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 call on Tuesday, June 9th, as we have been doing each week, we want to share important updates, with a synopsis of prior communications at the bottom of this letter. We will continue to provide these updates weekly.

SNAP and Cash Assistance Recertification Waiver

We await a decision on our request for an extension of the current recertification waiver for SNAP from the USDA, but have not yet received it. If the waiver is granted, the State will apply this extension for Cash Assistance (CA) benefits.  We will communicate any updates on this waiver extension as soon as we receive a decision.  We remain hopeful that the collective efforts of the State and City will be successful in obtaining the waiver extension.  

As a reminder, clients with a SNAP or CA case expiring in March – June have been granted a 6-month extension on re-certification. We have asked, and the State has submitted a request, for the USDA to extend the recertification period for cases whose authorization is due to expire on July 31 st .  

While this extension is pending, clients may be receiving re-certification notifications from the State for cases that are due for recertification by July 31, 2020 (the recertification period for cases expiring on July 31 begins on June 1). As we have mentioned previously, clients should be informed to check back on our website to confirm whether they need to re-certify; clients do not need to contact HRA at this time. 

Home Energy Assistance Program  ( HEAP ) 

As we have reported in our previous communications, the HEAP cooling season opened on May 1, 2020 and runs through August 31 st .  HEAP cooling applications are available  here . In response to requests we’ve received, this form have been made fillable.  Completed applications can be mailed or emailed to the address below. 

Qualifications for HEAP cooling assistance include: 

  • Household received a HEAP benefit during the current HEAP program year OR
  • Currently receiving Cash Assistance (CA) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
  • Household member must have a medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.
  • Did not receive a cooling benefit/Air Conditioner in the last five years.

If a client received a HEAP benefit during the current HEAP program year, eligibility for a cooling benefit will be based on the information used to determine the HEAP benefit and the information submitted on the application.

If a client did not receive a benefit during the current HEAP program year, but is currently receiving CA or SNAP benefits, eligibility for a cooling benefit will be based on the information in the CA or SNAP case and information on the application.

The HEAP heating season has been extended, and the HEAP program is accepting applications until June 30, 2020. The HEAP heating application in a fillable form can be found  here . 

Applications can be mailed to: 

Home Energy Assistance Program/HEAP
P.O. Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008 

Or emailed to:


For clients who cannot mail in their HEAP application, they can be dropped off at those Job and SNAP Center locations that remain open:  Job ,  SNAP .

For more information about HEAP eligibility visit the  NYS OTDA website .

Benefits Eligibility and Substance Use Disorders

We are still screening CA applicants for substance use issues, and, if needed, connecting them to telephonic substance use assessment and/or treatment, which is currently provided remotely. However, we have waived the requirements that would normally apply to clients in substance use treatment programs, and we are not taking negative case actions for noncompliance. 

At this time, all outpatient substance use treatment is provided remotely. Clients may also receive Case Management services to support complying with substance use treatment as well as other services such as medical and/or mental health services.  Additionally, HRA‘s Customized Assistance Services, which oversees this program, is conducting proactive outreach to the HRA clients receiving substance use treatment to provide support with treatment as well as COVID and other wellness related issues and offering referrals as appropriate. 

Rental/Emergency Assistance (One-Shot Deals)

In response to ongoing questions regarding the availability of One-Shot Deals, HRA continues to accept applications for this emergency assistance.  Detailed information on how to apply is provided in the “Additional Information” section below. 

Medicare Savings Program

In response to specific questions about the extension of the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) The 12-month extension of Medicaid cases due to renew in March, April, May and June, also applies to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). More comprehensive information is included in the “Additional Information” section below. 

Childcare

Recipients of Cash Assistance who are participating in an approved education or training program, or employed may be eligible for childcare assistance.  Summer programs also qualify.  We will share information on applying for summer child care as soon as information becomes available.

Federal Stimulus: Economic Impact Payments

We have been providing information on the Economic Impact Payments each week in our “Additional Information” section below. We have received questions regarding how we are helping clients to access these benefits. In addition to sharing this information with community partners and contracted service providers on a weekly basis, we have included information on ACCESS HRA to assist clients in accessing these benefits through the IRS. 

Here are some key points:

Payments are automatic for people who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, receive survivor or disability benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who did not file a tax return in the last two years.  Individuals and families who don’t receive federal benefits and did not file a federal tax return in 2018 or 2019 will need to register for Economic Impact Payments.   
 
In order to register for payments, individuals and families should use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to provide information to receive payment. 

Non-filers with qualifying children under the age of 17 can also use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to claim the $500 payment per child.

