  • The toolkit can be accessed here and is available in each of the Local Law languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese - Simplified & Traditional, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu).


Process for Requesting Replacement Benefits for SNAP & Cash Victims of EBT Skimming


As of Monday, August 21, 2023, NYC households can now submit claims to the NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration at nyc.gov/hra to request the replacement of SNAP and/or Cash Assistance benefits stolen electronically.


As a result of the Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now permits states to use SNAP funds to issue replacement benefits to households who had a scam-related electronic benefit theft of SNAP benefits on or after October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024.


Similarly, the NYS Legislature enacted a law that permits the issuance of replacement benefits for households who had a scam-related electronic benefit theft of Cash Assistance benefits on or after January 1, 2022.


Clients are not required to have an active SNAP or Cash Assistance case to submit a claim for replacement benefits. Clients with a closed or rejected case should submit a claim for replacement benefits under their old case number rather than submitting a new SNAP or Cash Assistance application.


What should clients do if their SNAP or Cash Assistance benefits are stolen?


If a client’s SNAP or Cash benefits are stolen, they must complete the following steps in order to request replacement benefits:

  • Report their EBT card as lost or stolen immediately after realizing the theft: Prior to submitting a claim for replacement benefits, clients are required to take the following steps to ensure their benefits are protected: report their EBT card lost or stolen, request a new card and change their account PIN by visiting https://www.connectebt.com/ or calling EBT Customer Service at 888-328-6399. Note: Clients are not required to report the benefit theft to the NYPD in order to submit a claim for replacement benefits with DSS/HRA. If clients have already reported their EBT card as lost or stolen after the theft, they do not need to report it lost or stolen again to submit a claim.
  • Obtain EBT Transaction history: Part of the process of requesting replacement SNAP and/or Cash Assistance benefits requires clients to review and make note of their EBT transaction history so that they can report the following information for each fraudulent transaction: the date the transaction occurred, the name and address of the business where the transaction occurred, the benefit type (whether Cash Assistance or SNAP), and the amount of each fraudulent transaction. The transaction history will include mostly transactions that clients remember making and purchases that they’re familiar with, from stores that they frequent. However, there is also the possibility that they may see transactions that look strange—from stores they’ve never shopped at, maybe even in states that they’ve never visited. These kinds of transactions may indicate potentially fraudulent activity. Clients should consider fraudulent transactions to be ones that they did not make or consent to. DSS/HRA recommends that clients use any of the following methods to obtain their EBT transaction history:
  • Option 1: Accessing EBT transaction history at https://www.connectebt.com/ or by downloading the ConnectEBT mobile app (available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store). Please refer to the OTDA LDSS-5066 Cardholder Online EBT Account User Guide for instructions on creating a Connect EBT account, reporting a CBIC card lost or stolen, requesting a new card, changing the account PIN, and reviewing transaction history. The User Guide is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. Please note: If clients have never used Connect EBT, they will need to create an account using an email address and valid EBT Card Number. If they have reported their card stolen, they will need to wait for their new card to arrive to create a ConnectEBT account.
  • Option 2: Call the toll-free EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-328-6399. Through the Customer Service line, clients can access an automated menu that allows them to hear their ten most recent transactions. Clients can also use the automated menu to request a two-month statement of their account history. Clients can also review transactions with and request a two-month statement from a live Customer Service representative. Agents are available 24/7 and offer assistance in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Submit a Claim for Replacement Benefits: After reviewing their transaction history and identifying the fraudulent transactions, the client can then submit their claim to DSS/HRA. To file the claim, they will need the following:
  • Client Identification Number (CIN) of the head of household or case payee
  • Case Number
  • Current Mailing Address
  • Date, location, benefit type, and amount of each fraudulent transaction.


How can clients submit claims for replacement SNAP and/or Cash benefits?


Clients can submit a claim for replacement SNAP and/or CA benefits using any of the following methods:

  • Online at nyc.gov/hra: Submitting a claim online is the fastest and easiest way to file! Filing a claim online may take as little as 10 minutes if the fraud has already been reported and the client has reviewed & identified the suspected fraudulent transactions. Submitting an online claim is strongly recommended by DSS/HRA.
  • By Mail: Clients can print a paper claim form from nyc.gov/hra, or they can obtain a paper claim form by calling DSS One Number (718-557-1399) and requesting a form be mailed to them. Paper claim forms are also available in the local BAC or SNAP Center. Completed paper applications can be mailed to:


Department of Social Services

PO BOX 02-9121

Brooklyn GPO, Brooklyn, NY 11202



When should a client expect to receive a decision on their claim? 


Once a claim is submitted, the client should allow up to 30 calendar days to receive a decision notice in the mail. Clients should anticipate receiving their replacement benefits on their newest and most recently used EBT card at or around the time they receive their notice of determination.


Need Help Submitting A Claim?


