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September 1, 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, September 19, 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.
ACCESS HRA Updates
The NYC Department of Social Services - Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA) is pleased to announce several ACCESS HRA updates that went live on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Below are new and improved features that are now available in the ACCESS HRA Client Portal and are intended to further improve the user experience:
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Medicaid & MSP Applications: Eligible clients can now submit Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program applications. A screener identifies client eligibility to apply with ACCESS HRA. This screener will allow clients to self-identify if they should be applying for Medicaid through HRA or with the New York State of Health Marketplace.
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Medicaid Coverage Letter: Coverage letters can be requested and downloaded online on the Medicaid case details page. Coverage letters will include information on the head of household and all additional household members.
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Medicaid Notifications: Clients can receive new SMS and mobile push notifications about their case, as well as alerts for benefits they may qualify for.
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Fair Fares Notifications: Updated alert messaging for SNAP/CA clients that are eligible for Fair Fares when finding their HRA case.
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SNAP Late Recertification: ACCESS HRA will allow clients to submit a SNAP Recertification if they are 30-days past their recertification authorization date or have a Closed case. The Expedited Screening results will be available in the PDF Summary.
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CA/SNAP App/Recertification: School Enrollment Verification Consent added.
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311 Assistance: New messaging shows how to get assistance from a provider organization.
Visit the ACCESS HRA Client Portal at nyc.gov/accesshra
Featured updates in the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal:
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SNAP Late Recertification: ACCESS HRA will allow providers to view SNAP Recertification even if client is past their recertification authorization date or has a Closed case.
The ACCESS HRA Provider Portal can be found here.
Resources:
Trainings on ACCESS HRA and the Provider Portal are available for community partners! Sign up here. Organizations interested in becoming Provider Portal Partners should email DSSOutreach@dss.nyc.gov for an onboarding package.
DSS Services & Benefits One Pager (FLY-1128)
DSS is announcing the release of an informational one-pager which outlines all the benefits and services available through the Human Resources Administration and Department of Homeless Services. The FLY-1128 is available to order from DPOS, in the following languages: Arabic, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, 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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
New SNAP Standards - October 1, 2023
New SNAP standards will go into effect on October 1, 2023. The information below outlines the new standards.
The standard deduction amounts that will be used in the annual SNAP mass re-budgeting for October 1, 2023, are at the bottom of this communication.
The minimum allotment for one and two-person households will remain $23.
Maximum Excess Shelter Deductions: $672
Homeless Shelter Deduction: $179.66
Boarder/Lodger Exclusion: $291 for 1 person; or $535 for 2 persons
The new Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) thresholds effective October 1, 2023, are at the bottom of this communication.
COVID-19 Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Food Benefits for 2022-2023 School Year & Summer 2023
OTDA recently started issuing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits to children under the age of six on SNAP for the September 2022 to May 2023 period, and to eligible school-age children for the Summer 2023 period.
Summer 2023 P-EBT Food Benefits for Kindergarten through Grade 12 Students
For the Summer 2023 period, students attending and enrolled in a National School Lunch Program-participating school in June 2023 and certified eligible for free/reduced price lunch are eligible for a one-time $120 food benefit. Schools have been instructed to submit enrollment information for all eligible students. Once school enrollment data is received and processed by OTDA, all eligible children will receive the Summer 2023 P-EBT food benefit automatically. There is no application for the Summer 2023 food benefit.
Food benefits for Summer 2023 are scheduled to be issued from August to September 2023.
All Summer 2023 P-EBT food benefits will be issued in the following manner:
- Eligible children currently receiving SNAP or Temporary Assistance will have their P- EBT food benefits issued to their household’s EBT card.
- Eligible children who were previously issued P-EBT food benefits for prior school years on a P-EBT Food Benefit card will receive their food benefits for Summer 2023 on the same card.
- All other eligible children will be mailed a P-EBT Food Benefit card with instructions explaining how to activate the card and access the benefits.
