February 28, 2022
Dear Community Partner:
Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the bi-weekly community calls, will continue to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions. We will continue our work toward the shared goal of fighting poverty, income inequality, and addressing homelessness in our city with care and compassion for our clients, staff, and provider partners.
As we shared previously, these calls are now occurring on a bi-weekly basis, though this communication will continue to be distributed weekly. As a reminder, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the Tuesday call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication.
Throughout the pandemic we have continued to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
FHEPS
OTDA and HRA have an approved plan to raise the FHEPS rent levels to 108% of the FMR, aligning to the change the City made last year for CityFHEPS payments. The new plan is effective as of February 16th. Please refer to the chart at the end of this communication for the new FHEPS Payment Standards. For more information and updated forms, visit our FHEPS page here.
CityFHEPS
Tenants who were rejected at renewal for their CityFHEPS for being over income and are still in the same unit but having issues with paying their rent can now resubmit their renewal application at the higher income threshold of 80% AMI.
The best way to return a completed and signed CityFHEPS Renewal Request form is to email it along with images of all supporting documents to RAPrenewals@hra.nyc.gov. Applicants can also mail the completed and signed form along with copies of all supporting documents to:
Rental Assistance Program Unit
109 E 16th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10003.
Cash Assistance Six-Month Mailer
In line with the recent waiver of the requirement to return SNAP Periodic Reports due in January, February, and March, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) approved DSS/HRA’s request to waive the requirement to return the Cash Assistance (CA) Six-Month Mailer for the same period of time. No negative actions were taken for cases due to return their CA Six-Month Mailer in January but failed to do so and no negative actions will be taken for those that do not return the mailers due in February or March until March 14, 2022.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Season Extended
The dates of operation for the Regular and Emergency HEAP benefit components will be extended from March 15, 2022 to April 29, 2022, or until funds allocated to these components are exhausted, whichever comes first.
A second Emergency benefit will be available to applicants from February 22, 2022 through April 29, 2022 when the Emergency component closes. The eligibility criteria for the second Emergency benefit will be the same as the first Emergency benefit. Applicants must have exhausted, or have unavailable to them, both the Regular benefit and the first Emergency benefit to be eligible for the second Emergency benefit. First and second Emergency benefits must not be issued concurrently. For example, those who received a regular HEAP benefit and then applied for an Emergency HEAP allocation in the first round of HEAP Emergency benefits, and have exhausted these benefits, and are again in a heat and/or heat related energy emergency may now be eligible for a second Emergency benefit. They must continue to meet the eligibility criteria (linked above) for Emergency benefit assistance.
Applicants can call 212.331.3126 for HEAP assistance.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who are issued SNAP benefits for February 2022. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.
SNAP Elderly Simplified Application Process
In response to questions received on our weekly call regarding response time for ESAP applications, the initial application requirements for households that appear to be ESAP-eligible are the same as for any SNAP applicant household. Households that submit complete applications with necessary documentation can expect to be evaluated for expedited SNAP (E-SNAP) within 7 days and for recurring SNAP benefits within 30 days. As a reminder we continue to operate under a partial SNAP interview waiver which means that applications are being processed even if a client is not contacted by HRA.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS)
In response to questions received on our weekly call, below is a recap of the HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS).
The application for the State HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) is the regular HEAP application in conjunction with the HEAP RAS worksheet. The RAS worksheet is completed by HRA staff. Once a HEAP application is submitted, HRA staff will assess for both regular HEAP and RAS by reaching out to the client to conduct a phone interview. The applicant must be eligible for HEAP to be eligible for RAS. If eligible, the RAS worksheet will be completed by HRA staff at the time of the interview.
Applicants are required to complete the regular HEAP application (and the RAS worksheet which will be completed by HRA staff during their interview) under any one of the following circumstances:
- Did not receive a regular HEAP benefit this season (2021/22 HEAP season);
- Moved since receiving their HEAP benefit;
- Closed Cash Assistance or SNAP case since receiving regular HEAP benefit.
These applicants must first complete a new HEAP application and be found HEAP eligible in order to receive the RAS benefit.
Clients who need to submit an application for HEAP can do so as follows:
- Apply in-person at one of the 6 designated HRA Job Centers or 4 community assistance sites (please see HEAP Eligibility section below);
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Download an application here or call 212-331-3126 to request an application.
- Mail a completed LDSS-3421 to: NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
- Drop off a completed LDSS-3421 at any HRA Job Center.
HEAP applicants will be required to have an interview, which, due to COVID-19 restrictions, will be conducted by telephone. Applicants will receive a call from an HRA worker to conduct the eligibility interview for HEAP and RAS, if also applying for RAS. Existing HEAP recipients (those with an open HEAP, CA or SNAP case, who haven’t moved) applying for RAS do not need to have a telephone interview; they just need an HRA worker to complete an RAS worksheet for them.
