January 19, 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

COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Update

As we reported last week, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and 1b groups are eligible to receive the vaccine. Phase 1b includes:
 
  • Individuals age 65 and older
  • First responders and support staff for first responder agencies
  • Corrections, including probation and juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities
  • P-12 school or school district faculty or staff
  • Licensed childcare providers
  • Public transit employees
  • Individuals living in a homeless shelter where sleeping, bathing or eating accommodations must be shared with individuals and families who are not part of the same household
  • Individuals working (paid or unpaid) in a homeless shelter where sleeping, bathing or eating accommodations must be shared by individuals and families who are not part of the same household, in a position where there is potential for interaction with shelter residents
  • Public-facing grocery store workers
  • In-person college instructors
 
The full list of all vaccine eligibility categories can be found here.
 
Appointments are required in order to be vaccinated. Due to limited supply of the COVID vaccine from the federal government, the State has reported that it could take up to 14 weeks for eligible New Yorkers to schedule their vaccine shot. Please visit the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder here or call 877-VAX-4NYC for more information, to find a vaccine hub near you, or to schedule an appointment. Additional sites are coming online every day, so please continue to check the site often.
 
In an effort to ensure access to vaccinations for eligible DHS staff and clients, DSS is establishing hubs for vaccination distribution. These sites will provide vaccinations to our eligible staff, contractor staff, and clients. We will share information regarding this initiative as soon as it is available.
 
Please download and share the eligibility flyer here and the vaccine fact sheet here.
 
More information can be found here.

Federal COVID-19 Emergency Relief

We have received updated information from the State OTDA regarding the consideration of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefits and Economic Impact Payments on eligibility for benefits through HRA. 

The Federal Emergency Relief Act passed by Congress in December extends the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefits (FPUC) providing a supplement of $300 per week in federal assistance through March 14, 2021 to each individual receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) through the New York State Department of Labor. The legislation also extends unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals, gig workers and those that have exhausted their state benefits.

The bill provides individuals making up to $75,000 a year with a stimulus payment of $600, while couples making up to $150,000 will receive $1,200, in addition to $600 per child. Further information regarding stimulus payment eligibility is available on our website.

The State OTDA has now clarified that these benefits are excluded from consideration as income for the purposes of calculating SNAP benefits, as previously reported, and this exclusion now includes Cash Assistance and HEAP benefits. All income received through FPUC and/or Economic Impact Payments is excluded as income and disregarded as a resource in eligibility determinations for SNAP, Cash Assistance and HEAP benefits. In addition, any lump sum received under FPUC, if received retroactively, is excluded as income and therefore not subject to the lump sum provisions for these benefits. 

For SNAP recipients, the legislation provides a fifteen percent increase in SNAP benefits for six months (through June 30, 2021) for all SNAP participants. This increase will be included in February SNAP benefits. The January increase will be included with the SNAP Emergency supplement for January.  
 
Federal Emergency Relief Act – SNAP Student Eligibility

The Federal Emergency Relief Act temporarily amends the SNAP student eligibility rules by amending the allowable exemptions to the work rule in two additional ways:

  • A student is eligible if he or she is eligible to participate in state or federal work-study, regardless if the student is actively employed or participating in work-study; and,
  • Any student that has an “expected family contribution” of $0 may participate in SNAP if otherwise eligible.

These amended eligibility qualifications for students will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID–19 federal public health emergency is lifted.

Students granted eligibility under the amended qualifications will maintain student eligibility until the next recertification regardless of the emergency declaration being lifted at any time during the certification period.
 
Renewal of Determination of Public Health Emergency  
 
The federal government has announced an extension of the public health emergency through April 20, 2021. We do not have further information at this time regarding the extension of the waivers which we have obtained that may be granted as a result of this PHE extension. We are in contact with our State oversight agencies regarding relevant waiver extensions and will share information when it is available.

Access-A-Ride updates
 
As we reported last week, the MTA will resume fair collection for Access-A-Ride on January 19, 2021. Eligible Access-A-Ride customers are able to apply for the Fair Fares discount through ACCESS HRA.
 
The MTA has re-opened three of the six Access-A-Ride assessment centers that have been closed since the start of the pandemic. The open MTA Paratransit Assessment Centers are:

  • New York Doctors Urgent Care – 65 West 13th Street, Manhattan
  • Horizon Healthcare – 101 Ellis Street., Staten Island
  • Excellence Physical Therapy - 1811 Hone Avenue, Bronx

Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

Free testing continues to be available throughout the five boroughs. Getting frequent tests should be every New Yorker's goal. Don't stop at just one test. 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. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.

The Test-and-Trace corps now offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard. This dashboard displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.

NYC Test & Trace Corps has created a folder of documents for public sharing, including flyers, palm cards, holiday guidance, travel guidelines, and more. The documents are available online here.
 
Get The Good Stuff Now – Food Access

The NYC Health Department is expanding its existing Get the Good Stuff program which provides a dollar for dollar match at 6 participating grocery stores to support SNAP recipients in accessing healthy foods. This expansion seeks to reach New Yorkers who do not participate in food assistance through SNAP. The new program, Get the Good Stuff Now, aims to increase equitable access to healthy food in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The NYC Health Department is recruiting 5-7 community-based organizations such as food pantries, healthcare providers, social service agencies and faith-based organizations to promote the program and screen and enroll participants, prioritizing New Yorkers at risk for food insecurity who may not qualify for food assistance through SNAP. More information can be found here.

