April 5, 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, continues 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 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. 
 
We continue 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. 

Re-opening of St. Nicholas Job Center
 
The St. Nicholas Job Center and Hamilton HASA Center located at 132 West 125th Street will be re-opening to the public on Monday April 11,2022. 
 
CA Six-Month Mailer/SNAP Periodic Report
 
Starting in April 2022, all Cash Assistance and SNAP households that are due to return either a CA Six-Month Mailer or a SNAP Periodic Report must do so to keep getting benefits. Households who failed to return their mailer/report in January, February or March 2022 did not have their case closed for failing to return the mailer/report.
 
EBT Card Skimming Scam
 
There is a new scam in which thieves are using card-swiping machines to steal personal information from debit and credit cards. In some cases, skimmers have been used to steal EBT card information. The thieves clone client EBT cards and are able to access and steal the benefits.
 
Flyers with more information are available online here in multiple languages, under “EBT Scam Alerts.”
 
HRA is actively investigating this fraud and is working with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to try to make clients whole.
 
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component 
 
The 2021-2022 Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) will open on Monday, May 2, 2022.
 
Applications for the 2021-2022 CAC will be accepted starting on Monday, May 2, 2022. Benefits will be provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants through Wednesday, August 31, 2022, or until funding allocated to this component is exhausted.
 
To be eligible for a CAC benefit, applicants are no longer required to have a household member with a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat.
 
Non-citizens and SNAP Benefits Information

As a reminder, participating in SNAP does not affect a person’s immigration status and/or ability to become a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident. Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits does not make someone a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. Learn more here.
 
Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect an individual's ability to:

  • Remain in the United States,
  • Get a Green Card/Lawful Permanent Resident Status,
  • Keep a Green Card/Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or
  • Become a United States citizen. 

New Yorkers can also apply for SNAP on behalf of the eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in their family, even if they do not want to apply for benefits for themselves, without affecting their immigration status. The SNAP office is not allowed to ask for immigration documents for people who are not applying to receive benefits themselves.
 
Many non-citizens may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they are one of the following:

  • Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Asylees, Amerasian immigrants, individuals with deportation or removal withheld, Hmong or Highland Laotians, victims of human trafficking, parolees for at least one-year, conditional entrants, North American Indians born in Canada and members of federally recognized tribes;
  • Honorably discharged U.S. veteran, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
  • Aliens on active duty in the U.S. military service, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
  • Aliens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year;
  • Certain battered immigrants and their children or parents; and
  • Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) in the U.S. for 5 years
  • LPR with certain disability benefits
  • LPR with 40 qualifying quarters
  • LPR under age 18
 
Extension of Temporary Increase in WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB)
 
The temporary increase of the WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for the purchase of vegetables and fruits authorized under the American Rescue Plan has been extended through September 2022. This temporary increase was previously set to expire on March 31, 2022. Learn more here.
 
Ida Relief for Excluded New Yorkers Extension
 
New York State will now allow new applications for the Ida Relief for Excluded New Yorkers program to be submitted through close of business on April 29, 2022. For more information, New Yorkers can call the Office of New Americans (ONA) Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 (M-F, 9a - 8p, translators available) or visit an Ida Relief Community Partner location. Program staff will work with the client to assess eligibility and obtain documentation needed to make a financial claim.  
 
The following organizations will provide assistance:
 

New York State Private Health Insurance Application Deadline for 2022 Extended
 
The open enrollment period for New York State private health insurance coverage for 2022 is extended through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) which is currently through May 31, 2022. Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov for more information.

GetCoveredNYC helps New Yorkers in the five boroughs enroll in health insurance, including low- or no-cost options, under the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare). Complete the form at nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC to receive free enrollment assistance in your language. You can also call 311 or text CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 877877 to be connected to a GetCoveredNYC Specialist.

GetCovered Day of Action
GetCoveredNYC, NY State of Health, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are teaming up to get the word out that there is still time to enroll in health insurance, and have put together a toolkit to encourage everyone to spread the word about how New Yorkers can get quality, affordable health insurance.