Election Day for New York State and Federal Primaries is on June 23, 2020

As a reminder, all registered, eligible voters may apply for an absentee ballot for the June 23, 2020 election. Voters should check the box marked “Temporary Illness” as their reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Applications for an absentee ballot must be submitted online, by email, or by fax by June 16, 2020 or in person by June 22, 2020. Information about how to apply for an absentee ballot can be found  here .

Completed absentee ballots must be mailed back to the Board of Elections using the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided or returned in person. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by June 22, 2020. 

For those who wish to vote in-person, early voting begins on June 13, 2020 and runs through June 21, 2020. Election Day is on June 23, 2020. 

You can find out if there is a primary election in your district and/or see a sample ballot  here . 

For more information, visit the Board of Elections in the City of New York website  here . 

Community-wide Conference Call

We appreciate your continued participation in our weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the changes we’ve undertaken quickly are being communicated to our clients.

If you were not able to join Tuesday’s call, 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. 
 
For a copy of our previous communications, click on the following links: 


As a reminder, we have a standing informational call on  Tuesdays at 4:00 PM . Details about this call are sent separately for those who have expressed an interest in joining. 

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 
Additional information
 
DSS Contact information

Please refer to the contact information for general assistance:

  • All case-specific inquiries: Infoline at 718-557-1399 (advocates have been provided with additional contact information)
  • Medicaid inquiries: Medicaid Helpline at 888-692-6116
  • General HRA/DHS questions, questions related to these communications/changes, and/or to enroll in the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal: email DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov
  • Pandemic EBT questions: otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov

Census

Please remind clients and constituents to complete the Census:

It’s not too late to  fill out the 2020 Census ! Responding to the census has never been more important. Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs. These are resources that our City and our communities need now more than ever. It only takes a few minutes and you can do it from home: visit  my2020census.gov  or call 844-330-2020.  Learn more  about why the census matters more than ever! 

State Waivers 

We have been reporting on waivers we have received and continue to pursue in an effort to provide services to clients while continuing to keep clients and our staff safely at home, to the greatest extent possible. These waivers should continue to allow for clients to limit the need to come in to our Centers even when the City and State begin to lift some stay at home orders. By not requiring our clients to come into our Centers, we will continue to support social distancing and the safety of our clients and staff.

We have received an extension until July 6, 2020 on the waivers that permit the continuation of the following:

Conducting Cash Assistance eligibility interviews (including substance use and domestic violence screening) via telephone.

We have eliminated all requirements for HRA in-person appointments for clients. We are not taking any adverse case actions if HRA clients do not keep previously scheduled appointments or assignments. This includes, but is not limited to, appointments for services such as with the Office of Child Support Services as well as appointments or assigned activities with Career Service employment providers. 

We have lifted employment sanctions for Cash Assistance recipients who contacted the agency and stated a willingness to comply, and we have suspended all employment-related requirements. We have also mailed letters to CA and MA recipients with an existing child support sanction giving them an opportunity to lift that sanction by calling, emailing or writing to the Office of Child Support Services and stating their willingness to comply with the child support program. Demonstrated compliance is suspended until further notice. 

The 180-day length of stay for those living in Domestic Violence shelters has been waived. 

We have received authority to use hotel space for confidential DV shelter.

The waivers below are currently unchanged:

With federal and OTDA approval, we have implemented a process to waive signatures for SNAP and Cash Assistance applications taken by HRA staff over the phone for clients who are homebound or have challenges using ACCESS HRA for application submission. This waiver expires on June 30, 2020. As we have reported, our waiver request to permit community-based organizations to provide this telephone application service has been denied. 

Effective April 1, 2020, the federal Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements for SNAP clients have been suspended.  

Status of Other Requested Waivers 

The items listed below are recent waiver requests made to the State and their current status: 

  • Waiver of the 45-day wait period for Safety Net Cash Assistance applications – denied 
  • Waiver of the Cash Assistance eligibility interview – pending
  • Waiver of/modifications to certain aspects of the Cash Assistance Resource Policy - denied
  • Waiver of the need to provide proof of application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits - denied
  • Ability to grant blanket good cause and lift child support sanctions – denied 
  • Ability to grant blanket good cause and lift employment related sanctions – denied
  • Authority to allow prepared meals to be purchased with SNAP benefits – denied by USDA
  • Authority to adjust the DV shelter per diem due to COVID factors and underutilization – pending 

Pandemic EBT Benefits

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits are currently being administered directly by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). All questions regarding P-EBT should be directed to the State. Receipt of P-EBT is separate from SNAP and receipt of P-EBT does not preclude clients from applying for SNAP 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