The one-time benefit is based on the actual amount of current utility arrears, up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s gas and/or electric utility vendor(s), and only one RAS benefit per current electricity and/or gas account is permitted.
Households may be eligible if:
- Heat is natural gas or electricity;
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Income is at or below the current income guidelines as posted in this table or the applicant receives Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income;
- All of the eligibility criteria to receive a Regular HEAP benefit in the current program year have been met;
- The applicant must be the customer of record for the electricity and/or gas account(s), or must document that they pay the utility vendor(s) directly for the bill(s);
- The vendor is paid directly for gas and/or electricity usage; and
- The current gas and/or electricity account(s) is/are in active collection, or otherwise facing disconnection or termination due to unpaid arrears.
Note that there is no resource test for the RAS benefit and arrears for domestic electricity do not have to be heat-related. When and why the arrears accrued will not impact eligibility. The RAS can be awarded for both an electricity and a gas account for a single household.
NYS NCP (Noncustodial Parent) Earned Income Tax Credit
This tax credit is for noncustodial parents with a NYS Child Support order who have paid their child support obligation in full. The amount of the credit received is up to $1,358 and depends on an individual’s income on the tax return. Filers are no longer required to provide their child’s social security number in order to receive a refund and can go back two years and file for the credit that was missed. The refund will be applied towards a noncustodial parent’s child support debt, if they have one. Learn more about the credit here.
IDNYC Updates
IDNYC has reopened a total of 16 public enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs. Capacity is limited and by appointment only. Hours of operation are listed on IDNYC’s website and available by calling 311.
The free, municipal ID program is currently focusing its efforts on renewing cardholders who originally enrolled in 2015, 2016, as their cards expired beginning 2020. Due to the closure of sites during the height of the pandemic, the program extended its window to renew through the end of 2022.
IDNYC’s On-the-Go/Mobile Command Center will be deployed at the following event for public enrollments with limited capacity:
Thursday, March 3, 2022, Brooklyn Academy High School from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a District 79 school for adult learners.
One Shot Deal – Clarification of ERAP Application Requirement
Applicants for One Shot Deal/Emergency Grants for rent arrears are no longer required to apply for ERAP to be eligible for a grant from HRA. This does not change with the re-opening of the ERAP portal. However, individuals who applied before the ERAP portal initially closed on 11/14/2021, and are still pending a State determination, must have that determination rendered before HRA is able to provide assistance (One-shot Deal) for rent arrears.
Emergency Grants for Clients Receiving Cash Assistance
In response to questions we’ve receiving on our call, clients with open cash assistance cases can request additional allowance or emergency benefit(s) beyond their regular monthly benefits, if necessary. In these instances, clients should not submit a new one-shot-deal application, and should instead utilize the various grants available for request through ACCESS HRA.
Fair Fares
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on eligible transportation. In our ongoing efforts to get the word out about this valuable benefit, the City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that can be ordered by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website here, after registering on the login page.
Update to Federal Poverty Guidelines
United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published its annual update of the HHS poverty guidelines. The figures on the chart provided here represent 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a given family size, both by monthly and annual income. These revised figures are effective - June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.
For Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) the 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines go into effect on April 1, 2022.
The 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines do not go into effect for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on June 1st. Poverty guidelines for SNAP are updated each year on October 1st.
Child Care Payment Waivers Extension
The Office of Children and Family Services has extended two ACS childcare waivers, allowing HRA to provide payment for an unlimited number of absences and program closures. The waivers, which were first set to end on December 31, were then extended through January 2022 and February 2022, and are now further extended through March 31, 2022. The waivers apply to both contract and voucher programs including Day Care Centers, Group Family Day Care, Family Day Care, Legally-exempt Group Programs, and School Age Child Care. Legally exempt family child care and in-home child care providers are not eligible to receive payment for program closures but are eligible for payment for absences.
ACCESS HRA Multi-Factor Authentication Design Update
On February 21st, at the request of City's Cyber Command, ACCESS HRA implemented voluntary multi-factor authentication option. The multi-factor authentication option is available for clients to use to provide additional security for their ACCESS HRA accounts. If clients opt-in to this process by verifying a recovery email address, a code sent to that email address would be needed for any future linking to that identity from another ACCESS HRA account.
Overview:
- This new feature will allow AHRA users to set a Recovery Email Address voluntarily. An email address will not be a requirement to use ACCESS HRA.