P-EBT Food Benefits for Children Under Age Six Receiving SNAP
OTDA has begun issuing P-EBT food benefits to children who were under the age of six on September 1, 2022, and who received SNAP between September 2022 and May 2023. Each eligible child will receive $29 per month for each month they received SNAP from September 2022 to April 2023, and a prorated benefit of $14 if they received SNAP in May 2023. Due to the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, children in this cohort are not eligible for any P-EBT food benefits after May 2023.
If an eligible child is still active on an existing SNAP case, P-EBT food benefits will be deposited into their household’s existing EBT account. These deposits were made at the end of July 2023. Eligible children who are no longer receiving SNAP will be issued benefits on an existing P-EBT Food Benefit card if they have already been issued one, or they will be mailed a new P-EBT Food Benefit card with instructions explaining how to activate the card and access the P-EBT food benefits. In August, food benefits are scheduled to be issued and cards mailed out.
Household Notification of Benefit Issuance
All households with a valid mobile phone number on file and those who have not previously opted out, will receive a text message when P-EBT food benefits have been issued to their EBT account. Text messages may include a link to an OTDA webpage with specific information about their benefit issuance, or to the general P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, where clients can locate the P-EBT helpline phone number and submit questions in writing, should further assistance be needed. All official agency text messages are sent from the OTDA text message short code 696832.
P-EBT food benefits will remain available and accessible on the EBT or P-EBT Food Benefit card for 274 days from the date they were issued.
Eligibility for P-EBT food benefits is not limited by immigration status, nor will it impact a family’s “public charge” status.
P-EBT Helpline and Assistance
Families with questions can be directed to the P-EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096 or submit a question through the P-EBT information form.
P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the OTDA website.
Free Head Start and Early Head Start Programs for SNAP Households
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are designed to provide free, comprehensive services for children age birth through five years and their families. Core services focus on early learning, health, nutrition, and family well-being. Early Head Start programs are for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women, and provide up to 10 hours of care. Head Start preschool programs primarily serve three and four-year-old children, which include up to 6 to 8 hours of care. All services are free for those eligible and all meals are included.
Congress established eligibility criteria in the Head Start Act to include families with incomes at or below the federal poverty level and families eligible for public assistance. Prior to this change in Head Start policy, SNAP participation and eligibility was excluded from the term “public assistance”, requiring SNAP households to verify their income. Previous policy only considered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as “public assistance” in determining categorical eligibility for Head Start programs.
Now SNAP households are allowed to demonstrate their Head Start eligibility through providing verification of their SNAP receipt or eligibility and are no longer required to verify their income twice for programs with similar requirements. To be deemed categorically eligible for Head Start services, SNAP households must provide acceptable verification such as a copy of a SNAP notice of approval, other documentation of eligibility or benefits from a local district office, or proof of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card with a SNAP case number.
To find Head Start programs in your county, visit: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator.
Click here for more information about Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
For more information about SNAP eligibility for Head Start programs, visit: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/ersea/article/snap-eligibility-head-start-services.
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.
Apply for the Senior Policy Advisor position at IDNYC.
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 August 27, 2023, over 107,300 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. Over 59,400 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 207 emergency shelters, including 15 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.
Fair Fares Bronx and Queens Borough Office Relocations
Bronx Office
As of July 31, 2023, the Bronx office has been relocated to 888 Garrison Avenue, 3rd Floor. Office operations at 555 East Tremont Avenue closed on July 28, 2023.
Queens Office
On August 28, 2023, the Queens office relocated to 165-08 88th Avenue, 3rd floor. Operations at the previous location (32-20 Northern Boulevard) closed on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 5:00 PM. Office operations resumed at the new location as of Monday, August 28, 2023, at 9:00 AM.
FFNYC borough office locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island remain the same. Currently, FFNYC borough office locations are co-located in CA and SNAP locations, one in each borough of New York City. Click here to see an updated listing of all FFNYC office locations.