If clients need assistance submitting their claims or have questions about the overall process, community-based organizations across the city can help. For more information on the assistance available or to schedule an appointment, clients should contact their preferred local organization at the phone numbers provided in the following links:


DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefits Webinar


In an effort to support our community partners and their work with our shared clients, the DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) is currently offering virtual EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefit training to community partner organizations.


Currently this training take place twice a week and provide detailed information on EBT card skimming, reporting fraudulent account activity, the requirements for submitting a claim to DSS/HRA, as well as a walkthrough of the electronic and paper claim forms.


If you’re a community-based organization, municipal agency, or staffer for an Elected official, please click here to register for an upcoming session.


We encourage all community partners to attend this training to familiarize themselves with the replacement benefit process and assist in ensuring that New Yorkers impacted by EBT skimming have the support they need to successfully file a claim.


Organizations interested in requesting a dedicated EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefits Webinar for ten or more staff members should submit their requests via the DSS Training Request Form. The DSS Office of Community Engagement will follow up with interested organizations on a first-come, first-served basis, and will accommodate training requests pending availability.


If you have any questions about the EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefit Claim process or training, please contact the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.


DSS Offering Skimming Outreach and Application Support for CBOs and Elected Officials


The DSS Office of Community Outreach is available to support community efforts to provide information and skimming claim application support to your clients and constituents. We have staff available to co-host outreach and assistance pop up events at your locations, or in collaboration with your organization/office. 


Those interested in outreach assistance or co-hosting events should contact OutreachEvents@dss.nyc.gov


Employment Opportunities with the City of NY


Join the NYC Department of Social Services! Find out how rewarding it is to serve fellow New Yorkers with care and compassion.


To view jobs available with the City at any time, start at this page, or search for jobs here (to search by agency or area of interest) or here (to search by Job ID# or Agency). Please find a helpful flyer with more information about applying for HRA open positions which can be shared widely here.


City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC


As of October 29, 2023, over 136,500 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. Over 65,600 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 210 emergency shelters, including 17 large-scale humanitarian relief centers. This does not reflect the total number of asylum seekers in New York City, it does not include those who are staying with family, friends, and networks here after being connected.


Additional information on the City’s efforts to support asylum seekers can be found here.


Ride for Half Price – Fair Fares


Fair Fares NYC is a City program that offers eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.


Fair Fares is open to all eligible New Yorkers aged 18-64 at or below the Federal Poverty Level without discounted transportation from the MTA or the City. The program’s NYC residency requirement does not include a minimum timeframe. Many of the Department of Homeland Security documents provided to asylees are accepted as proof of identity.


Many Cash Assistance and SNAP recipients can ride for half price. Each non-elderly adult should log into Access HRA or create an account if they are not the head of their case and click “Enroll Now”.


Encourage everyone to ride for half price with Fair Fares by sharing our Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video. Share and amplify!


Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA! View the “How to Enroll” videos in English and Spanish.


If you need assistance applying or have questions, please visit the Fair Fares website to find a location near you. Fair Fares enrollment assistance is also available at the NYC Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center.


Clients who need a replacement card or refund can visit any Fair Fares office or mail their damaged or expired card to:


Fair Fares NYC

P.O. Box 7099

New York, NY 10008-7099


Clients who mail their card must include the following information in the envelope along with the card:

  • First and Last name
  • Date of Birth
  • Fair Fares Client ID number


All new and replacement cards are mailed to the address provided by the client. 


Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials


The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that community organizations and others can order. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website after registering on the login page.


Additional Resources and Information


COVID-19 Vaccines


The new COVID vaccine is now available. The CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID vaccines to adults without health insurance, or adults whose insurance does not cover all vaccine costs. Visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov for more information on where to get both the COVID and flu vaccines.


Election Day is November 7th


  • Early voting starts ten days before election day at early voting sites, information can be found at: findmypollsite.vote.nyc
  • Election day polls are open for regular voting on November 7, 2023, from 6 am – 9 pm.


ANHD Center for Community Leadership - Organizing Apprenticeship


The Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development’s Center for Community Leadership offers a six-month organizing apprenticeship, training and supporting community members interested in paid organizing work using a cohort-based model, forming relationships and deepening their knowledge of organizing and advocacy in NYC. Apprentices learn and work for 20 hours a week for six months (January-June) and earn a $12,000 stipend. For more information, see this one-pager and visit their website. If you have any questions, please contact Program Coordinator Jennifer at jennifer.l@anhd.org. The deadline to apply is 11/17. 


NYC Commercial Lease Assistance Program


The Commercial Lease Assistance program, offered in collaboration with the City Dept. of Small Business Services (and administered by the Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A's small business unit), offers business owners the chance to work with a free attorney to review their lease, negotiate fair terms, and help set them up for a successful future—whether it's a new business signing their first lease or an existing storefront negotiating new terms.


Click here to learn more and request Commercial Lease Assistance.


