October 9, 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. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
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.
We appreciate your ongoing participation in these calls and continuing to raise important issues that we are able to address in this weekly communication of the latest information, which you can share with the clients you serve. We welcome your continued questions and comments in order to help us make sure we are providing the most relevant information and clarifications about the evolving public benefits and government services landscape affecting our shared clients.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Pfizer booster doses are now available for certain groups of people who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Those groups are:
- People who are 65 or older.
- People who are 18 or older with an underlying medical condition, or
- People who are 18 or older and live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
- People who are 18 or older at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to occupational (e.g. healthcare workers) or institutional setting (e.g. people who live in shelters).
Eligible New Yorkers are able to access booster shots (as of September 24, 2021) and will need to attest to their eligibility.
Separately, please note that there has been no change to the August guidelines about third doses for people with underlying conditions. Adults who received the Pfizer OR Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago, and are moderately to severely immunocompromised, are still eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. Eligible New Yorkers can access third doses citywide and need to attest to their eligibility.
Those who received the J&J vaccine are not eligible for additional doses of the vaccine at this time.
The NYC vaccine referral bonus program continues to be available to small businesses, restaurants, civic organizations, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and Parent-Teacher Associations. These are all eligible to receive a $100 vaccine referral bonus for each employee or customer that they refer to a City-run vaccine site for their first shot. The referred individual is still eligible to receive their own $100 bonus. To sign up for the program businesses and organizations should use the same form we have previously shared, available here.
The City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here, and is available in additional languages here.
NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines. 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.
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. New York residents who were vaccinated out of State can learn more about their options at the Excelsior Pass FAQ. 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.
State Waiver Extensions
Starting in October 2021, recent legislation makes permanent our ability in New York City to conduct telephonic interviews for Cash Assistance (CA) applications and recertifications as well as screenings for drug/alcohol needs and domestic violence.
Additionally, OTDA has extended the following waivers through December 31, 2021:
- Permission to submit SNAP and Cash Assistance applications and recertifications by telephone with HRA staff.
- SNAP partial interview waiver.
Our request to extend our waiver on the Independent Savings Plan (ISP) implementation is still pending.
Hurricane Ida Relief to Undocumented New Yorkers
Governor Hochul and Mayor de Blasio have announced a $27 million relief fund for undocumented New Yorkers whose homes flooded during Tropical Storm Ida, but who were previously ineligible for federal financial relief based on their immigration status.
People seeking to qualify can call the state’s Office of New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 between 9am and 8pm on weekdays. A network of community-based organizations in each of the impacted counties are also available to assist with applications, which are due by November 26, 2021.
The following are the nonprofits handling applications for relief funds in NYC:
- Catholic Charities Community Services, 402 East 152nd Street, Bronx, NY 10455
- Chinese American Planning Council, 4101 8th Ave, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
- MinKwon, 133-29 41st Avenue, Suite 202, Flushing, NY 11355; and
- Make the Road, 92-10 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
- Make the Road, 161 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
State OTDA Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Program Updates
Please continue to encourage everyone who may be eligible to apply for ERAP, and please remember that help is available for landlords and tenants across the city through a network of DSS contracted community-based organizations: https://nyc.gov/erap. Questions can also be answered via the State’s ERAP call center: 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368); or the hearing-impaired TTY phone number: 1-833-843-8829.
Additional resources are available for download to help clients access this benefit:
All are available in additional languages here.
ERAP Denial/Partial Acceptance Information for One-Shot Deal Applicants
In accordance with OTDA’s directive, clients who have received a denial or partial acceptance of an ERAP application from the State may now apply for a One-Shot Deal/Special Grant. Confirmation of the ERAP application denial or partial acceptance from OTDA can be provided in hard copy or email format.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 2021/22 Season
The HEAP 2021/22 heating season opened on October 1, 2021, including regular HEAP benefits, the Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefit (HERR), and Clean and Tune Benefits. Please visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ for more information.
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.
A household may be eligible for a regular benefit if:
- Clients and/or household members are United States Citizens or qualified immigrants;
- The household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides; or
- The applicant is in receipt of:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; or
- Temporary Assistance; or
- 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 can be downloaded from ACCESS HRA, but 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 into a 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
Applicants can check on the status of a HEAP application by calling the State OTDA Helpline at 800-342-3009.
HEAP Application Assistance
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 HRA 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
(enter on Honeywell Street)
2nd floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
Richmond Job Center
201 Bay Street
2nd floor
Staten Island, NY 10301
HRA representatives will also be located in the following community locations starting on November 1, 2021:
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
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS)
The application for the State HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) is the regular HEAP application in conjunction with the HEAP RAS worksheet. The RAS worksheet is completed by HRA staff. Clients who apply for regular HEAP benefits for the 2021/22 season will receive a phone interview. The RAS worksheet will be completed at that time.
