|
November 15, 2024
DSS-HRA-DHS Updates
Quarterly Community Partners Call
If you were not able to join our last quarterly call on September 10, 2024, please find an audio recording here and use Passcode: mk&87e%F to listen.
Community Partners Updates
Important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications are on our DSS Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered.
Anyone interested in being added to the list of invitees for our community call, community updates communications relevant resources and agency updates can sign up here.
ACCESS HRA Release Information - Release R7.5.6
The NYC Department of Social Services – Human Resources Administration (DSS HRA) is pleased to announce the following ACCESS HRA updates went live in the client portal on Saturday, October 19, 2024:
- Introduced auto-indexing of SNAP documents sent from the AHRA Mobile App allowing for quicker review by SNAP case workers
- Created new email, text, and push notifications to notify SNAP clients of upcoming application and recertification interviews as well as case status updates on the Client Portal and Mobile App
- Improved visibility for paperless opt-in on CA and SNAP applications and recertifications
- Created new Fair Fares ‘Duplicate Account’ functionality for users who received multiple MetroCards directing them to unlink and reconnect to their correct Fair Fares ID before performing any case actions
- New error messaging to prevent stuck Medicaid applications stemming from users submitting renewals outside their window and/or during EDITS system downtime
- New alert informing clients that Medicaid E-Notices will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00am – 2:30am ET each night for daily system maintenance
- Added new ‘SNAP Match’ alert for select clients. This specifically notifies Medicaid clients who are also receiving SNAP benefits that their case will be automatically renewed for 1 year of additional coverage and that no action is required. These clients may not receive a Medicaid renewal due to the SNAP match and will not be able to use ACCESS HRA to renew online or reprint a paper renewal
- Added alert to the Payments page to inform CityFHEPS clients to expect a few-day delay in final payment once checks have been issued
- Implemented new text on CA Initial Application Introduction page explaining that clients who apply for Cash Assistance will also have their Medicaid and SNAP eligibility determined
Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Events for Veterans and Active Military
As part of the upcoming National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) will host case review sessions for veterans and active-duty military personnel with child support cases on Tuesday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 20. These sessions can be conducted by phone or in-person at 151 W Broadway, 4th floor, lower Manhattan. At these case review sessions, parents will have the opportunity to meet with a Customer Service Representative to review all aspects of their case and learn about the resources and programs that may be available to them. Parents can walk into our 151 W Broadway office on those days or schedule a phone appointment by sending an email to dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us. Write “AF Case Review” in the subject line and include full name and child support case ID in the body of the email.
Recently, OCSS hosted an online Training Institute information session entitled Child Support Issues for Veterans and Active Military. The online session was designed for parents who are currently serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a child support case. The session focused on the resources that are available to those parents and the importance of child support to families and children. Please click here for last year’s webinar which will be updated with this year’s content in the coming weeks.
Thank you for assisting OCSS with reaching out to military personnel and veterans with a child support case so that their child support needs and questions can be resolved.
Elimination of Photo Image and Signature on Common Benefit Identification Cards (CBIC)
Common Benefit Identification Cards (CBIC)/Electronic Benefit cards (EBT) are issued by New York State. The state has decided that PA recipients/applicants’ photo and signature will no longer be included on CBIC cards issued going forward. For information regarding obtaining a photo ID, visit New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or IDNYC. For those looking to get a non-driver’s identification card through the DMV, HRA clients can download a budget letter on ACCESS HRA to receive a free Non-Driver’s ID from the DMV.
Telephone Application and Recertification Submission Process Waiver Extension
The signature waiver allowing telephone submission of applications and recertifications when other submission methods are not viable options for an applicant or participant has been extended through June 30, 2026, and will be handled through Center #90.
Applicants and participants who call the DSS OneNumber requesting assistance in submitting an application or recertification will be informed that they have the following options to submit an application or recertification:
- in person at any Benefit Access Center location
- online through ACCESS HRA
- through the mail
- by fax
- over the telephone if other submission methods are not viable options for the applicant
- a home visit, if necessary.
If an applicant or participant is unable to submit their application or recertification via methods 1-4 outlined above, they can indicate that they require over the telephone assistance by following the prompts associated with Reasonable Accommodation / Help because of a Disability or Condition to have their call routed to Center #90.
Following the telephone submission, the agency will mail the applicant/participant a Post Telephone Submission Instructions (FIA-1229) notice that will include:
- Authorization To Repay Public Assistance Benefits (W-148A)
- Documentation Requirements and/or Assessment Follow-Up (W-113K)
- Paper copy of the interview completed over the phone (LDSS-2921/LDSS-3174)
Each of these documents requires review and may also require action taken.
Waiver of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit Extended
The federal ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) time limit is a statute that limits an ABAWD client to three months of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in a 36-month period unless the individual is working or participating in certain employment and training activities. The USDA has granted an extension of the waiver of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements through February 28, 2026, for all but Saratoga County in New York. The waiver was previously set to expire on February 28, 2025.
Therefore, ABAWD clients outside of Saratoga County will continue to not be subject to the ABAWD requirements through February 28, 2026.
SNAP Resource Policy Update
Households that contain an aged or disabled individual that have gross income in excess of 200% of the federal poverty limit can still be eligible for SNAP benefits if the household’s net income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty limit and the household’s countable resources do not exceed current resource limit.
For the limited number of income-eligible households subject to the SNAP resource limits, all resources (if any) must be evaluated to determine whether they can be counted toward the SNAP resource limit.
On October 1, 2024, the SNAP resource limit increased to:
-
$4,500 for households that contain at least one person who is aged (60 years of age or older) or disabled
-
$3,000 for all other households which are subject to the resource test.