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to P-EBT can be found on the State’s website here:

With federal approval, P-EBT benefits are being distributed by the State to all families of eligible school-aged children. The State’s P-EBT Plan authorizes the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to issue P-EBT benefits to provide nutritional support for children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals (FRPMs) due to school closings necessitated by the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Families of public school (or participating private school) children between the ages of 5 and 18 are eligible for the one-time benefit of $420 for each eligible child. This payment represents the value of school meals for the period of time from March when the schools closed until the end of the school year on June 26 th . Payments will be issued for each eligible school-aged child living in the household.  All students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits. As of September 2017, all NYC public schools are considered CEP schools

There is no application process for receipt of these funds. School enrollment information for distribution of funds will be provided to State OTDA by local school districts (for NYC, the NYC Department of Education). OTDA will be using the March 2020 school enrollment data to determine eligibility by age and enrollment status.

Payments will be issued as follows:

  • Families of eligible school-aged children who are currently receiving SNAP and Cash Assistance will receive a P-EBT benefit directly on their existing EBT cards. Families will receive $420 for each eligible child. These benefits will be available on the following schedule:
  • On May 19th - $193 
  • On June 16th - $227

  • Families of eligible children with Medicaid-only cases will receive the full payment in the last two weeks of June. These benefits will be issued on a separate benefit card for each child in the household. The benefits will be issued in the name of the case-head. 

  • Families with eligible children who are not living in households receiving CA, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits will receive a P-EBT benefit of $420 for each eligible child in the household. These children will be certified eligible by enrollment rosters from the NYC DOE. State OTDA anticipates issuing benefit cards for each eligible child to families in this cohort. Benefits are expected to be distributed by the State in July and August 2020.

Please note:

  • Reporting case changes (as required for ongoing SNAP benefits) is not required for P-EBT benefits. 
  • Expired benefit cards will not be reactivated for P-EBT. P-EBT benefits will only be added to active EBT cards. Clients without active EBT cards will receive new EBT cards with P-EBT benefits. 

Please remember that HRA has no role in the administration of these benefits.  Distribution of these benefits will be handled directly by the State’s vendor.  

SNAP Interviews

We have received a federal waiver that allows issuance of SNAP benefits without an interview, provided that  both  of the following conditions have been met:

  • the applicant’s identity has been verified; and,
  • all other mandatory information and verification has been provided and is valid:
  1. Identity
  2. Social Security number (as already required by federal law)
  3. Residency
  4. Gross non-exempt income (earned and unearned)
  5. Disability
  6. “Alien eligibility” (as already required by federal law)

Pursuant to the federal waiver, if either of these conditions has  not  been met, then an interview will be required. Under the federal waiver, interviews will still be required if any of the information submitted is unclear or cannot be verified through separate data matches. HRA will call applicants who need an interview.

We are aware that some clients are still receiving phone calls regarding missed interview appointments. While most interviews are waived, as outlined above, some clients are still required to have a phone interview.  

Issuance of Expedited SNAP 

For applications eligible for expedited benefits, the only information that must be verified prior to the initial expedited issuance is the applicant’s identity. Under the federal waiver, an interview is not required for issuance of expedited benefits. The federal waiver expires June 30. 

Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Allotments

As it did in May, OTDA will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who were issued SNAP benefits for June 2020 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.  

For example, if a SNAP household of two people was issued $237 for June 2020, the household is issued a supplement of $118 because the maximum allotment for two people is $355.

The emergency SNAP supplement will be issued to households even if their SNAP case is currently closed. However, households who already received the maximum SNAP allotment will not receive an emergency supplement for June. Further information is available  here . 

Benefit Card Assistance/Issuance of Replacement or Temporary CBIC cards

Benefit cards are sent directly to clients by mail via the State’s vendor. There is no need to come in to a service center to request a card or receive a replacement CBIC card. If an emergency card is needed for a new applicant who is eligible for expedited SNAP or an immediate needs grant, applicants can visit any HRA center that is  open  to request a Vault Card (temporary benefit card). While the Brooklyn CBIC distribution office remains open, clients do not need to come to the distribution office to obtain their cards. Note that State photo cards cannot be issued in-person or through the mail for clients who never had their photo taken as part of the Automated Finger Imaging System (AFIS) process which has been suspended by the State. 

Clients can request a replacement card from the State online at  www.connectebt.com  or call EBT Customer Service at (888) 328-6399 for account information or to request that a replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for SNAP or Cash Assistance be mailed. 

