January 18, 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 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.
These calls are held on Tuesdays at 4 pm. 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/or to be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication.
Following the standing weekly calls, 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.
To be added to the distribution list for this weekly update, please send an email request to dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Assistance Center for Survivors of Bronx Fire at 333 East 181st Street
In response to the devastating fire that occurred at 333 East 181st Street in the Bronx on Sunday, 1/9/22, the City has set up a service center at Monroe College, Ustin Hall, 2375 Jerome Ave, Bronx NY 10468 to assist those affected by the fire. On-site interpretation is available at the City service center. Languages include Spanish, French, Wolof, Soninke, Mandingo, and Pulaar. Transportation assistance to the service center can be requested by calling 311. The service center hours are:
Monday through Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (last appointment 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last appointment 4:30 p.m.)
Additional information about services available to New Yorkers can be found on the NYC Emergency Management website here.
New Yorkers affected by the fire can also text "181STFIRE" to 692692 to receive updates about resources and services available.
Those seeking services will not be asked about their immigration status.
Replacement of Food Purchased with SNAP Benefits for E 181st Street Residents
Recipients of CA/SNAP and NCA SNAP who live at 333 E 181st Street may be eligible for funds to replace food lost as a result of the fire in their apartment building. This includes food purchased using Emergency Allotment (EA) SNAP benefits. In order to file a claim, clients (or their authorized representatives) must complete and submit the Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits (LDSS-2291). The form is available on OTDA’s website (www.otda.ny.gov) by clicking on the Forms link and scrolling down to the form. Clients must submit completed forms by January 19, 2022.
Completed forms can be submitted as follows:
- Upload using the ACCESS HRA mobile app
- Fax to 917-639-2544
- Mail to: Centralized Recertification Mail Unit, PO Box 29008, Brooklyn, NY 11202
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Bring to an open HRA Location
State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Re-opening
In response to an order issued to the State Office of Temporary and Disability Services (OTDA) to re-open the ERAP portal as a result of a preliminary injunction order issued by Judge Lynn R. Kotler, the portal was re-opened on January 11, 2022.
Tenant households that apply for ERAP will continue to receive ERAP tenant protections until an eligibility determination is made on the ERAP application. For additional information on these protections, please see the “Tenant Protections” section of the ERAP FAQs located here. This guidance states that once a tenant applies for ERAP they cannot be evicted for a lease expiration or for non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The application number which will be provided to all applicants can be used in court if a landlord begins an eviction case in court for an expired lease, a holdover case or for non-payment of rent that would be eligible for coverage under ERAP.
As a reminder, 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 for rent arrears.
CityFHEPS Processing Delays
In response to a question on our weekly call about delays in CityFHEPS being processed at shelters, DHS is able to provide training to any shelter sites if submissions are found to be incomplete or inaccurate, which can result in processing delays.
Eviction Moratorium
The NYS eviction moratorium which had previously been extended until January 15, 2022, has now expired. Tenants who have submitted the Hardship Declaration should respond to any court notices they receive indicating that their case is scheduled for a Housing Court hearing.
Free legal advice and other assistance continues to be available to all New York City residential renters through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice, which can be reached by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Immunocompromised individuals are now eligible to get a fourth vaccine dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are eligible for their first booster shot 28 days after their second primary shot, and their second booster shot (their fourth overall) five months after that.
The Moderna booster is now approved for 5 months after the second primary shot instead of the 6 months previously advised.
- Expand the use of a single booster dose to include use in individuals 12 through 15 years of age.
- Shorten the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and a booster dose to at least five months.
- Allow for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.
Previously, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to children 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after receiving their second dose of vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
As a reminder the Pfizer vaccine is now approved and available for children 5-11 years old in NYC. Children must have a parent or guardian's consent to get the vaccine. The City has created several resources to provide useful information and help promote the vaccine for children ages 5-11:
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.
Vaccine Referral Bonus Program
An additional $3M has been allotted to extend the NYC vaccine referral bonus program through January 2022. This referral bonus continues to be available to small businesses, restaurants, and civic organizations, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and Parent-Teacher Associations. These are all eligible to receive a $100 vaccine referral bonus for each employee or customer who they refer to a City-run vaccine site for their first shot. The referred individual is still eligible to receive their own $100 bonus. To sign up for the program, businesses and organizations should use the this form.
More Information
The City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here, and is available in additional languages here.
Walk-up vaccines are available at most City-operated vaccination sites. To find the nearest walk-up site, or to schedule an appointment at a City-operated site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found online here.
Flu vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Locations can be found at the NYC Vaccine Finder website.
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
At-home COVID Tests Covered by Insurance
Beginning January 15, 2022, over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be covered by an individual's private health insurance or group health plan coverage. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. That means a family of four, all on the same plan, would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. Tests can be obtained at pharmacies that accept the insurance of the individual(s).
PCR tests and rapid tests ordered or administered by a health provider will continue to be fully covered by insurance with no limit.
At this time, Americans on Medicare won't be able to get tests reimbursed through the federal insurance plan, but Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program plans are required to cover the cost of at-home tests fully. Those who are not on a covered insurance plan can receive free tests through the forthcoming federal website or from some local community centers and pharmacies.
Testing in NYC
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.