No HEAP application is needed, only the RAS worksheet, if the following criteria are met:
- Received HEAP benefit in any amount this season (2021/22 HEAP season)
- Current HEAP, Cash Assistance, or SNAP client
- Address has not changed since receipt of regular HEAP benefit
Applicants who meet the above criteria can apply by phone or in person to have the RAS completed by HRA staff.
Applicants are required to complete the regular HEAP application as well as the RAS worksheet under any one of the following circumstances:
- Did not receive a regular HEAP benefit this season (2021/22 HEAP season)
- Moved since receiving their HEAP benefit
- Closed Cash Assistance or SNAP case since receiving regular HEAP benefit
These applicants must complete a new HEAP application and be found HEAP eligible in order to receive the RAS benefit.
Applicants will be required to have an interview, but interviews are not being conducted in person due to COVID 19 restrictions. As we have reported previously, the HEAP RAS is a one-time benefit funded with the HEAP appropriation received under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This benefit is being made available to help pay gas and/or electricity utility arrears and will be available from September 22, 2021 through September 30, 2022 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
RAS benefits are a Regular HEAP supplement available to assist HEAP eligible households who have electricity and/or gas account arrears. The one-time benefit is based on the actual amount of current utility arrears, up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s gas and/or electric utility vendor(s), and only one RAS benefit per current electricity and/or gas account is permitted.
Households may be eligible if:
- Heat is natural gas or electricity
-
Income is at or below the current income guidelines as posted in this table or the applicant receives Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income,
- All of the eligibility criteria to receive a Regular HEAP benefit in the current program year has been met
- The applicant must be the customer of record for the electricity and/or gas account(s), or must document that they pay the utility vendor(s) directly for the bill(s)
- The vendor is paid directly for gas and/or electricity usage, and
- The current gas and/or electricity account(s) is/are in active collection, or otherwise facing disconnection or termination due to unpaid arrears.
Note that there is no resource test for the RAS benefit and arrears for domestic electricity do not have to be heat related. When and why the arrears accrued will not impact eligibility. An RAS can be awarded for both an electricity and a gas account for one household.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who are issued SNAP benefits for October 2021. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. 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/.
Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Increase Details
The updated SNAP standards went into effect on October 1, 2021. The State notice to SNAP recipients outlining these new standards can be found here.
Please find the new Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) thresholds effective October 1, 2021 at the end of this communication.
Below is a recap of what we have shared previously on the impact on benefits of the October 1, 2021 increase:
Emergency Allotments:
In March 2020, SNAP benefits began being supplemented with emergency allotments each month, so that households that were not receiving the maximum benefit for their household size began receiving a supplement to bring them to that level it. In April 2021, the emergency allotment amounts were modified so that the minimum monthly SNAP emergency allotment was $95, even for households already receiving the maximum benefit allotment. These emergency allotments – with the minimum amount of $95 – will continue for one month beyond the end of the federal public health emergency. The public health emergency is currently set to end in October 2021, with emergency allotments ending in November 2021.
SNAP benefit increases:
Beginning in January 2021, the maximum SNAP benefit amount was increased temporarily by 15%, and this temporary increase expired on September 30, 2021. However, effective October 1, 2021, permanent changes to the Thrifty Food Plan (that the US Department of Agriculture uses to calculate SNAP benefits) went into effect, resulting in a sizeable increase in the maximum benefit amounts by household size.
Through the end of September 2021, both emergency allotments and the 15% benefit increase was in effect. For the months of October and November 2021, both emergency allotments and the permanent SNAP increase will be in effect. Beginning in December, emergency allotments will no longer be issued (unless the public health emergency is extended), but the permanent SNAP increase will remain in effect.
Please refer to this chart for additional details about the federal changes.
New SNAP Restaurant Meals Program
Governor Hochul has signed a bill, sponsored by Senator Persuad and Assemblymember Reyes, which requires NYS OTDA to establish and seek USDA approval for a restaurant meals program as an option for Elderly/Disabled and/or Homeless SNAP recipients. This would create a program allowing these SNAP recipients to purchase prepared hot foods from participating vendors using their SNAP benefits.
When more information is available, we will share it in this weekly communication.
Grab and Go Meal Service Update
As the Get Food meal service is being phased out, all existing Get Food clients are being contacted to ensure that they are connected with appropriate resources should they need continued food assistance. This effort is coupled with a significant investment in the infrastructure of food resources for New York City to ensure that these ongoing needs are being met.
Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the Biden Administration issued a proposed rule to reinstate the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. DACA was introduced under the Obama Administration in 2012 to protect individuals brought to the US as children from deportation. Since the program’s inception, over 825,000 immigrants have enrolled in DACA. DACA had been suspended by the Trump Administration, then reinstated through litigation in December 2020, but later enjoined by a Texas Court in July of 2021.
The new proposed rule does not differ in any significant way from the DACA Program as it had been initially proposed and put into effect, continuing the requirements of needing to have arrived in the US before age 16, being in the US on June 15, 2012, and continually residing in the US since arriving. The rule has a 60-day comment period before it can be finalized.