Please be reminded that it is critical that we continue to comply with the State and local social distancing and stay at home orders. In order to do so, and keep both clients and staff safe, please encourage clients to utilize the mail service option to the extent possible for replacement card requests.

Reporting Requirements for Changes in Residence

Individuals are required to receive public assistance benefits in the county where they reside. Clients who may travel outside of the district for a limited period of time are permitted to do so without reporting a change. Those who plan to change their residence need to first alert the district they have been living in. That district will note the change and close the benefits case accordingly, with that district maintaining responsibility for benefits for the month following the month of the move. Clients may then file with the new local district office for public assistance benefits once they have moved.   

The five boroughs of New York City comprise one social services district. The remainder of New York State is divided into 57 Local Departments of Social Service (LDSS). The listing of all LDSS offices for New York State can be found at:  https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/localdss.asp

Reporting Changes in Income

We’ve received questions concerning when clients are obligated to report changes to their income. On our SNAP FAQ, found  here , we include important information about the rules for changes which must be reported 10 days after the end of the month in which the change happened. Some examples include:

  • Changes in any source of income for anyone in your household
  • Changes in your household’s total earned income when it goes up or down by more than $100 a month
  • Changes in your household’s total unearned income from a public source such as Social Security Benefits or Unemployment Insurance Benefits when it goes up or down by more than $100 a month

Clients should not submit a new application to report a change in income. For SNAP, clients should report income changes via a case change request in ACCESS HRA. For Cash Assistance, clients should upload documentation via ACCESS HRA to report income changes, including the loss of a job. Documentation may include paystubs, employer letter, layoff/termination letter or form, or attestation of loss of employment from a client when one cannot be obtained from their employer.

Apply for Cash Assistance Online
 
With State approval, we began accepting Cash Assistance (CA) applications online via ACCESS HRA on Friday, March 20. We have placed a copy of the  user guide here . Our ACCESS HRA online training sessions are also providing updated information on completing the CA application through ACCESS HRA. 

Through an Executive Order, the interview portion of the CA application process is being conducted by telephone. Here is a  link to the flyer  for clients regarding the public benefits changes that we have described. This Executive Order has been extended to July 6, 2020.

Rental/Emergency Assistance AND Ongoing Cash Assistance Benefits

Clients can apply for emergency assistance grants as well as ongoing Cash Assistance through ACCESS HRA. To apply for Cash Assistance, a client does not need to apply for an emergency grant, but we do ask questions during the online application process in order to make sure that an emergency grant is not needed to ensure the financial security of the clients. Therefore, every ACCESS HRA Cash Assistance application starts with a series of emergency indicator questions.  

As provided previously, below are instructions for applying for Cash Assistance through ACCESS HRA. We encourage organizations to sign up for an ACCESS HRA training webinar for additional information on using our online tools. Click  HERE  to view the webinar options.

To apply for Cash Assistance or a one-time emergency grant (one shot deal), clients will need to take the following steps:

  1. Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
  2. Select the ‘Benefits’ link from the menu options on the homepage
  3. Select ‘Start a New Application’
  4. Select the ‘Cash Assistance’ option in the ‘Select Application’ page
  5. Identify any applicable emergency indicators and click ‘Next’ 
  6. Select the type of benefits you would like to apply for. The three options are: Cash Assistance, One Shot Deal, or Child Care without Cash Assistance (CILOCA)
  7. Complete and submit the application
  8. Follow instructions in the ACCESS HRA confirmation page and submit required documents using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App

Clients with an active Cash Assistance case can submit a special grant request for rent or utility arrears via ACCESS HRA. To submit a Cash Assistance Special Grant Request, clients will need to:

  1. Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
  2. Enter identifying information to ‘Find My Case’ and link to your HRA case
  3. Select ‘View Case’ in the ACCESS HRA user home page
  4.  Select ‘Request Special Grant,’ located on the left-hand side
  5. Identify the special grant you are requesting, complete the request and submit
  6. Follow instructions in confirmation and submit required documents using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App

Medicaid

In New York City Medicaid cases due to renew in March, April, May and June will be extended for 12 months. There is currently no extension for July or August renewals. No Medicaid case will be closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation. The State has determined that any case that is closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation that had Medicaid coverage on or after March 18, 2020 will be re-opened with coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Renewals will be extended for 12 months.

Former SSI recipients and any discontinued Temporary Assistance/Medicaid cases that require a separate Medicaid eligibility determination will have Medicaid coverage extended. No renewal is required to be sent at this time and no redeterminations are required at this time.

