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 contacts)
- 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 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 received an extension of the SNAP partial interview waiver through July 31, 2020.
The Cash Assistance in-person interview waiver expires on July 6, 2020. We have requested a six-month extension of this essential waiver to protect the health and safety of clients and staff.
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 called clients with an employment sanction to inquire if they are willing to comply. For clients who we have successfully reached, and who agreed to comply, we are lifting their non-durational employment related sanctions. Demonstrated compliance can be established by expressing a willingness to comply in the future.
We have mailed letters to Cash Assistance and Medicaid 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.
The State-set 180-day length of stay limit for those living in Domestic Violence shelters has been waived. We have received authority to use hotel space for confidential DV shelter.
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. Clients who call Infoline (718-557-1399) and indicate that they are unable to apply online will be provided with alternatives, including the option to apply by telephone. As we have reported, our waiver request to permit community-based organizations to provide this telephone application service has been denied. We have received an extension of this waiver through July 31, 2020 (previously set to expire June 30, 2020).
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 – denied
- 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
- Waiver to allow greater access to HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) and to permit payments for increased utility costs (see HEAP section below) - pending
Eviction Moratorium, Legal Assistance, and Rent Arrears
- All pending evictions orders are suspended until further notice, as ordered by Chief Administrative Judge Marks on March 16, 2020 and June 18, 2020, and no tenant may be evicted at this time and until there is a change to the order of the court.
- NYC Housing Court began accepting new eviction filings effective June 20, 2020. Landlords will only be permitted to file new eviction cases by mailing in to the housing court. Tenants who are served with papers for an eviction case do not need to visit the courthouse to respond. Nevertheless, unrepresented landlords or tenants who come to the courthouse to file a case or answer will be assisted.
- All new eviction petitions are required to include a notice to tenants that they do not have to visit the courthouse to respond to their eviction case. The notice includes information about how a tenant can respond to the petition by phone, and it will include information about access to free legal help, including the legal services phone number operated by the nonprofit Housing Court Answers - (718) 557-1379 - in partnership with HRA’s Office of Civil Justice and the Office of Court Administration. Housing Court Answers provides callers with basic legal information and connection with HRA's free legal services. Given the impacts on health and stability faced by many New Yorkers since the start of the pandemic, the court will not be defaulting tenants who fail to respond to an eviction petition.
- New eviction cases filed with the court must certify that the eviction is not prohibited by: the federal CARES Act moratorium on evictions, which prohibits evictions of tenants in public housing, those with Section 8 rental vouchers or tenants who live in buildings with federally backed mortgages or funding until at least July 24, 2020; the Governor’s Executive Order which suspends evictions for nonpayment of rent against tenants eligible for unemployment insurance or benefits or who have been financially impacted by COVID through August 20, 2020; and all applicable court administrative orders. Eviction filings that do not meet these requirements will be not be accepted at court.
- Until further notice, the court is not scheduling conferences or hearings in pending eviction cases in housing court in which a tenant is not currently represented by counsel. All eviction cases in which a tenant is currently unrepresented by legal counsel are stayed for the time being.
- If the court’s administrative order changes in the future to permit evictions to proceed, HRA’s Office of Civil Justice will work with City-funded legal services providers and the court to assign attorneys through the NYC right-to-counsel law to any unrepresented tenant who appears in court in response to a warrant of eviction. OCJ will be prioritizing the assignment of these cases since they are at risk of eviction.
- Currently, HRA is ready to receive applications for emergency rental assistance for those in need and in most cases the entire process can be done without a visit to a local HRA office.
Home Energy Assistance Program
(
HEAP
)
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 has 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.
We have submitted a waiver request to OTDA for the following changes to the HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC):
- Allow utility assistance under the CAC
- Allow self-attestation in-lieu of medical documentation of a condition exacerbated by the heat
- Extend eligibility to households in receipt of federal housing subsidies
- Increase funding for NYC
- Categorize HEAP vendors as essential businesses to ensure HEAP vendors can provide cooling assistance while NYS PAUSE is in effect
The HEAP heating season has been extended, and the HEAP program is accepting applications until June 30, 2020. The HEAP heating application is a fillable form and is available
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
.
Childcare
Recipients of Cash Assistance who are participating in an approved education or training program or are employed may be eligible for childcare assistance. Summer programs also qualify. Clients who receive child care benefits who want to enroll their child in summer camp should send their request (including CS 274W, LDSS 4699/4700 and a phone number where client can be reached) to
summercamp@hra.nyc.gov
.
HRA Office of Domestic Violence
The Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Hotline continues to operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. HRA’s No Violence Again (NoVA) social workers are serving clients remotely who are referred by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) when they apply for shelter and clients who experience domestic violence (DV) in DHS shelter. The social workers assist DV survivors in accessing DV residential programs; provide crisis intervention and counseling; and provide referrals to non-residential DV programs. In addition, we are continuing to make referrals remotely to HRA’s Domestic Violence Liaisons (DVLs) who provide DV assessments and crisis intervention so that DV survivors can safely apply for Cash Assistance and secure child support and work requirement waivers.
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.
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:
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:
- Identity
- Social Security number (as already required by federal law)
- Residency
- Gross non-exempt income (earned and unearned)
- Disability
- “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 July 31.
Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Allotments
As it did in May, OTDA is issuing 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. The State has requested a continuation of the emergency SNAP supplement for July.
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 is being 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
Clients are required to submit changes in income to HRA. 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, an employer letter, a layoff/termination letter or form, or an 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 is set to expire on July 6, 2020, and we are seeking an extension.
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:
- Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
- Select the ‘Benefits’ link from the menu options on the homepage
- Select ‘Start a New Application’
- Select the ‘Cash Assistance’ option in the ‘Select Application’ page
- Identify any applicable emergency indicators and click ‘Next’
- 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)
- Complete and submit the application
- 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:
- Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
- Enter identifying information to ‘Find My Case’ and link to your HRA case
- Select ‘View Case’ in the ACCESS HRA user home page
- Select ‘Request Special Grant,’ located on the left-hand side
- Identify the special grant you are requesting, complete the request and submit
- 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, June, July, and August, will be extended for 12 months. 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.
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, June, July, and August, also applies to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP).
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 worked 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
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. Fax numbers 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.
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.
- 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 www.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.
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 approximately 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 for clients at all single adult shelters, 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.
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.
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:
- DOWNLOADING an application at childsupport.ny.gov OR
- 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.
- To have child support documents notarized remotely – OCSS is offering free remote notary service for child support documents. To have your child support documents notarized remotely, you will need a smartphone or a computer with Internet and scanning or faxing capability, as well as a valid photo I.D. To request this service, email dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, with REMOTE NOTARY entered as the subject line of your email. Please include your name, child support account number, and a phone number where you can be reached. You will be contacted to schedule an appointment during these hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 10am to noon, or Wednesday and Thursday 2pm to 4pm.
- Relief from an administrative enforcement - For forms to challenge an enforcement action see below:
- 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 line, 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 Testing
for more information and a listing of test sites.
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.