As a reminder, clients can avoid unnecessary trips to our offices by using our remote or online services through ACCESS HRA to complete and submit Fair Fares applications and renewals, submit supporting documentation, report a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard lost or stolen, and other issues.
Contact DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov with any questions about the relocation in relation to client services.
Additional Resources and Information
TRIE Neighborhood Initiative
The Taskforce for Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) Neighborhood Initiative is an initiative led by the NYC Civic Engagement Commission with support from the Mayor’s Office of Equity and the Young Men’s Initiative. The program invests in supporting and leveraging collaborative, community-based coalitions in 33 neighborhoods. The 33 neighborhoods, referred to as TRIE neighborhoods, were designated using health and socioeconomic disparity data.
Through the TRIE Neighborhood Initiative, the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) seeks to 1) promote social cohesion and community building; 2) build local civic infrastructures that are responsive to community needs; and 3) increase capacity and community reach for participating organizations. The CEC will award $55,000 in funding to community-based organizations to serve as TRIE Coalition Lead Organizers and support these goals by building a coalition, participating in this year’s Citywide Participatory Budgeting process, and leading voter education and Get Out the Vote efforts in their neighborhood. To submit an application, visit on.nyc.gov/TRIERFI24.
Please see more details on the program components and deliverables and click here to attend an upcoming information session on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:00am. Contact hjohn@civicengagement.nyc.gov with any questions and/or concerns.
Aspen Institute’s Parent-Powered Solutions Fund
Ascend grants at the Aspen Institute’s Parent-Powered Solutions Fund are open to organizations and institutions supporting parents in completing postsecondary education, including workforce development, career and technical education, and baccalaureate degrees. Grants of $12,500; $25,000, and $50,000 are available and selected partners will also participate in a year-long peer-learning cohort. For more information, click here.
Download the RFP using this link. The deadline to submit a proposal for their 2023 cohort is Friday, September 8, 2023.
NYC Economic Development Commissioner - Cannabis Loan Fund RFP
The NYC Economic Development Commission has announced a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a fund administrator and other lenders to launch the Cannabis Loan Fund, which will offer $8 million in loans to NYC-based cannabis businesses. They’ve also released the Ideas for Impact RFEI, for five key focus areas: the green economy, life sciences, economic mobility, tech, and shaping a “new” New York. Refer to the RFP Frequently Asked Questions and visit the links above for more information. The submission deadline is Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Community Service Society - Educational Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP)
The Community Service Society’s Educational Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) has published a “Hero’s Guide to Strategic Student Loan Repayment,” loaded with helpful resources, including information on:
- Strategies for tackling student debt
- Comparison of available repayment plans
- Forgiveness programs and the One-Time Payment Count Adjustments
- How to manage loans in default
- Guidance on Parent Plus loans
EDCAP also offers free one-on-one appointments with their team of experts who can help borrowers fully assess their loan situation, develop a strategic plan, explore potential relief options, and resolve issues with loan servicers, all in a confidential setting. To schedule, call their Helpline at 888-614-5004 or email edcap@cssny.org.
Atlas Workforce Community Violence Intervention Request for Proposal (RFP)
Atlas is an initiative led by the New York City Office of Neighborhood Safety (“ONS”) and United Way of New York City (“UWNYC”), to improve public safety and enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to serve people at the highest risk of violence.
Atlas is launching a new Community Violence Intervention model, Atlas Workforce, that combines persistent outreach, a trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral intervention, and 12-month paid transitional employment services for men 25 and older. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is calling for organizations serving: East Brooklyn, Central Brooklyn and South Bronx.
To learn more, refer to the Atlas Workforce flyer or contact atlasinfo@uwnyc.org.
Language Collective NYC
Language Collective NYC, the student voice of No Limits Learning, is a citywide group of students who are dedicated to supporting each other and celebrating their diverse cultures and languages.