- Process Flow:
- A user creates an ACCESS HRA account with either a username or an email address and connects to:
- their SNAP or CA case using CIN or SSN and DOB or;
- their Fair Fares case using CIN or SSN or Fair Fares ID and DOB
- Users that enter a Recovery Email Address will be sent a verification code to that email address. When the code is entered into ACCESS HRA the recovery email address will be considered verified. The verified recovery email address will be connected to that user's ACCESS HRA account and CIN or SSN, Fair Fares ID and DOB. Users can choose “I’ll do it this later” and continue without verifying the recovery email address.
- If, at a later time, a different ACCESS HRA account logs-in and tries to connect to the same CIN or SSN or Fair Fares ID and DOB , the user will be sent a verification code to the recovery email address (if one was provided) to confirm this action.
- If the user is able to access the email and successfully enters the code, they will see a confirmation screen. If the user is unable to access the email, they can continue with “I did not get a code” and use “Send New Code” to try again or “Contact Us” for help.
- If the user does not have a verified recovery email address connected to that user's ACCESS HRA account and CIN or SSN, Fair Fares ID and DOB, they can continue with “I did not get a code” and use “Cancel” to proceed without verifying the recovery email address.
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For the linked users that do not have a verified recovery email address on file, the “Contact information” pop-up is displayed. Users can either use ‘Update Now’ to enter their recovery email address or do it ‘Later’.
COVID-19 Related Updates
Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication
The City has begun free home delivery -- as long as there is a prescription-- of oral antiviral pills Paxlovid (made by Pfizer), and Molnupiravir (by Merck), via Alto Pharmacy, a medication provider which has partnered with the City. Since supplies of the new drugs are extremely limited, deliveries will be prioritized to those who test positive and considered to be at higher risk for COVID.
Those who have tested positive and are otherwise qualified can visit Virtual ExpressCare for a phone or video visit, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) and press 9.
NYS Mask Mandate
On Thursday, February 10, 2022 New York State officially lifted its indoor mask mandate Statewide. Masks are still required in the following locations:
- Hospitals and state-regulated health care settings
- Nursing homes and adult care facilities
- Correctional facilities and detention centers
- Homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters
- Public transit and transportation hubs including airports
- Trains and planes
- Schools (with that requirement to be reassessed in early March)
In New York City the decision to require masks indoors will be made by individual businesses and employers.
Vaccine requirements in New York City for businesses including restaurants, fitness facilities and entertainment venues will continue, as will vaccine requirements for City workers and some private sector workers.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Vaccination sites can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC. New Yorkers can also text their ZIP code to 438829 to receive information on vaccination sites near them, including what age groups can be served at each site.
For more information about vaccines and the vaccines for children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ, or call 212-COVID19 with questions about the vaccine.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
- CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
- NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from a health care provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
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NYC COVID Safe App. Android. iOS. This app can be used to upload a photo of a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days.
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CLEAR Health Pass. Android. iOS. Individuals can use the digital vaccine card option in the CLEAR app if they are age 18 or older and are fully vaccinated.
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NYS Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). Allows an individual to find and store proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. New York residents who were vaccinated out of State can learn more about their options at the Excelsior Pass FAQ. The app, called NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
Vaccine Records
Individuals who are fully vaccinated but have lost their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of their vaccine status can request a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record. Individuals cannot get a replacement COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at this time but can get an official record noting they have been vaccinated. For more information and to submit a request visit the NYC DOHMH Vaccine Records site.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Test Scams
There have been reports of scams which claim to provide at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for personal or medical information. Individuals should not give out Medicare Numbers for COVID-19 test kits.
As a reminder, each household in the U.S. can access four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing.
Call 800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
Testing in NYC
Through NYC Test & Trace Corps, 14 landmark City cultural sites and 27 branches of The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library will receive at-home COVID-19 test kits to give to New Yorkers free of charge. Weekly walk-up distributions began Monday, February 14. Tests will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one per person while supplies last. Test & Trace will update its testing website daily with the hours and pick up locations of cultural sites and library branches with tests available. The distribution of tests will not impact other aspects of cultural site or library branch operations. A list of participating cultural sites and their hours is available here.
Free testing continues to be available at City-run sites throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Sites page includes detailed information about all City-run mobile, brick-and-mortar, and micro testing sites across the five boroughs, including location, schedule, and types of testing offered. Locations of testing sites can also be accessed by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.
COVID-19 testing at most City-run sites is walk-in only. All New Yorkers are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites allow pre-registration through this link, which will streamline check-in upon arrival.
Additional Resources and Information
Tax Season Information
Important tax season reminders:
For more information and to learn about virtual, drop-off, and in-person tax assistance options, visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance.
