August 17, 2021
Dear Community Partner:
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following our standing weekly call, we continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications which can be found on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. To be added to the invitations for the weekly briefing calls or to the distribution list for this weekly update, please send an email request to dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
This week’s call will be moved to Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 4:00pm.
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates
As of August 17, Indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments are requiring proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter. To enter one of these establishments, individuals will need to show proof of vaccination. Valid forms of proof of vaccination include the CDC card, excelsior pass, NYC COVID Safe App, OR any other vaccine record.
Enforcement of these requirements goes into effect on September 13, 2021. This applies to New Yorkers ages 12 and older including customers, workers, patrons.
The CDC now recommends that some who are immunocompromised receive three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, rather than the standard two-dose regimen. This applies to people 12 and older who have a condition or are taking medications or treatments that moderately or severely weaken their immune system, and received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
New Yorkers receiving a third dose will be asked to attest to their qualifying medical condition. No other documentation will be required. Additional vaccine doses are not recommended for any other group at this time.
The third does is now available at all City-run vaccination sites, except H+H facilities, who will have 3rd doses available in the coming days.
The City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here.
As a reminder, New York City will pay $100 to anyone who goes to a city-run vaccination site for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The money will be issued in pre-paid debit cards that can either be emailed to recipients in digital form or mailed in physical form to them. To learn more go to nyc.gov/vaccineincentives.
NYC continues to offer an incentive to community and faith-based organizations to help get people vaccinated by awarding $100 for each referral for each first dose at a City-run site. When an individual makes an appointment ahead of time or arrives for a walk-in vaccination, they can identify which community organization referred them to get vaccinated. Once they receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the referral organization will be credited $100 after the program ends. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations must sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus.
NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found online here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website.
As a reminder, New Yorkers ages 12 years and older can continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at select sites across NYC. Sites can be found here. New Yorkers are required to provide proof of age and residency in order to receive the vaccine. Additional information can be found here.
While walk-up vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites, appointments can still be made by using vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
New Yorkers can meet vaccine and/or testing requirements by carrying their paper vaccination card with them, or scanning and storing it in one of two authorized mobile apps - Excelsior Pass Wallet and NYC Covid Safe.
The Excelsior Pass Wallet, developed for New York State, allows an individual to find and store their proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. The app will only work for people who have been vaccinated in New York, as it confirms the vaccination information against city or state records. The app, called NYS Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
The NYC Covid Safe app doesn’t connect directly to vaccine records. The app allows a person to upload a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days. The app is also available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
COVID-19 Testing
Free in-home COVID PCR testing is now available for all immunocompromised New Yorkers and people 65+. Call 929-298-9400 to schedule an appointment.
Free testing continues to be available throughout the five boroughs. A schedule of mobile testing locations throughout the City as well as detailed information on locations and types of testing offered at regular testing sites (including rapid testing and antibody tests) can be found here. 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.
The Test-and-Trace corps offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
Eviction Moratorium Update
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a portion of the NYS Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Protection Act (EEFPA) was unlawful. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, many eviction protections for NYC tenants remain in effect. The Supreme Court’s decision means that submitting a NYS hardship declaration has no legal effect. As a result, eviction cases in which a tenant submitted a Hardship Declaration can be scheduled for appearance in Housing Court before August 31.
However, under NYS law:
A tenant cannot be legally evicted without having a court proceeding (including a scheduled court conference) and only after an order by a judge of the Housing Court.
- Tenants whose eviction cases are scheduled for appearance in Housing Court have access to free legal services, regardless of ZIP code, under NYC’s right-to-counsel law. Tenants can access free legal services by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline or by calling Housing Court Answers at (718) 557-1379, or they can receive access to free legal services at their first scheduled court appearance.
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Tenants who file an application for rent assistance with the NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will have their eviction case stayed (paused) until their application is reviewed and decided by NYS. Additional protections in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent will apply to tenants whose applications are approved, and landlords who accept ERAP payments are also restricted from evicting for an expired lease or holdover for a year after the first ERAP payment.