The group is currently looking for high school student leaders to volunteer and help build a student-led multilingual tutoring network. Their goal is to help students learn and feel connected through shared languages and experiences. If you’re interested in volunteering or partnering with Language Collective NYC, contact william@nolimitslearning.org. Click here to learn more.
NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Workforce Retention Grant Program
The NYS Office of Children and Family Services announced a Solicitation of Interest for its Workforce Retention Grant Program. Their goal is to help retain the early childhood education/childcare workforce. The RFP deadline is 9/15/23.
Big Apple Connect Program Expansion
More than 330,000 NYCHA residents in 150,000 households citywide now have access to free, fast, reliable, and safe broadband internet and cable through Big Apple Connect. As of August 1, 2023, the program was expanded to the 17 public housing developments listed below:
- 303 Vernon Avenue (Brooklyn)
- Atlantic Terminal Site 4B (Brooklyn)
- Baruch Houses (Manhattan)
- Baruch Houses Addition (Manhattan)
- De Hostos Apartments (Manhattan)
- Jefferson (Manhattan)
- Kingsborough Houses (Brooklyn)
- Kingsborough Extension (Brooklyn)
- Manhattanville Houses (Manhattan)
- Morrisania Air Rights (Bronx)
- Red Hook East (Brooklyn)
- Red Hook West (Brooklyn)
- Riis Houses (Manhattan)
- Riis Houses II (Manhattan)
- Saint Nicholas (Manhattan)
- Wald (Manhattan)
- Woodson (Brooklyn)
A full listing of Big Apple Connect eligible NYCHA developments are available here.
NYCHA residents without existing home internet are able to sign up for Big Apple Connect with either Optimum or Spectrum (service provider will depend on the location). Existing Optimum and Spectrum customers will have their bills reduced to as low as $0, as monthly internet and basic cable TV charges are eliminated.
NYCHA residents in eligible developments are eligible to receive a package which includes:
- FREE internet connections with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps
- FREE wireless router
- FREE modem
- FREE basic cable TV
- FREE cable box and remote control
Click here for more information and to check your eligibility.
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.
The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Back To School Toolkit
PEU’s back-to-school toolkit is a must-have for your checklist this fall. We understand that adulting can be tough, but you're not alone. Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or new to the city for your studies, you're a valued member of our New York Community, and we're here to guide you. PEU is here to help you save money, stay healthy, and thrive this school year and beyond. Learn more at https://on.nyc.gov/PEUBackToSchool.
The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Launches Live Operator Tenant Helpline
PEU has launched an important new resource for New Yorkers: a live operator Tenant Helpline. In response to the ongoing challenges faced by tenants, the implementation of live calls ensures a constant and reliable channel of assistance. This dedicated helpline aims to provide critical aid to New York tenants confronting potential eviction, landlord harassment, or substandard living conditions. Read the press release here.
The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit GetCoveredNYC Event Round-Up
GetCoveredNYC connects New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. We table at libraries, community centers, and HRA offices in every borough. Check out this week’s events on our website here. Please share widely.
Health Insurance Renewals with GetCoveredNYC
Since 2020, Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus health insurance plans have been automatically renewed. Now, automatic renewals have ended. Also, New York State is resuming eligibility reviews for these public health insurance plans.
Over the next year, New Yorkers with Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus will have to renew their health insurance plans or find a new plan if they no longer qualify. When your turn comes, you'll have to renew or re-enroll to stay insured.
GetCoveredNYC is here to help you navigate every step of the way. Learn more at: on.nyc.gov/GreatRenewal
Resources/Links
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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.
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ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online Support: Resolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
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ACCESS HRA Trainings: The 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.
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ACCESS HRA Client Portal: New Yorkers can apply and recertify online for SNAP and Cash Assistance, view benefits, and more.
- DSS OneNumber (formerly Infoline): 718-557-1399
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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.
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DSS Disability Access: If 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Food Help NYC: Free food locations, including food pantries & soup kitchens. Call 311 to find the nearest locations.
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NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.
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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.
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Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
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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.
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Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.
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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
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