ACCESS HRA User Resources
In response to questions received on our last call, answers to frequently asked questions about the use of ACCESS HRA can be found here. Tutorials providing assistance with use of ACCESS HRA can be found here. The ACCESS HRA User Guide can be found here.
Broadband Connectivity Study
As part of the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act (enacted in May of 2021), the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is required to conduct a study of the availability, reliability, and cost of high-speed internet and broadband services in New York State. This study is an important feature of the Act in that it provides information on the widespread availability of these services that help to inform recommendations for improvement in accessibility of internet service. The DPS is now conducting these surveys and we ask for your help encouraging our shared clients to complete the survey in order to help identify where there is greater need for internet service. The survey can be found at empirestatebroadband.com.
New York City Libraries: No More Fees and School Supplies Giveaway
The New York Public Library (NYPL), Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), and Queens Public Library systems have announced a major policy shift: as of October 5, 2021 and moving forward, they will no longer charge late fines on overdue circulating materials. In addition, they have cleared all prior late fines and replacement fees from patron accounts so that everyone gets a clean slate at the Library. Late fines will no longer accrue on borrowed materials returned after their due date. As always, e-books are easy to access and will never be overdue. Learn more about NYPL here, BPL here, and QPL here.
Learn about all the free services available at the Library—now with no more late fines, during Welcome Week from October 18 to 23, with open houses at branch locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Visitors during Welcome Week will get a free "welcome back pack" filled with school supplies—while supplies last. Please see more details about Welcome Week here.
Extension of Temporary Increase in WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB)
On Thursday September 30, Congress passed a continuing resolution to extend the temporary increase of the WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for the purchase of vegetables and fruits authorized under the American Rescue Plan through December 2021. This temporary increase was previously set to expire on September 30th.
New York City Racial Justice Commission Public Input
The Racial Justice Commission invites community members to provide input on critical issues the Commission should address through changes to the NYC Charter that would have the greatest impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Those interested can submit input on the Commission’s website at https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/. Look under “Question of The Week”.
Creating a Disability-Inclusive Workplace Webinar
On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 11 a.m. - 12p.m. ET, join EARN and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) for the webinar, Disability-Inclusive Workplace Culture: Building it to Last. Learn how leading companies build and sustain disability-inclusive cultures and how organizations can apply these lessons to build stronger, more inclusive workplaces as they return to operations following the pandemic.
Speakers:
- Jim Sinocchi, Managing Director, Global Office of Disability Inclusion, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Vani Seshadri, Vice President, Global Inclusion & Diversity, Accenture
Participation is free, but space is limited.
Info Session on NYC Civil Service Process for People with Disabilities
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ Office of Citywide Equity and Inclusion in recognition of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) are hosting a three-part series on the City of New York's Civil Service hiring process.
Part 1 – 55-A and Civil Service Process
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
10:00 AM Eastern Time
During this interactive informational session, participants will learn how the City of New York hires people with disabilities using the Civil Service system. Participants will also learn about the City's 55-A Program as well as how NYC: ATWORK can assist with the 55-A application process.
Re-opening of HRA Centers
At this time, all HRA Job Centers are open with the exception of the St. Nicholas Job Center located at 132 West 125th Street in Manhattan.
As a reminder, most HRA business can be conducted online using ACCESS HRA now that the phone interview waiver for Cash Assistance applications, recertifications, and drug/alcohol needs and domestic violence screenings has been made permanent, in addition to the pre-pandemic SNAP application and recertification interview waiver which already permitted phone interviews. This means that clients do not need to come into a Center to apply for Cash Assistance, make case changes or conduct related screenings to qualify for these benefits.
Child Tax Credit Materials
Using the Child Tax Credit (CTC), families can get up to $3,600 per child, but must take action if they haven’t received a payment already in 2021. Individuals can visit GetCTC.org/nyc to sign up for payments or to file a tax return, and can get the CTC even if they did not earn any other income. Children under 18 must have a Social Security Number to qualify, but parents can file with an ITIN.
The NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity has developed materials to promote this benefit. Organizations can complete the form here to submit a request for printed materials, which the office will print and deliver to those who have submitted requests. Organizations that need to have these materials delivered to multiple sites should submit individual requests for each site, along with the corresponding contact information. All shipments will include quantities only as low as 1000 each. Once the flyer is translated it will also be available for electronic distribution. We will share the link to these materials when it is available.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to remember the people of all backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations who are survivors of intimate partner violence, and to celebrate them and those who help and care about them. The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult on vulnerable populations, including those living with or escaping domestic violence. DV is also one of the major causes of homelessness. This year we continue to keep our attention on survivors and the people doing the work to help them – both HRA staff and the incredible community providers providing vital services to survivors. Thank you for all that you do year-round to support survivors of intimate partner violence and please join us in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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