- Tenants who can prove that they had financial hardship during the State COVID-19 emergency period (March 7, 2020 to June 24, 2021) may have a defense in court to eviction for non-payment of rent owed during that period, under the NYS Tenant Safe Harbor Act.
- Tenants who qualify for protection under the federal CDC eviction moratorium and submit the required declaration are currently protected under that law (scheduled to expire on October 3, 2021).
In addition, following the Supreme Court’s ruling the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) issues two statewide administrative orders governing residential eviction proceedings, requiring landlords with pending eviction cases to inform the court about the status of emergency rental assistance applications for their tenants, and clarifying when and how housing courts can schedule eviction cases for conference in light of the Supreme Court’s decision.
Tenants with questions about their protections from eviction can get free legal advice and other assistance through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice. For more information on how to access free legal services for tenants in NYC, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline, or visit HRA’s Office of Civil Justice online at www.nyc.gov/civiljustice.
SNAP Increase
The USDA today released the Cost of Living (COLA) adjustments for SNAP benefits. The increase raises the maximum allotment for a family of four to $835. The minimum allotment will increase to $20.
The annual COLA increase will begin with October benefits and is based on pre-pandemic SNAP benefit rates. The current temporary 15% increase in SNAP benefits is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2021.
Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants – Resource Guides
The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants has created resource guides for tenants and residential property owners to help those struggling as a result of financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
Linked here is a Resource Guide for Residential Owners, The guide summarizes programs through which owners can access rental arrears, foreclosure protections, loans, and individualized assistance.
The Tenant Flyer provides useful information for tenants who may be struggling to pay rent or facing eviction. The flyer can be found online here.
SNAP Emergency Allotment
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is issuing an emergency SNAP supplement to households who were issued SNAP benefits for August 2021. The emergency allotment will be the maximum allotment for household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.
Reminder about Temporary Vault Cards
As a reminder, CBIC cards are issued by the State OTDA. While a client is waiting for a replacement CBIC card, a temporary Vault Card can be issued at a SNAP or Job Center. Current SNAP or CA clients who need a replacement CBIC card can go to the Center that is most convenient to them to request a temporary Vault card while they wait for their CBIC card from the State in the mail.
Student Loan Repayment Moratorium Extended
On Friday, August 6 the Education Department announced that it would continue a moratorium on federal student loan payments through January, 31, 2022, extending emergency relief for borrowers that had been set to expire on September 30, 2021. During the moratorium, loans have been interest-free and not subject to repayment or penalties for nonpayment. Suspended payments through January 31, 2022 will count towards any student loan forgiveness program, as long as all other requirements of the loan forgiveness program are met. If an individual made a payment toward their federally held student loans during the payment suspension, beginning March 13, 2020, they are able to request a refund from their student loan servicer.
In response to questions and helpful comments received on this week’s call, we have confirmed that loan payments made during the 0% interest period will be applied in full to principal balances once any interest that accrued prior to March 13, 2020, and any fees (for defaulted loans) have been satisfied.
CUNY Comeback Program
On July 28, the State announced the CUNY Comeback Program, a plan to eliminate up to $125 million in unpaid debt for at least 50,000 students who attended CUNY and suffered financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility:
Students enrolled at a CUNY college at any time between March 13, 2020 and the end of the Spring 2021 semester are eligible to receive forgiveness of outstanding balances owed to CUNY, including recent graduates and students who dropped out after taking classes during this time. Students who meet any of the below criteria will automatically have their eligible tuition and fees forgiven.
- Any student who was eligible for Pell Grants, based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as provided after completing the FAFSA, even if the student did not receive Pell grants. This may also include students who are eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) but did not receive the full award.
- Students who have graduated from CUNY since the national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, and owe any outstanding balance from the Spring 2020 semester through the Spring 2021 semester.
- Students who have an outstanding balance of $100 or less per semester, for any of the following semesters: Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
Students whose balances will be forgiven automatically will see this reflected in August 2021. They will receive a notification by email once the cancellation has been processed in the student’s CUNYfirst account. All other potentially eligible students will receive a letter in their preferred CUNY email with details on how to apply for financial hardship.