As a reminder, households categorically eligible to receive SNAP benefits are not subject to the SNAP resource limits. Within the New York State expansion of categorical eligibility (effective January 1, 2008), resources are not considered when determining the eligibility of almost all income-eligible SNAP households.
The only income-eligible households subject to SNAP resource limits are households containing individuals who are disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits due to an intentional program violation (IPV), or sanction, and households that contain an aged or a disabled individual and have gross income in excess of 200% of the federal poverty limit.
Availability of Two Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards to Certain SNAP Households
Certain SNAP households are permitted to have two EBT cards per case with access to their SNAP benefits. To request the second EBT card, the Head of Household must complete the FIA-1270 form for the other adult in the household. This form can be mailed or faxed using our centralized services to:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
PO BOX 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202
Fax number: 917- 639-1111
For a SNAP household to be eligible for a second EBT card, the SNAP household must include two parent(s)/guardian(s) who:
- Are both on the SNAP case,
- Live in the household full-time, and
- Are over the age of 18 or, regardless of age, are a parent/guardian of a minor child.
Once a household submits the FIA-1270, the request will be reviewed and processed within 30 calendar days. The SNAP Head of Household may request the second card be deactivated at any time without the consent of the second cardholder by calling the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399.
The second card does not entitle a SNAP household to any additional SNAP benefits. Both EBT cards are associated with the household's SNAP case and transactions made using either card will draw down from the same SNAP account. The second EBT card will contain the payee/head of household's name and the name of the second parent/guardian in the household. Each card will have its own card number.
SNAP households are only permitted a maximum of two active EBT cards per case. If a two-parent(s)/guardian(s) household already has an authorized representative card issued, they cannot request an additional card for the second parent/guardian. Similarly, if the two-parent(s)/guardian(s) household receives a second EBT card for the parent/guardian, they will be unable to request an additional card for an authorized representative.
DSS Office of Community Outreach Trainings & Event Requests
Community Partner Trainings and Presentations
The DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) offers trainings and presentations to community-based organizations, elected officials and their staff, and other municipal agencies. These virtual trainings are conducted multiple times per month and allow for flexible scheduling. The OCO currently offers the following trainings:
- ACCESS HRA General Overview Webinar
- ACCESS HRA Provider Portal Webinar
- ACCESS HRA Benefit Application Webinar
- CityFHEPS Program Overview and Renewal Application Webinar
- DSS Overview Webinar
- EBT Skimming and Replacement Benefits Webinar
- Fair Fares Program Overview and Application Webinar
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Webinar
- IDNYC Program Overview and Document Requirement Webinar
- Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program Overview and Application Webinar
Click here to view training descriptions and register for an upcoming virtual session.
Organizations interested in requesting any of the trainings listed above specifically for their staff (10 or more) should complete and submit the DSS Training Request Form and someone will be in touch to schedule. Contact CommunityEducation@dss.nyc.gov if you have any questions or encounter issues submitting the form.
Community Partner Event Requests
The DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) welcomes requests to participate in events hosted by community partner organizations. Please complete and submit the Community Partner Event Attendance Request Form to request DSS presence at your event and the Outreach Events unit will follow-up on a first come, first serve basis to arrange for DSS representation. Contact OutreachEvents@dss.nyc.gov if you have any questions or encounter issues submitting the form.
Resources/Helpful Links:
ACCESS HRA Client Portal: ACCESS HRA is an online benefits portal and mobile app for New York City residents. With ACCESS HRA, clients can apply or recertify for many HRA benefits, manage their case(s), and much more. Clients can also submit and keep track of documents for their application(s) using the NYC ACCESS HRA mobile app.
ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online Support: Resolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
ACCESS HRA Provider Portal: a provider-facing website that allows clients to grant permission to community-based organizations providing direct social services benefit enrollment assistance and/or ongoing case management to New Yorkers in receipt of HRA-administered benefits.
Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS): Community Partners interested in ordering outreach materials (in bulk and delivered free of charge) from HRA and are ordering for the first time, should email DPOS Customer Service at DPOSCustomerService@dss.nyc.gov to have their organization/agency registered in the system. Once completed, the requestor will receive an email with a link to create an account, allowing their organization/agency the ability to order from HRA's catalog.
Organizations and agencies with already existing DPOS accounts, should log into their account using the appropriate link below:
DSS Disability Access: HRA can help by providing supports or accommodations to clients with disabilities to make getting the services they need easier. This type of help is called a reasonable accommodation. Click here to learn more about how to request one.
DSS Office of Community Outreach (OCO) Trainings: Intended for 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.
DSS OneNumber (formerly Infoline): 718-557-1399
DSS/HRA Provider Tools & Supports
DSS Training Request Form: For organizations interested in requesting trainings offered by the Office of Community Outreach specifically for their staff (10 or more)
DSS - HRA - DHS Webpages
EBT Customer Service Helpline: 1-888-328-6399
ebtEDGE: Cardholder portal and mobile application that allows clients to manage their EBT cards, check their balances/transactions, change their PIN, lock/unlock/replace their cards and more!
Find a Partner Organization: Includes Community-Based Organizations who 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 organizations listed for more information
NYC 311: Non-emergency municipal services are available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA): responsible for supervising programs that provide assistance and support to eligible families and individuals. OTDA’s functions include: Providing temporary cash assistance; providing assistance in paying for food; providing heating assistance; overseeing New York State’s child support enforcement program; determining certain aspects of eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits; supervising homeless housing and services programs; and providing assistance to certain immigrant populations.
Sign up for important updates from DSS/HRA: If you received this newsletter by way of a partner organization or colleague and have yet to sign up on your own, click here to receive relevant resources, agency updates, and opportunities that may interest you and the communities you serve.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and for all that you do every day to help New Yorkers in need.
Sincerely,
Office of Community Outreach
NYC Department of Social Services
| 