Available tax credits:
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for families and individuals with low and moderate incomes. This year, for the first time, filers aged 19-24 and over 65 without children can claim up to $1,502. As of 2022, filers can use their 2019 or 2020 tax year to maximize EITC benefits. Additional tax credit information can be found here.
Child Tax Credit for parents with children age 17 and under is a benefit worth between $3,000 – $3,600 depending on the child’s age. Parents don’t need to have had income to claim the credit; those who got some advance payments in 2021 (those payments started in July) must file to get the rest of their money. The children being claimed need to have Social Security Numbers (SSN), but the filer does not.
Child and Dependent Care Credit is for parents who pay for childcare for children under 13 or the care of dependent adults can get back up to $4,000 in care expenses for one qualifying person and up to $8,000 for two or more people.
Increase in Consolidated Edison Electricity Costs
ConEd bills are broken down into two primary categories of charges (in addition to various taxes and fees): supply charges and delivery charges.
“Delivery” charges pay for Con Ed's maintenance and expansion of the infrastructure required to transport electricity from the source of generation to homes. Delivery charges are set by the NYS Public Service Commission (PSC).
In 2020 the Public Service Commission approved an increase in delivery charges that would take effect over three years, increasing bills by an average of about 13% by the end of this year compared to 2019.
"Supply" charges are what Con Ed pays suppliers for the generation of electricity—and by law they do not mark this up. Neither the PSC nor Con Ed set those supply rates; they fluctuate due to market factors. Recently these rates have been fluctuating significantly. Many bills show supply charges have nearly tripled, from something like from 6.6 cents per kilowatt-hour to 19.6 cents. This comes as a result of the rising cost of natural gas on the global market as a substantial percentage of NYC electricity is produced using fossil fuels.
Con Ed filed for a $1.2 billion rate hike for delivery charges with the PSC last month, which would raise bills an estimated 11% for electric customers. The public can offer comments to the Public Service Commission specific rate increases.
NYC Emergency Management – Program for Young Women in High School
NYC Emergency Management is seeking New York City high school students to participate in the inaugural HERricane NYC program, designed to encourage young women in grades 9 through 12 to pursue careers and leadership roles in emergency management.
The program is offered by the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) and consists of a week-long “camp” that includes both lectures and hands-on activities focusing on emergency management and personal development. There is no cost for students to participate in the program.
All entries must be submitted by March 8, 2022. Please reach out to intergov@oem.nyc.gov with questions
Protections for Domestic Workers Under the New York City Human Rights Law
As of March 12, 2022, the New York City Human Rights Law’s employment protections will apply to all domestic workers, including nannies, home care workers, housecleaners, and any other worker who is employed in a home providing childcare, eldercare, companionship, or housekeeping services in New York City. This ruling extends the coverage of the NYC Human Rights Law to full and part-time domestic workers, regardless of employer size - eliminating the typical 4-employee minimum for employer liability. More information and fact sheets in multiple languages are available here.
Artist Employment Program
CRNY’s Artist Employment Program (AEP) is a 2-year program that will fund employment for 300 artists working in collaboration with community-based organizations across New York State. Participating artists will receive a salary of $65,000 per year (commensurate with median household income in New York State) plus benefits and dedicated time to focus on their artistic practice. Community-based organizations will receive $25,000-$100,000 per year to support their collaborations with these artists.
Visit the full Artist Employment Program application guidelines to learn more and apply. The program, which will accept applications through March 25, will attempt to reach communities that are historically underserved by philanthropy. The application process will include accommodations for non-English speakers, people with disabilities and those without internet access.
The New York City Green Cart Permit Waiting List is Now Open
NYC Green Carts are food carts and trucks that bring fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods to neighborhoods that have lacked access to fresh produce. Green Cart vendors must have a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (the Health Department) mobile food vending license, and operators of the cart or truck must have a Health Department Green Cart (Fresh Fruits and Vegetables) permit. For notifications, FAQs, application and instructions on how to apply go to nyc.gov/greencarts. Application will be open until April 30, 2022.
Metropolitan Transit Authority – OMNY Unlimited Ride Pilot
The MTA will launch a four-month pilot project to allow unlimited weekly rides using the new OMNY tap-and-go app. Until now, the OMNY tap-and-go app had no equivalent to an unlimited Metrocard.
Starting Feb. 28, from Monday to Sunday during each week of the pilot, any subway or bus rider who uses the OMNY contactless payment system and takes 12 trips within that week, spending $33 in fares, will automatically have free trips for the rest of that week.
The week-long calendar rolls over every Sunday night.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our bi-weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our bi-weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our bi-weekly call as well as new developments and useful information regarding other City benefits and services. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates page.
Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our bi-weekly calls, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
New York City Department of Social Services