Here's how partners can help:

 
SNAP and CA Waiver Extensions
 
OTDA has extended the following waivers through May 31, 2022, or the end of the month after which the public health emergency declaration ends, whichever is earlier:
 
  • Permission to submit SNAP and Cash Assistance applications and recertifications by telephone with HRA staff. In order to submit an application by telephone, applicants should reach out to Infoline to be referred for assistance.
  • Partial interview waiver for SNAP
 
Extension of Remote Fair Hearings
 
OTDA will continue to conduct Fair Hearings - to the greatest extent possible - utilizing telephone, video, and other means of communication through March 12, 2023, under the second one-year extension of a demonstration project originally set to expire in March 2021.
 
Incoming Fair Hearing Telephone Calls
 
Clients or applicants who are expecting a telephone call for their Fair Hearing should be reminded to ensure that their phone settings will allow calls to get through even if they are from unknown numbers. Fair Hearing calls may come from an unfamiliar or unknown number, so anyone expecting a Fair Hearing call should answer any incoming call to make sure they do not miss their Fair Hearing. Applying for HEAP
 
In response to questions received on our bi-weekly call, we are happy to announce that HEAP applications can now be submitted via fax at 212-387-1639.
 
As a reminder, to apply for HEAP, please contact 212-331-3126 or visit the ACCESS HRA website for instructions here. HEAP applications are available for download here. Please note, the HEAP application can be downloaded from ACCESS HRA, but cannot be submitted through ACCESS HRA at this time.
 
All HEAP applications need to be completed, signed by the applicant or their authorized representative and faxed to 212-387-1639, returned by mail, or dropped off at an HRA Job Center.
 
The completed application can be mailed back to HRA at:
NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
 
Applicants can check on the status of a HEAP application by calling the State OTDA Helpline at 800-342-3009.

Virtual HRA Trainings
 
DSS is offering online ACCESS HRA training sessions. These are open to all CBOs and elected officials’ offices. Please see the training descriptions below and register for an upcoming session.
 
  • The ACCESS HRA Overview provides a general overview of the three main components of ACCESS HRA: the client-facing website, the mobile application, and the provider portal case management tool.
  • The Provider Portal Webinar provides an in-depth overview of the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal. After completion, participants will be familiar with the features of the Provider Portal case management tool.
  • The ACCESS HRA Benefit Application Webinar walks through a simulated benefit application step-by-step. After completing this training, participants will be familiar with the ACCESS HRA application process for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Emergency Assistance (One-Shot Deal) and with how to use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit documents.
 
To request a dedicated training for your organization, please email DSSOutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
 
ACCESS HRA System Updates - Join Mailing List
 
Updates related specifically to ACCESS HRA, such as new releases, outages and scheduled maintenance, are shared periodically with our partners via e-mail. If you would like to receive these communications, please click here to sign-up for our ACCESS HRA mailing list.
 
Additional Resources and Information
 
NY Yankee-Stonewall College Scholarship Application
 
The Department of Education in partnership with the Stonewall Inn and the New York Yankees are partnering for the 4th Annual Yankee-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative. This one-time scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to a student from each borough. Now in its fourth year, these $10,000 college scholarships celebrate the achievements of New York City public school graduating seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and impactful support of the LGBTQ community.
 
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • A current Senior in high school
  • Intending on attending a two-year or four-year college.
  • A member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) community or someone who has contributed significantly to the LGBTQ
 
All New York City Public school seniors are eligible to apply HERE or at schools.nyc.gov/lgbtq. Applications will close on April 15th. Any questions should be directed to Kalima Mckenzie-Simms, Manager of the LGBTQ program, at LGBTQ@schools.nyc.gov. 
 
Senior Centers Capacity Limits Lifted

Longstanding capacity restrictions at the City’s senior centers (at 25% capacity) have been lifted as of Monday, March 28, but masking remains required. Learn more and find a Senior Center at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/senior-centers.page. 
 
3-K Applications 
 
3-K applications are due 4/14. Children who are NYC residents and born in 2019 can apply through MySchools or by phone at 718-935-2009 or through a Family Welcome Center. Sign up for the admissions email list to get updates and key reminders. Individuals with questions about 3-K admissions can email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov. 

Opioid Response Virtual Training 
 
Virtual training for responding to an opioid overdose with naloxone are being held by the City’s Department of Health. Click the link to learn more and register.