The renewal extension applies to all renewal cases including Office of Mail Renewal, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), Nursing Home Eligibility, Medicare Savings Program, MBI-WPD (entitled to 6 months extended grace period if loss of employment), Stenson/Recipients who lose their SSI eligibility and Rosenberg/Recipients who lose their eligibility for Cash Assistance

During the COVID-19 Emergency, New York City residents who are age 65 or over; living with a disability or blindness; in receipt of Medicare and are not a parent or caretaker relative of minor children; or are young adults under age 26 who were formerly in foster care are able to submit a Medicaid application via fax to 917-639-0732. 

All other applicants not in the categories listed above may submit an application via the NY State of Health at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov   or by calling 1-855-355-5777. 

Burial Claims/Funeral Services

We issued an  emergency rule  increasing the amount of the burial/funeral services allowance from $900 to $1,700 with a total funeral cost cap of $3,400. The Mayor’s Office has been working with MOIA and others to raise private dollars to offer funeral assistance to all eligible individuals regardless of their immigration status. To obtain further information regarding HRA burial/funeral services please visit:  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/burial-assistance.page

Eviction Moratorium and Rent Arrears 

The current New York State moratorium on evictions which was set to expire on June 20 th  has been extended until August 20 th .  The extension applies to evictions due to non-payment for tenants impacted by the COVID pandemic, but not to holdover cases (reasons other than non-payment).  

As the moratorium is lifted, HRA will be focusing efforts on providing legal assistance to tenants in the Housing Courts through our Office of Civil Justice and processing payments for emergency assistance rent arrears grants.

ACCESS HRA and Document Upload

Clients applying for benefits should be opening a new account through  ACCESS HRA  and uploading documents through the  ACCESS HRA mobile app . For a tutorial on how to submit documents using the ACCESS HRA mobile app, click  here . 

We are aware of problems that users reported due to unprecedented demand and traffic on the system. We have implemented improvements to the system in order to handle the increased volume and we are continuing to monitor performance.

The ACCESS HRA document upload is the most effective way to submit documentations to HRA. As an alternative, clients can submit documents using SNAP and Job Center RightFax, but this should only be used if clients are unable to use ACCESS HRA as it takes longer to associate these documents with a case. Faxnumbers are listed on our website. Remember: When submitting by fax, the process of indexing the documents to the client’s case number will take more time than a submission through ACCESS HRA.  

Online ACCESS HRA Training 

DSS is offering online ACCESS HRA training webinars. These are open to CBOs and elected officials’ offices and will provide information on the use of ACCESS HRA for SNAP and Cash Assistance applications as well as the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal. 

  • The ACCESS HRA Cash Assistance Webinar will simulate the Cash Assistance (CA) application process via ACCESS HRA. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA SNAP Webinar will simulate the SNAP application process via ACCESS HRA. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA General Overview Webinar is a three-part presentation that offers an overview of the ACCESS HRA client facing website and Mobile App; and the Provider Portal case management tool. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA Provider Portal Webinar offers an in-depth presentation of the Provider Portal, the case management tool that allows participating organizations to view real-time case information for clients who have provided consent. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

ACCESS HRA Provider Portal

To enroll in the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal, email  dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov  to receive the onboarding package and information on how to become a Provider Portal Partner. Enrollment is now open for organizations seeking to be part of our summer 2020 cohort. The deadline to submit the completed package is June 19, 2020. 

If your organization is already a member of the Provider Portal, email  dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov   to receive your Organization ID and instructions on how to create an account.

Authorized Representative Forms for Clients 

As a reminder, SNAP applications can be submitted by community organizations on behalf of clients by serving as an authorized representative for the client. Clients may authorize a representative to submit applications and communicate with HRA on their behalf. 

To become an authorized representative, service providers will need to obtain a signed copy of  the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) and complete the application on the individual’s behalf on ACCESS HRA by doing the following:

  • Step One: Once you have the signed and completed authorization in hand, create an account for the individual at nyc.gov/accesshra by selecting a username (this could be a username or email address), password and answering one security question. If the individual does not have an e-mail address, please select the User Name option. 

  • Step Two: During the course of completing the SNAP application, you will be asked to indicate if an Authorized Representative has been appointed to represent the individual. Indicate “Yes” and enter the information requested.

  • Step Three: At the end of the application, you will need to initial the application as the authorized representative, using your own initials. 

