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, May 26 2020, 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.

As we mentioned in last week’s communication and on our call last week, we continue to receive questions regarding some of the changes we have discussed here and on our weekly briefing calls. Please continue to submit your questions about these changes and general questions to dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov .  All client case inquiries should continue to be directed to Infoline at 718-557-1399. We have also provided specific agency contacts to advocates representing clients for case resolution.

Pandemic EBT

Please see detailed information on Pandemic EBT benefits in the Additional Information section below. In response to specific questions received this week, below are highlights from that section that address these questions:

  • The State will be distributing P-EBT benefits of $420 per school-aged child attending NYC public school in 3 cohorts:

  1. Families with existing Cash Assistance or SNAP benefits will receive two payments on their existing benefits card, one in May (which should have already been received) and one in June. 
  2. Families who receive Medicaid only will receive one payment on their existing benefits card in June.
  3. Families not in receipt of benefits will receive one payment that will be provided on a new card in July. 

  • The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is administering these benefits. All inquiries should be directed to the State:
  • Email: otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov


  • 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. 

SNAP and Cash Assistance Recertification Waiver

As we’ve explained in prior communications, clients with a SNAP or CA case expiring in March – June have been granted a 6-month extension on re-certification. We have requested a further extension on the six-month recertification requirement waiver for CA and SNAP recipients. The State has submitted a request to the USDA to expand the existing waiver to extend the cases whose authorization period expires on July 31st. The State will grant the same extension for CA recertifications if it is granted by USDA for SNAP. 

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). Clients should be informed to check back on ACCESS HRA or our website after June 1 to confirm whether they need to re-certify. Clients do not need to contact HRA at this time. 

Benefit Card Assistance/Issuance of Replacement or Temporary CBIC cards

We continue to receive questions regarding the issuance of CBIC cards. As we have mentioned previously, 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.

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.

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, 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 courts through our Office of Civil Justice and processing payments for emergency assistance rent arrears grants. 

Reporting Requirements for Changes in Residence

We have been receiving questions on the requirements for reporting a change in address when residing outside of the City’s social service district. 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 are 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 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

Shelter

As we have reported, in response to the need for appropriate shelter placements for homeless individuals who are coming out of the subways at night, 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.

As a result of the subway outreach initiative since the MTA’s overnight shutdown, 281 people are currently in shelter. 

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 a nd 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 these changes, 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

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.

Some of these waivers are at or near their initial expiration date. As we seek to extend these waivers in order to provide continued safety precautions for staff and clients, we will provide updates on waiver expiration dates and extensions/requested extensions. 

As reported during our prior calls and in our previous communications, we have eliminated all requirements for HRA in-person appointments for clients and we will not take 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 have suspended all employment related requirements. 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.


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

Status of 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.

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. 

There is no application process for receipt of these funds. 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 to 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 be reminded that HRA has no role in the administration of these benefits. Distribution of these benefits will be handled directly by the State’s vendor. 

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 a document via ACCESS HRA to report income changes.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 would 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 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, all active cases will be extended. 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.

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.

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 is set to expire on June 6 th . We have asked that this Executive Order be extended.

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 .

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, until May 31 (our extension request is pending), an interview is not required for issuance of expedited benefits.

Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Allotments

As mentioned in our prior communication regarding enhanced benefits for March and April, OTDA is issuing an emergency SNAP supplement to households who were issued SNAP benefits for May 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 May 2020, the household will be issued a supplement of $118 because the maximum allotment for two people is $355.

The State issued the SNAP supplements on a staggered basis from May 15, 2022 through May 29, 2020. 

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 May. Further information is available here .

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. We are aware of problems that users have been reporting 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.

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 Energy Assistance Program ( HEAP )

HEAP heating season has been extended, and the HEAP program is accepting applications until June 30, 2020. Applications can be mailed; they are not required to be submitted in person during this period. The HEAP cooling season opened May 1, 2020 and runs through August 31st. If an individual with a documented medical condition has not received a cooling benefit in the past 5 years (previously the lookback was 10 years) and does not have a working air conditioner newer than 5 years old, they may be eligible for an AC unit.

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 .

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.

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 .

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 now approximately 11,000 of the 17,000 single adults in the DHS shelter system placed in commercial hotels.

  • Moving an additional 1,000 single adults from congregate shelters to commercial hotels each week. 

  • 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. 

As we have reported previously, we have received a waiver of the State-set 180-day time limit for those living in Domestic Violence emergency shelter beds; and we are seeking an additional waiver to add new capacity. 

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.

Federal Stimulus Payments: Economic Impact Payments
 
On March 27th, 2020, the federal CARES Act authorized a one-time payment of $1,200 to certain individuals. While many people will receive their payments through direct deposit or mailed checks, those who were not required to file a federal income tax return for 2018 or 2019 will need to take additional steps. 
 
According to the  IRS , if you don’t file taxes, use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to provide information to receive your payment. You should use this application if:
  • You are a citizen or a non-citizen with a Social Security Number; 
  • You did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
  • You weren’t required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons.

If you receive the below benefits, the IRS already has your information and you will receive $1,200. If you have qualifying children under age 17, you can use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to claim the $500 payment per child.
  • Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits
  • Railroad Retirement and Survivor Benefits

For more information, please visit the  IRS website .
 
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Supplement – 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. This expansion is especially important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court ordered child support payments. 

  • 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. This expansion is especially important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court ordered child support payments. 

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 scheduled 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 has suspended all nonessential court functions until further notice. Family Court is only addressing emergencies, such as child protection and domestic violence cases. For more information, go to www.nycourts.gov. Beginning Monday May 25th, the 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 a court clerk at 646-386-5299 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.
 
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. 

Client Case Specific Inquiries

Clients with questions and advocates or providers with client case inquiries should reach out to Infoline at 718-557-1399.

We also encourage providers and advocates to use the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal to connect with their clients and view case-specific information.

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.

Referrals from 311 and Infoline

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 to sign up, or for more information.

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 approximate 715,000 NYC cardholders who enrolled in 2015 and whose cards set to expire in 2020. New Yorkers can visit our website for real-time program updates and to also start their online renewal application at  http://nyc.gov/idnyc .