  • Thursday 4/14, 6 to 7 pm
  • Tuesday 4/26, 2 to 3 pm
 
For questions about naloxone, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.

NeighborhoodStat RFP for East New York and Castle Hill
 
NeighborhoodStat (Community Led Approached to Public Safety) is a program developed by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice as part of the Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP). NeighborhoodStat brings together community-based-organizations and local residents to identify public safety priorities and the implementation of solutions. 
 
United Way of NYC is calling on any interested community-based organizations who have ties to East New York (Bk) and Castle Hill (Bx) to respond to funding opportunities for NeighborhoodStat in these communities. The RFP opened on March 28th and closes on April 18th. Interested organizations can:
 
  • Email nstatinfo@uwnyc.org to register for ongoing communication about the RFP
  • Attend an info session on March 29 at 4pm, hosted by UWNYC & MOCJ. Click the link to register.
  • Attend live Office Hours: UWNYC & MOCJ will be available for any questions about the application on April 6 at 3pm. Join the live office hours here.

Career Training Program for Youth in Foster Care
 
On March 29, Mayor Adams announced a new vocational training and apprenticeship program that will provide professional opportunities to youth, ages 16 to 24, in foster care. The New York City Administration for Children’s Services’ (ACS) new V-CRED program will support youth in their education, career, and personal development, and is being created in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The City University of New York (CUNY), and private sector employers. 
 
As part of the program, youth will participate in training for professional certification through courses offered by Kingsborough Community College, participate in paid internships/apprenticeships, and have opportunities for employment with the employer hosting the internship. V-CRED will focus on five career pathways: 1) Information Technology, 2) Electrician’s Helper, 3) Allied Health (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistants, EKG Technician), 4) Pharmacy Technicians, and 5) Building Trades.
 
Museums for All Program for SNAP Recipients
 
Free admission at the Frick is now being offered to families and individuals receiving food assistance, identified by showing a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card; and each individual/family can bring up to three guests. This is being offered as part of the Museums for All initiative, where individuals with a New York SNAP EBT card are eligible for free or discounted admission to over 600 museums nationwide. Participating museums provide reduced admission, ranging from free to $3.00. One EBT card can be used to gain entry into any of these destinations for up to 4 individuals to take advantage of the free or reduced fee. Learn more here.

NYC Votes Trusted Ambassador Training for Partners
 
NYC Votes is looking for partners to become Trusted Messengers to the communities and populations they serve. Partners in this program will share information and materials they receive from NYC Votes with their communities to increase voter engagement. Upcoming training will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, April 27 from 6pm – 7pm. Register here.
 
NYC Votes is also recruiting individuals as volunteers for their Relational Organizing program to become “trusted messengers” to their communities by providing their friends, family, and neighbors with voting and election information. Training is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 from 6pm – 7pm. Register here.
 
Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs)
 
To expand access to naloxone in NYC, organizations can register to become Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs). After registering with the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), OOPPs can order overdose rescue kits at no cost from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) to give out to clients, patients, staff and community members.
 
To register and operate as an OOPP, organizations must:
 
  • Identify a Clinical Director and a Program Director:
  • A Clinical Director is a health care professional who can prescribe medication. The clinical director signs naloxone order forms and issues standing orders to allow designated staff at your organization to dispense naloxone under their medical license. They do not have to be employed by your organization. If you need help finding a clinical director, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.
  • A Program Director is a staff member who is passionate about overdose education and can coordinate naloxone dispensing, manage inventory, and submit reports to the NYC Health Department and NYS DOH. Program Director responsibilities can be shared among organization staff.
  • Have key staff trained by the NYC Health Department to dispense naloxone.
  • Order supplies from the NYC Health Department (at no cost).
  • Assemble and give out overdose rescue kits.
  • Provide overdose response instruction with every overdose rescue kit dispensed. This instruction can be provided in five-minute conversations or in longer, more formal group settings.
  • Submit monthly reports to the NYC Health Department and quarterly reports to NYS DOH.

If your organization has questions about becoming an OOPP, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.You can complete an OOPP application at nyoverdose.org.