  • Step Four: After submitting the SNAP application, IMMEDIATELY download the HRA Mobile Application at nyc.gov/accesshramobile. Using the same credentials that you used to login to the website, upload the completed and signed Authorized Representative Request Form referenced above, connecting it to the pending case. The form must be complete, signed and dated by both parties. If this step is not completed appropriately, the application will not be able to be processed. If you are unable to immediately link to the case, please note that application registration only occurs on business days and there is occasionally a delay in the Application Registration process, so the application may have not been registered yet. Please try again later.

It is recommended, but not required, that all applicants/providers use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) when designating an authorized representative. However, if the Authorized Representative form cannot be completed and submitted, the applicant/provider may write a letter with the relevant information from the form to designate an authorized representative.

Electronic Authorization to Release Case Information

In response to requests from our community partners, we have created a fillable PDF of our third-party authorization form that can be signed digitally / electronically by clients using Adobe or other third-party software. The PDF form can be downloaded  here .

Center Consolidations

With our programs and benefits available online and in order to protect clients and staff, we have consolidated our HRA Job, SNAP, and Medicaid Center locations. As a result of these consolidations, we are advising New Yorkers to apply for public benefits online at ACCESS HRA in order to prevent unnecessary visits to an HRA center. For clients who cannot or do not want to apply online, a list of Job, SNAP, and Medicaid Center locations that will remain open can be found here:  Job ,  SNAP ,  Medicaid .

We have also consolidated HASA Center locations, and one HASA Center will remain open in each borough. Even though these offices are still open, clients do not need to come into our offices as assistance can be obtained online and by telephone. For HASA clients who cannot or do not want to apply online, we strongly advise them to call the Service Line at (212) 971-0626 for help rather than traveling to an office.

For the most recent information about this and other changes, however, please visit our  website . 

City FHEPS and Rental Assistance

City FHEPS is one of the programs that provides ongoing rental assistance. This is a benefit that is made available to clients who are in shelter or for some individuals facing eviction. More information about City FHEPS eligibility for community tenants can be found  here  and information on eligibility for households residing in shelter can be found   here .

The Homebase program can help eligible clients facing eviction obtain rental assistance. Homebase locations are currently closed but are providing their services by phone. Clients can find the phone number for the Homebase location that serves their zip code  here .

For existing City FHEPS clients in shelter, we continue to operate the program with some modifications to our usual process:

  • For clients whose eligibility is based on employment, they will still be eligible to rent housing with City FHEPS even if they have reduced or lost work during the pandemic.

  • We will automatically reissue City FHEPS shopping letters as they expire. There is no need to reapply.

  • For apartment inspections, we have created a virtual viewing and walk-through process. Clients will also be able to view apartments virtually.

  • HRA is still processing and issuing rental assistance checks. Each day we are expanding our ability to work remotely to expedite payments.

As a reminder, at this time there is a continuing moratorium on evictions. Courts are not open for non-essential matters.  

Home Visits 

For the safety of our clients and staff, it is critical that HRA reduce contact with our most vulnerable clients by limiting home visits. If a client does require a home visit related to a Cash Assistance/SNAP issue and is unable to use ACCESS HRA or a phone call with HRA staff cannot resolve the matter, a home visit can be made pending the client’s willingness to have a worker in their home. 
 
The HRA Special Services programs are conducting regular wellness checks via telephone when possible. If checks via telephone are not possible, home visits are occurring for Adult Protective Services, HIV/AIDS Services, and Home Care Services Program clients.
 
Home Visit Needed (HVN) clients are receiving regular wellness check-in calls from HRA staff. These client check-ins focus on COVID-related health issues as well as food insecurity. If a client may be experiencing symptoms of COVID, they are directed to call their treatment provider. If the client is experiencing food insecurity appropriate referrals are made for home delivered food as needed. 

The Substance Use program is also conducting client check-in calls. All clients are advised of availability of Narcan for free with no prescription at local pharmacies. In addition, if any clients have relapsed and are seeking treatment, staff will conduct a telephone assessment and refer them for treatment.

Shelter

We remain committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have access to safe and secure shelter placements. Together with our network of providers, DHS is working hard to protect shelter residents and our shelter staff during this time. We will continue to communicate regularly to share guidance on shelter cleaning, social distancing, and isolating of shelter residents who are showing symptoms. We have also taken the following steps, with more to come:

  • Stood up more than 700 isolation beds in commercial hotels for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have tested positive.  

  • First prioritized transfer of DHS clients aged 70 and older to commercial hotels, and then began the transfer of additional single adult clients in congregate shelters to commercial hotels, with more than  13,000 of the 17,000 single adults in the DHS shelter system now in commercial hotels.