Emergency SNAP Allotments and Stimulus SNAP Temporary Increase

As it has in prior months during the public health emergency, State OTDA is issuing an emergency SNAP supplement to households who were issued SNAP benefits for January 2021 and whose issuance was less than the maximum allotment for their household size. The amount of the supplement is the difference between the amount the household was issued and the maximum allotment. 

As we reported previously, the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act includes a provision to increase SNAP benefits by fifteen percent for a limited time (through June 30, 2021). The increase for January benefits will be disbursed to all SNAP recipients with the distribution of the SNAP emergency supplement for January. The State has advised us that these supplements will be issued on January 15, 19-22 and 25-29, with benefits available the following day.

Further information regarding the emergency supplemental allotment of SNAP benefits is available here.
 
Childcare

Recipients of Cash Assistance who are participating in an approved education or training program outside of the home, or are employed, may be eligible for childcare assistance. These needs are assessed at application and recertification. Clients who become employed or engaged outside of the home in between recertifications can submit their employment or engagement information and need for child care through ACCESS HRA by submitting documentation and including a contact number. We will follow-up directly with the client on next steps. Clients requesting childcare often need to submit additional information, so it is important that clients provide a phone number where they can be reached and answer our call.
 
Regular HEAP Benefit
 
In response to inquiries received last week, we are providing here the information we have included in our communications in previous weeks and which is now available each week on the DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page

The regular HEAP benefit season opened on November 2, 2020 and will operate through March 15, 2021. Recipients of HEAP benefits may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help pay for heating costs. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, is age 60 or older or has a permanent disability. Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household's primary source of heat. HEAP recipients can use HEAP approval letters as documentation to support Con Ed reduced rate programs and Verizon Lifeline.  
 
In accordance with the State’s HEAP Plan, a household may be eligible for a regular benefit if:
  • Clients and/or household members are United States Citizens or qualified immigrants and
  • The household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines or
  • The applicant is
  • in receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or
  • in receipt of Temporary Assistance or
  • in receipt of Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
 
To apply, please contact 212-331-3126 or visit the ACCESS HRA website for instructions here. HEAP applications are available for download here. Please note, the HEAP application cannot be submitted through ACCESS HRA at this time. All HEAP applications need to be completed, signed by the applicant or their authorized representative and returned by mail or dropped off at a designated HEAP assistance location. There is no need to come in to an HRA Center. The completed application can be mailed back to HRA at:
 
NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
 
Applications can also be dropped off at any of the HEAP assistance locations.
 
Additional information can be found here.
 
HEAP application assistance is also available in the community. While there is no need to come into an HRA Center to apply for HEAP, HRA has representatives providing HEAP application assistance to potential clients in six FIA job centers and in four community sites. These representatives provide assistance with completing applications and will forward applications to the HEAP central office for processing. Individuals applying for benefits can also drop off applications and documents at these locations.
 
The HRA sites are listed below (open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm):
 
Waverly Job Center
12 W. 14th Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10011

Coney Island Job Center
3050 West 21st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11214

Rider Job Center
300 Canal Place
Bronx, NY 10451

Crotona Job Center
1910 Monterey Avenue, 5th floor
Bronx, NY 10457

Queens Job Center
32-20 Northern Boulevard, 2nd floor (enter on Honeywell Street)
Long Island City, NY 11101

Richmond Job Center
201 Bay Street, 2nd floor
Staten Island, NY 10301
 
HRA representatives are also located in the following community locations:
 
Boro Park Jewish Community Council
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am – 5 pm
1310 46th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Margert Community Council
Mondays 9 am – 5 pm
325 Beach 37th
Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Assemblyman Ron Kim’s Office
Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 am – 5 pm
136-20 38th Avenue, Suite 10A
Queens, NY 11354

State Senator Leroy Comrie’s Office
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am – 5 pm
113-14 Farmer’s Boulevard
Queens, NY 11412
 
Pandemic EBT Benefits (P-EBT)

As we have reported, the continuing resolution appropriations bill that Congress passed in late September provides an additional $8 billion for nutrition benefits, and also extends a suite of nutrition-related regulatory waivers through Federal Fiscal Year 2021, including measures to help families with school-aged children buy groceries and flexibility for school districts to make meals more accessible to students. This includes the continuation of P-EBT benefits for the 2020-21 school year. 

Benefits are provided by the State. Students are eligible for benefits for days when students were not physically in the school building, whether on a hybrid schedule or engaged in fully remote learning. The Pandemic EBT program is administered by the State. When the State provides more information on the operation of the 2020-2021 school year program, we will provide it in our weekly communications. 

P-EBT benefits for the school year which ended in June 2020 have been distributed by the State. A detailed explanation of the State’s distribution plan for these benefits is included on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. The State completed P-EBT benefits distribution in October 2020 for the spring quarter of the 2020 school year. The State has been following up by phone with recipients who have not yet used the funds. 

State OTDA is providing a P-EBT helpline at 833-452-0096. The helpline is available from 8:30am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Translation services are available. Questions can also be submitted through the State’s contact form regarding P-EBT food benefits.

State OTDA has provided the following email address to direct all questions regarding the distribution of P-EBT benefits: otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov.

State OTDA has also created a page for P-EBT frequently asked questions (FAQs).


Community-wide Conference Call

We appreciate your continued participation in 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. 

If you were not able to join our weekly call (usually on Tuesdays), please find an audio recording here and use Covid-19 as the password. The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared.
 
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