Medicare Information, Counseling, and Assistance
 
The NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is a completely free resources to educate Medicare beneficiaries about:
 
  • Medicare Part A and Part B plans
  • Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Medigap insurance to supplement Original Medicare
  • How Medicare works with retiree coverage
  • Medicare Savings Programs and Low-Income Subsidy to help pay costs
 
To connect with a HIICAP counselor, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 (212-AGING-NYC) or call 311 and ask for HIICAP.
 
DFTA will be hosting a series of free Medicare Orientation Sessions intended for those who are new to Medicare, or who plan to enroll soon. The class includes information on Medicare Part A and Part B, Medigap/Medicare Supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D, EPIC, and the Medicare Savings Programs.
 
  • Wednesday, April 6th from 2pm – 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, April 19th from 2pm – 3:30pm
 
 
Child Care Options for Families Experiencing Homelessness
 
Families living in shelter or temporary housing may be eligible for childcare assistance, including vouchers and contracted care through DOE or ACS. This includes families who may be sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason (“double-up” situations).
 
Families living in shelter or temporary housing may apply for a childcare voucher with ACS by:
 
 
More information on childcare vouchers can be found at this website: nyc.gov/childcarevouchers.
 
Shelter Social Work staff are available to assist in the application process. Each shelter has an assigned childcare liaison tasked with ensuring that families are connected to childcare. There are also DOE staff who do enrollment workshops in shelter with families.
 
The Early Care & Education Programs for families experiencing homelessness flyer is
available in English and various translated languages, and can be accessed here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care/forms.page
 
Tax Season Information
 
Important tax season reminders:
 
For those with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less, the software available on this NY State Dept. of Taxation e-file page can be used free of charge for tax prep. 
 
Free tax prep services are also available or available from the City’s Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection.
 
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 aged 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. 
 
Affordable Connectivity Program
 
New Yorkers can now apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program for up to $30 off their monthly internet bill. New Yorkers who already received the Emergency Broadband Benefit in 2021 and who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program will be automatically enrolled in the new program.
 
 
Small Business Recovery Grant Opportunity
 
The Harlem Entrepreneurial Microgérant Initiative application deadline is 3/31. This is a $100,000 program to aid in small business recovery.

Housing Court Answers Workshops
 
HousingCourtAnswers.org is offering the below workshops this Spring:


Small Business Services Survey

The NYC Dept of Small Business Services is surveying business owners to help them better understand the impact violations have on small businesses. The “Small Business Regulatory Survey” can be found here. To share additional feedback email the NYC SBS Regulatory Reform at regreform@sbs.nyc.gov.

Lime Scooters Pilot in Bronx

DOT plans to expand its e-scooter pilot in the eastern Bronx this June, which will double the program's footprint and bring new micromobility options to more residents. Limited free access to a scooter is available for low-income New Yorkers living in certain Bronx zip codes. Lime Access also provides access to Lime scooters for people without smartphones or credit cards. To qualify, an individual must demonstrate participation in an eligible local, state or federal public benefits program. Individuals interested in the Lime Access program can apply at this website https://v1.li.me/en/community-impact, and learn more about the program here.
 
Ready Up NYC Webinar Series
 
"Ready Up NYC" is a monthly webinar series focused on providing preparedness tips to all New Yorkers. Upcoming Ready Up NYC webinars are as follows. Register here: https://bitly.com/ReadyUp2022
 
  • April 21 - Community Emergency Response Team Volunteer Program (CERT)
  • May 19 - Disabilities Access and Functional Needs Preparedness
  • June 23 - FDNY CPR Training
 
New Yorkers can also request a virtual Ready New York presentation for their organization, workplace, or house of worship by visiting https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/request-event.page. 
 
COVID-19 Related Updates
 
Vaccine Mandate
 
NYC has lifted the vaccine mandate for professional athletes and performers working in and based in New York City.
 
Second Round of COVID-19 Booster Shots
 
The Food and Drug Administration authorized second booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines for everyone 50 and older. People meeting those criteria can get the additional shot at least four months after their first booster. The agency also authorized a second booster for people 12 and older with certain immune deficiencies. Learn more here.
 
These second booster doses are available at City-run vaccination sites as of March 31, 2022.
 