The CUNY Comeback Program is open to all students who are or were enrolled during the COVID-19 national emergency, regardless of citizenship status. For more information, students should contact their campus’ financial aid office.
Voluntary Engagement – HRA Employment Services
As a reminder, HRA’s Career Services and Customized Assistance Services (CAS) programs are offering voluntary employment services as of June 28, 2021. Clients may begin to receive letters and phone calls inviting them to participate in remote YouthPathways, CareerCompass and CareerAdvance services or WeCARE Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). These are voluntary services. No negative actions will be taken against clients who cannot or choose not to participate.
NYS Department of Labor Updates
On September 5, 2021, several Federal unemployment benefit programs will be expiring across the country, in accordance with federal law.
The Federal benefit programs that will be expiring are:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Extended Benefits (EB)
- $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
“Regular” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits from the NYS Department of Labor will continue to be paid to eligible claimants even though these four Federal programs are ending. To be considered eligible for UI after September 5, 2021, a claimant would need to be unemployed AND be in the first 26 weeks (or 104 effective days) of benefits. Claimants can find their effective days remaining for UI benefits in their online Payment History. Because FPUC is ending, any weeks a claimant is eligible to receive UI benefits after September 5, 2021 will no longer include the additional $300.
Claimants will be contacted through emails and text messages to inform them of which program they are currently in and whether they will be eligible to continue receiving benefits after the federal benefit expiration date.
The US Department of Labor (USDOL) has asked States to accept new PUA claims for a period of 30-days after September 5, 2021. The NYS Department of Labor will accept those claims, evaluate for eligibility, and backdate where appropriate, as required by USDOL.
Medicaid Application Submission and Updates
Medicaid applications from individuals age 65 and older or who have a disability can be dropped off in marked drop boxes at Medical Assistance Program “MAP” (formerly known as Medical Insurance and Community Services Administration or MICSA) locations and may also be faxed to 917-639-0732.
The end of New York State’s state of emergency declaration does NOT change the easements granted for Medicaid cases. The Medicaid easements are based on the federal Public Health Emergency, which is still in effect.
Medicaid easements have been extended through December 2021. This includes the automatic extension for cases with an authorization that ends between August and December 2021, even if the client doesn’t submit their renewal. These cases will be extended for 12 months.
Any case that is closed during the COVID-19 emergency for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Excess resources cases will be extended for 6 months.
Child Tax Credit – Advance Payment Impact on Medicaid Eligibility
New York State Department of Health (SDOH) recently released guidance advising that this tax credit is not taxable income and therefore not countable in Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)-based eligibility determinations for Medicaid. For non-MAGI determinations, tax refunds are not countable as income and are an exempt resource for 12 months.
HRA Centers Re-opening
HRA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Job Center, and Medicaid locations, which had been consolidated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to protect clients and staff, have begun reopening to offer in-person service to clients starting in mid-July. However, clients do not have to come into an office for assistance, and we encourage clients to use ACCESS HRA online to manage their Cash Assistance and SNAP cases, receive case information and complete their applications and recertifications.
Please refer to our website for continued updates on open centers.
Hunts Point
845-847 Barretto Street, Bronx
Client Reopening Date*: August 2, 2021
Fordham
2551 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx
Client Reopening Date*: August 9, 2021
Jamaica
165-08 88th Avenue.
Client Reopening Date*: August 9, 2021
East End
2322 Third Avenue, Manhattan
Client Reopening Date*: August 9, 2021
Chinatown
115 Chrystie St, Manhattan
Client Reopening Date*August 16, 2021
Veterans
25 Chapel Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
Client Reopening Date*: August 30, 2021
*Please note that as our teams continue to implement our reopening plan, while ensuring the safety of our staff and client any changes will be immediately communicated.
HASA Office Locations Open to the Public
Eleven of the twelve HASA office locations have reopened to the public. The Hamilton HASA office remains closed to the public until further notice. The offices that are open can provide clients with all services, including, but not limited to:
- Assist with emergency housing placement
- Accept documents clients need to drop off for their case
Clients who need information, center locations, or help with other services can also call the HASA ServiceLine at (212) 971-0626. The HASA ServiceLine is in operation Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about HASA services here.