  • Securing new safe haven and stabilization beds to help clients experiencing homelessness on the streets and in the subways, including opening such beds in commercial hotel rooms and soliciting additional beds in commercial hotels.

  • Adding a drop-in center near Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and continuing to have an open request for providers to add additional drop-in capacity.

  • Streamlining the process for families applying for shelter by eliminating in-person appointments and conducting interviews by phone.

  • Ensuring that all shelter staff have access to requisite PPE while at work and distributing face coverings for our clients.  

  • Began voluntary COVID-19 testing at all shelters for client and have been testing approximately 1,000 clients per week and are continuing to ramp up. 

In response to the need for appropriate shelter placements for homeless individuals who are coming out of the subways during the MTA’s overnight shutdown, we have established a new process by which outreach providers can conduct intake in subway stations and provide a direct placement from the subway station. This allows clients to be moved directly into shelter from the subway station without having to go to a DHS intake location. More than 400 clients currently remain in shelter through these efforts, including the operation of additional stabilization beds. 
We have received a waiver of the State-set 180-day time limit for those living in Domestic Violence emergency shelter beds. We have received an additional waiver to add new capacity and a provider’s proposal to do so is pending State approval.  

For individuals who are being released from Rikers and other facilities, DHS is working with our partner agencies to ensure appropriate placement, including placing some into DHS shelters. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice is finding appropriate placements for others who require a different level of services than the level provided at DHS shelters.

DHS continues to seek proposals from qualified vendors to operate additional stabilization and safe haven beds. If you are interested in learning more about DHS’s open-ended RFP or submitting a proposal for save haven or stabilization capacity, please contact DHS at  Administrator_Carter@dhs.nyc.gov .  

DHS Isolation Sites and Non-COVID Hospital Discharges to DHS shelters

Effective Wednesday, April 22, 2020, we have changed our processes at isolation sites to conform to the new NYS Department of Health guidance about the length of the isolation period.

In addition, all non-COVID medical discharges are accepted 7 days a week for the duration of the pandemic. 

Food Resources

New York City is taking steps to make sure every New Yorker has access to the food they need. For individuals who are in need of support with meals and food, here are some resources that we want to be sure you are aware of:

  • Any New Yorker can receive three free meals a day at one of more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. Find out more information here.

  • The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Find out more information here.

  • If you are interested in the location of a food pantry, please visit the Food Help NYC pantry locator. We recommend calling to ensure the particular location is open. We’ve provided all of our emergency food providers with information about grab and go meals and how to implement social distancing at food pantries.  

  • You can now use your SNAP benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries. Participating online stores now accept SNAP benefits for online orders and will deliver to you. Use your EBT card to securely shop online. For participating stores, please click here. NOTE: Pursuant to federal requirements, SNAP benefits cannot be used to cover delivery fees. 

Financial Counseling

NYC Financial Empowerment Center counselors are available to support New Yorkers over the phone with free financial counseling. It is free and confidential. To book an appointment, please click  here .

Federal Stimulus Payments: Economic Impact Payments
 
On March 27th, 2020, the federal CARES Act authorized a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals and families that fall below the income threshold established for stimulus payments. Payments are automatic for people who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, receive survivor or disability benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who did not file a tax return in the last two years.  Individuals and families who don’t receive federal benefits and did not file a federal tax return in 2018 or 2019 will need to register for Economic Impact Payments.   
 
In order to register for payments, individuals and families should use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to provide information to receive payment. This application should be used when the following criteria are met:

  • US citizen or a non-citizen with a Social Security Number; 
  • Did not file 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
  • Were not required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons.

Non-filers with qualifying children under the age of 17 can also use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to claim the $500 payment per child.

Some Economic Stimulus Payments will be distributed by prepaid debit card. Determinations for receipt of these Economic Impact Payment Cards are made by the US Treasury Department. These will arrive in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services. Cards will arrive with activation instructions. 

For more information, please visit the   IRS website .
 
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Supplement and Stimulus Relief Payment – impact on eligibility

  • Under the federal CARES Act, eligible individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) will receive an additional $600 weekly Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payment. 

  • The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) provision of the CARES Act expands coverage to certain workers who traditionally are not eligible for unemployment benefits under state law, such as individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, or who have exhausted all rights to regular or extended unemployment benefits, among others. This is particularly important for those who work in the gig economy, who work largely as independent contractors and freelancers. This expansion is also very important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court-ordered child support payments.  

  • Although income received through UIB is typically counted as income under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the purposes of benefits eligibility, the CARES Act has specifically instructed states to disregard the $600 weekly additional payment (Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) when determining eligibility for Medicaid.