Federal COVID-19 Resource Website
 
The Biden administration has introduced covid.gov, a federal website meant to help Americans who are infected with the virus find the treatment they need quickly and at no cost. On the website, people can find locations to get tests and anti-viral pills, find the locations of vaccination sites and places to acquire high-quality masks; fill out a form to order eight free at-home coronavirus tests per household; view their community’s risk level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and get general information on Covid symptoms, treatment, testing and travel.
 
The website is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The administration is also making all of these tools available over the phone through the national vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), which supports over 150 languages.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-up Sites for Children ages 5-11
 
Due to rising concerns over the BA-2 variant, NYC Health and Hospitals is partnering with NYC DOE to offer 100 pop up sites for children 5-11. These sites are only offering the pediatric dose of the vaccine. Get more information in multiple languages here and find a location here. Sites operate each day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
 
  • Proof of immigration status or a social security number is not needed to get vaccinated. Identification is only required for proof of age.
  • Health insurance is not needed to get vaccinated.
  • Students aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent or guardian, or another adult caregiver designated by the parent or guardian. Consent must be provided.
 
NYC Test & Trace Updates
 
The NYC Test & Trace Corps has expanded its COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool to offer personalized guidance to New Yorkers who were exposed to or test positive for COVID-19. The COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool will provide a mechanism for New Yorkers to navigate complex COVID-19 guidance based on their history of infection, date of exposure or positive test, symptoms and vaccination status. After answering a few short questions, users will receive quarantine or isolation guidance specific to their circumstances. In addition, they will be directed to appropriate resources on the Test & Trace Corps COVID-19 Resources page to connect them to whatever support they may need, including testing, a free hotel room or meal delivery to safely separate from others, medical treatment and assistance taking leave from work to quarantine or isolate. Learn more here and access the tool here.
 
AfterCare Program for Long COVID
The NYC Test & Trace Corps AfterCare program has launched a hotline for New Yorkers seeking information and resources to recover from Long COVID. New Yorkers who are suffering from or suspect they may have Long COVID can now call AfterCare Navigators directly. AfterCare Navigators are health outreach specialists with experience supporting people during their COVID infection and will assess patients for their specific health and social needs and connect them to Long COVID resources. AfterCare Navigators connect patients to holistic resources – including physical and mental health referrals, community support, and financial assistance – to address the various physical symptoms, as well as the social and economic impacts, that New Yorkers with Long COVID may experience.
 
New Yorkers can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319), select their preferred language, and press 4 to speak directly to an AfterCare navigator. Learn more on the AfterCare website and through AfterCare’s Long COVID recovery guide.
 
Mask Mandates and Key to NYC Updates
 
NYC's school mask mandate and the Key to NYC vaccination requirement for patronizing restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, and other cultural institutions expired on March 7. The school mask mandate has also been lifted. Some public indoor businesses have chosen to keep their mask and vaccine requirements in place through at least the end of the month Masks will still be required on public transit, in health care settings, correctional facilities, and shelters. All other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect. Under the rules, employees will still be required to be vaccinated unless they have received a reasonable accommodation from their employer.
 
Additionally, Mayor Adams released a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of the risks they face in New York City. This new system will better help New Yorkers understand the current level of COVID-19 risk and how they can best protect themselves and others based on the current risk. The system consists of four alert levels that outline precautions and recommended actions for individuals and government based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Community Burden Indicator.
 
 
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.
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
 
The City continues to offer in-home Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who requests one. Even if individuals who received their first dose through a different program can receive the second, third, or booster dose in-home. Those who are interested in receiving an at home vaccine can fill out this form.
 
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.
  
COVID-19 Testing
 
Second Round of At-Home COVID Tests Delivery
At this time every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Starting March 7, every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 tests. Order Free At-Home Tests. For help placing an order for at-home tests, individuals can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

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
Free, at-home testing for COVID-19 is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. To schedule an in-home appointment, call (929) 298-9400 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 p.m. (7 days a week). For more information visit the NYC COVID-19 Testing Locations site
 
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.
 
To search for all nearby testing sites, including those not affiliated with the City, please visit the NYC Testing Locations site. NYC Test & Trace recommends calling these testing sites before visiting. Please note that some sites that are not City-run may charge for testing. 
 
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 webpage.
 
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