FEMA and HRA Funeral Reimbursement
To be eligible for burial assistance from the HRA Office of Burial Services (OBS), State OTDA has directed that clients who meet the eligibility requirements for FEMA funeral assistance must explore and apply for the FEMA reimbursement. If a client hasn’t received a decision from FEMA, they can submit an application for burial assistance from HRA and HRA will wait for FEMA’s decision before processing the HRA burial assistance application. Information on the HRA Office of Burial Services (OBS) burial assistance can be found here.
As a reminder, applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify to receive FEMA funded COVID-19 Funeral Assistance:
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or “qualified alien” as defined by federal law. There is no requirement for the decedent to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or “qualified alien”.
- FEMA must be able to verify the applicant’s identity.
- Funeral expenses must be incurred by the applicant after January 20, 2020.
- A medical examiner, coroner, or other certifier indicated that COVID-19 played a role in the decedent’s death on the death certificate.
- Applicants may also submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner or coroner that attributes the death to COVID-19 for fatalities that occurred between January 20, 2020 through May 16, 2020.
- The death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
- No other applicant received Funeral Assistance funds for the same decedent.
To apply, individuals are directed to call the dedicated FEMA toll-free phone number at 844-684-6333 (TTY 800-462-7585) to complete a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application with help from FEMA's representatives. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 9 pm. Multilingual services are available. There is not an online application.
HRA Office of Burial Services Information
The HRA Office of Burial Services (OBS), formerly the Burial Claims Unit, is now open for in-person services and to receive phone calls Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM. The office had previously only been open on Wednesdays due to COVID-19.
In person: 33-28 Northern Blvd, 3rd Floor, Long Island City, NY 11101
By phone: 929-252-7731
Clients can find OBS information (including the Application for Burial Allowance [M-860w] fillable form, brochure, and frequently asked questions [FAQs]) online by:
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Visiting www.nyc.gov/hra
- Clicking on I Need Help
- Selecting Burial Assistance and scrolling through the information on that page.
As a reminder, DSS/HRA issued an emergency rule regarding burial assistance:
- Increasing the burial allowance from $900 to $1,700 and increasing the cap on burial costs from $1,700 to $3,400.
- Extending the timeframe for when you can apply to 120 days from the date of the individual‘s death.
Applications received on or after March 12, 2020 will be considered for the increased burial assistance allowance. All applications received will be reviewed regardless of immigration status. Clients can submit the application and supporting documents to the agency by email at BurialServices@hra.nyc.gov or by fax at 917-639-0476.
Community-wide Conference Call
We appreciate your continued participation on our weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information and details about changes we are making in response to the pandemic are being communicated to our clients. Your active engagement is appreciated, and your questions and suggestions help us better understand the needs of those we serve and respond accordingly.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared as well as new developments.
Each week, we will provide all of the information included in each of our prior communications on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates page. If you would like to reference a specific prior communication, links to each of the prior communications can be found on the community updates page.
As a reminder, we have a standing informational call on Tuesdays at 4:00PM. In the event that the date or time of the weekly call needs to change due to extenuating circumstances, a notification is sent out from DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov, in addition to an updated calendar invitation to those who have signed up to join the calls. To be added to this list, please reach out to DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Please note that there are several hundred participants on these weekly calls, and as a result they may start a few minutes late to allow as many people to join as possible and hear all the information. In addition, the large number of participants does not allow us to have individual conversations efficiently, which is why we respond to individual inquiries through the chat box. If you have additional questions after the call, please reach out to DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov or the appropriate contact area listed on our COVID 19 Community Updates page.
CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is available during these calls as an accommodation for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Please contact oria@dss.nyc.gov at least four hours prior to the call to enable this service.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership in serving New Yorkers in need, particularly now when our clients need us more than ever. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes we have made and are continuing to develop to address the COVID pandemic, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Sincerely,
Steven Banks
DSS Commissioner
New York City Department of Social Services