Federal Student Debt Relief - October 2023


The Biden-Harris administration announced today that an additional 125,000 Americans have been approved for $9 billion in debt relief through fixes the U.S. Department of Education has made to income-driven repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and granting automatic relief for borrowers with total and permanent disabilities. Today's announcement brings the total approved debt cancellation by the Biden-Harris Administration to $127 billion for nearly 3.6 million Americans.


The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing it has approved:

  • $5.2 billion in additional debt relief for 53,000 borrowers under Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.
  • Nearly $2.8 billion in new debt relief for nearly 51,000 borrowers through fixes to income-driven repayment plans. These are borrowers who have been in repayment for 20 or more years but never got the relief they were entitled to
  • $1.2 billion for nearly 22,000 borrowers who have a total or permanent disability and have been identified and approved for discharge through a data match with the Social Security Administration.


SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments


The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is the newest income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Like other IDR plans, the SAVE Plan calculates your monthly payment amount based on your income and family size. In addition, the SAVE Plan has unique benefits that will lower payments for many borrowers.


The SAVE Plan replaced the Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Plan. Borrowers on the REPAYE Plan automatically get the benefits of the new SAVE Plan.


Click here to apply for and learn more about the SAVE Plan.


Free Rapid Covid Tests


The federal government is again making free COVID rapid at home tests widely available. Each household is eligible to receive 4 free tests. Orders can be placed here.


NYC Asylum Application Help Center Job Opportunities


The City’s Asylum Application Help Centers are hiring application assistants—who will work with applicants to answer questions—and experienced immigration lawyers to supervise application assistants and provide guidance. Individuals interested in temporary assignments as Asylum Application Assistants or Supervising Attorneys should click here learn more and apply.


Bilingual in Spanish and English is strongly preferred.


To apply, visit www.oncallcounsel.com/asylum.


There are also positions for non-attorneys, law students, and others.


Resources/Links


  • DSS Quarterly Community Call: Members of the Department of Social Services' (DSS/HRA/DHS) leadership team will provide important agency updates followed by time for Q&A.
  • ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online SupportResolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
  • ACCESS HRA TrainingsThe Office of Community Outreach offers trainings and presentations to community-based organizations, elected officials and their staff, and other municipal agencies. These trainings are conducted multiple times per month and allow for flexible scheduling. Click here to view our current offerings and register for an upcoming session.
  • ACCESS HRA Client PortalNew Yorkers can apply and recertify online for SNAP and Cash Assistance, view benefits, and more.
  • DSS OneNumber (formerly Infoline): 718-557-1399
  • Find a Partner Organization: Community-Based Organizations can help complete applications and screen applicants for eligibility to the various programs. Some locations also assist with submitting documents to DSS electronically. Contact the organization for more information.
  • DSS Disability AccessIf you have a disability, HRA can help by providing supports or accommodations to make getting the services clients need easier. This type of help is called a reasonable accommodation.
  • Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Guide to Resources: The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has crafted a guide to resources for immigrants, in over a dozen languages.
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC gives milk, juice, formula, and other healthy foods to low-income mothers, pregnant women, and young children, regardless of immigration status. If you are a woman who is pregnant, has an infant or child younger than five, or is breastfeeding, you may be eligible for WIC. To learn more about WIC or apply, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic, call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at (800) 522-5006 or click here to view a list of local WIC agencies.
  • GetCoveredNYC and Health Literacy: Understanding the ins and outs of health insurance is critical to making informed decisions about your health. GetCoveredNYC Specialists educate New Yorkers on all things health insurance, including definitions. Learn more at on.nyc.gov/HealthInsuranceVocab.
  • The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit and NYC Aging: Through a collaboration with the NYC Cabinet for Older New Yorkers' member agencies NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC Health, and Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, the Health Subcommittee created a printable, double-sided Pocket Guide of NYC Aging Services. The guide is intended help other professionals better serve older residents and can be downloaded from Cabinet’s website by clicking here.
  • Action NYC: 1-800-354-0365
  • Food Help NYCFree food locations, including food pantries & soup kitchens. Call 311 to find the nearest locations.
  • NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.
  • Mental Health For All: A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.
  • Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
  • COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses: Resources, including test kits, treatment, vaccines, and masks available to New Yorkers as New York City experiences high levels of COVID-19, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses.
  • Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.
  • NYC 311Non-emergency municipal services are available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115


Community-wide Conference Call


We look forward to your continued participation on our quarterly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our quarterly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.


The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what is being shared on our community-wide conference calls as well as new developments and useful information regarding other City benefits and services. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the Community Updates webpage.


Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our community-wide calls, or if you would like to be added to our distribution or community call invitation list, please reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.



In partnership,


Molly Wasow Park

DSS Commissioner

ConnectEBT Transaction History

SNAP Standard Deduction Amounts Effective October 1, 2023

Household Size

Standard Deduction

1

$198

2

$198

3

$198

4

$208

5

$244

6+

$279

Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) Thresholds Effective October 1, 2023