  • The regular UIB payments are still counted for MAGI for the purposes of benefits eligibility.

  • The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) increase to Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) payments is subject to budgeting as unearned income for both Cash Assistance and SNAP, in combination with regular UIB payments. Any retroactive UIB/PUC issued is considered a resource for SNAP in the month it is received, but due to Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, most SNAP households are not subject to a resource test. Retroactive UIB/PUC is also considered a lump-sum payment for Cash Assistance which may make a household ineligible for a period of time. 

  • Additionally, the CARES Act relief payment in the form of the “recovery rebate” or “stimulus payment” is up to $1,200 for single adults, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly and $500 for children under age 17. This stimulus payment is not taxable income and is therefore also not countable in MAGI based eligibility determinations.

  • For non-MAGI determinations, rebates are not countable as income and are an exempt resource for 12 months. After the 12-month period any portion of the stimulus payment remaining is a countable resource.

  • The CARES Act relief payments are not countable for Cash Assistance (CA) or SNAP eligibility.

  • The CARES Act stimulus payments made to eligible noncustodial parents who owe past-due child support and who are subject to intercept under the Federal Income Tax Refund Offset Program will be offset by the amount of past-due child support. 

Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Updates

  • CA clients scheduled for a child support appointment in June 2020 will be rescheduled. Clients will be informed that their appointment has been rescheduled and advised that they will receive a notice informing them of a future appointment date 

  • For clients who have a child support sanction, they can restore Cash Assistance and Medicaid benefits by informing the NYC Office of Child Support Services that they are willing to comply with the child support program. Clients can do so by calling 929-221-7656 or emailing dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, or writing to the New York City Office of Child Support Services, PO Box 830, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013. Clients should provide their name, case number, and contact information, and state that they are willing to comply with the child support program. Letters have been mailed to clients with a child support sanction informing them of this information. 

  • No negative case actions are being taken for missing appointments with the Office of Child Support Services.

  • If you would like to apply for child support services, you can get an application by:
  1. DOWNLOADING an application at childsupport.ny.gov OR
  2. CALLING the NYS Child Support helpline at 888-208-4485 to have an application mailed to you.
 
  • Family Court inquiries - The New York State court system opened on June 10th virtually for pending child support cases. For more information, go to www.nycourts.gov. Family Court is accepting support modification petitions and motion requests by email at NYFCSupport@nycourts.gov or by U.S. mail addressed to the appropriate county Family Court, or by telephoning 212-343-1122 (LIFT), 646-877-6050 (OCSS), or 646-386-5299 (Family Court) for assistance. The date of contact with the court and postmark will be recorded. No conferences or hearings will be scheduled on these cases at this time.
 
  • To make a payment - For information about making a child support payment, see mail and online options here.
 
 
  • Customer Service - The OCSS Customer Service Office is closed. Clients can reach us by email at dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, or can call the NY State Call Center at 888-208-4485. Please make sure to include your case number, contact information, and in the subject, the reason for your inquiry.
 
New York State Department of Health Medicaid and NY State of Health Insurance Updates

The New York State Department of Health and the New York State of Health have posted important Covid-19 related updates to their websites.   

New York Department of Health:
 
The New York State of Health has posted the following information on health insurance:
 
COVID-19 Related Fraud

The FBI has seen a significant increase in fraud schemes related to the pandemic.  Please help get the word out as some of these schemes target our shared clients by posing as assistance with or opportunities to access public benefits and CARES stimulus payments.  

CBO Referrals from 311

In an effort to connect clients with organizations that can provide assistance with access to benefits and other support services, we are asking for any organizations interested in accepting referrals from 311 to contact us. If your organization is currently providing in-person or phone assistance to clients applying for HRA benefits, including providing assistance with ACCESS HRA and/or Fair Fares, and you are interested in accepting referrals from 311, please reach out to  dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov  for more information or to share your information with 311.

IDNYC Municipal ID Card Program
IDNYC is the  free  identification card for all New York City residents. During NYC’s current shelter-in-place order, IDNYC enrollment centers are temporarily closed; however, we continue to process online renewals for the approximately 715,000 NYC cardholders who enrolled in 2015 and whose cards are set to expire in 2020. New Yorkers can visit our website for real-time program updates and to start their online renewal application at  http://nyc.gov/idnyc .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

In response to the inquiries we have been receiving, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for questions specifically related to systemic changes related to COVID-19. These are located on our website,  HERE . This section will be updated regularly as we continue to receive questions.  We encourage you to continue to reach out with questions to  dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov   so that we can ensure you have the most current and accurate information available.