The Test-and-Trace Corps offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
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Times Square-42nd St (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Grand Central Terminal (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Penn Station (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Broadway Junction (Brooklyn) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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E. 180th St. (Bronx) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Roosevelt Ave. (Queens) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Jamaica-179th St. (Queens) Mon – Fri, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The testing sites at Times Square-42nd St. and Grand Central Terminal are also pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites and offer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
DOHMH also currently operates eight COVID Express Testing sites. Appointments are required at these express locations and can be reserved through the COVID Express Testing site. COVID Express site test results are available within 24 hours or less, with most patients receiving same-day results. All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests, which are the most accurate type of test available. COVID Express site testing is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
At-home COVID Testing
Testing in NYC Schools
Beginning January 3, the NYC in-school testing program expanded, doubling the number of students tested at each school and including both vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Families with students in first grade and up can choose to participate in the program by completing the online form in their NYC Schools Account or returning a signed paper form to school.
Additionally, schools are now distributing free, take-home COVID-19 rapid test kits to any student or any staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms or have been in a classroom where a positive case has been identified. Beginning January 10, at-home test distribution includes 3-K and Pre-K students. Learn more here.
Extension of Temporary Increase in WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB)
On December 3, 2021, the temporary increase of the WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for the purchase of vegetables and fruits authorized under the American Rescue Plan was extended through March 2022. This temporary increase was previously set to expire on December 31, 2021.
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 January 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/.
HEAP Emergency Benefit
As of January 3, 2022, applications for HEAP Emergency benefits can be submitted to HRA. Emergency benefits are available to assist eligible households with a heating emergency or a heat-related domestic emergency. Below are additional details on the program.
All applicants for the HEAP Emergency benefit component may apply via telephone as well as in person at their local Job Center. Applications may not be submitted online.
- Only one Emergency benefit of each type is available per HEAP household for the 2021-2022 season.
- Regular component benefits, if available, must be utilized first to resolve heating emergencies for eligible households.
- Temporary relocation for housing emergencies and propane tank deposits to obtain new propane vendors are also available under the Emergency benefit component.
Individuals may be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if:
- Electricity is necessary for the heating system or thermostat to work and is either shut-off or scheduled to be shut off; or
- Electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut-off; or
- An individual is out of fuel or, has less than one quarter tank of fuel oil, kerosene or propane or has less than a ten (10) day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn, or other deliverable heat source.
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Income is at or below the current income guidelines as outlined here or an applicant receives Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
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The heating and/or electric bill is in the applicants name; and
- The applicant’s household available resources are:
- less than $2,000 if no member of the household is age 60 or older; or
- less than $3,000 if any member of the household is age 60 or older.
Student Loan Payment Pause Extended through May 1, 2022
On December 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education extended the student loan payment pause through May 1, 2022.
- a suspension of loan payments
- a 0% interest rate
- stopped collections on defaulted loans
Borrowers are advised not to accept unexpected offers of financial aid or help (such as “pandemic grant” or “Biden loan forgiveness”) Learn how to avoid scams.
NYS Private Health Insurance Application Deadline for 2022
The open enrollment period for New Yorkers to enroll in private health insurance coverage for 2022 is January 31, 2022. Callers can visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov for more information.
Commercial Hotels – Isolation Units
For any client with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms, DSS-DHS has established protocols to connect those individuals to isolation and/or care as needed with hundreds of units opened specifically for isolation. DHS is positioned to bring on more beds pending additional needs and is monitoring cases/circumstances extremely closely.
DHS Safe Haven and Stabilization Beds
In response to questions received on last week’s community call, DHS continues to provide space in both safe havens and stabilization beds. Our DHS outreach and contracted outreach services are available 24 hours daily to engage individuals and work with them to come inside.
Whenever the city works to address an illegal, unsanitary, or unsafe condition on the street, DHS is at the site before and during the cleaning process to engage those who are unsheltered and living at these locations. DHS works with hard to encourage individuals to accept our services and placement.
In recent years, DHS has significantly expanded capacity within the DHS streets portfolio and continues to develop models that are as flexible as possible to meet the unique needs of clients.
Storage for Clients Entering Shelter
In response to questions received on last week’s call, there are limitations to the number of items that clients can bring with them into shelter. If a client has a lot of belongings they want to keep:
- The outreach teams will assist clients through the HRA storage process - and DHS works closely w HRA to expedite and/or address any issues
- The outreach teams try to work through all barriers to coming inside with a client, so if belongings are an issue, the teams will engage the client and work with them to consolidate or reorganize as necessary, as well as continue to work on identifying storage
Reduced Fare Metrocards for Seniors and People with Disabilities – Online Application
Seniors and people with disabilities can now apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard online. Learn more here.
As a reminder, this program is separate from the Fair Fares program which can be accessed here.
Fair Fares NYC Updates
The Fair Fares NYC program offers eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Fair Fares NYC clients may now request an in-person appointment to:
- Submit an application or renewal,
- Upload documentation,
- Obtain a replacement Fair Fares card, or
- Disenroll from Fair Fares.
Clients will be able to request an in-person appointment by calling 311.
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 via: https://bit.ly/ReadyUp2022
January 20 at 2:30 PM: Topic: Emergency Alerts
- Importance of staying informed
- Types of alerts
- Notify NYC Program
February 17 at 2:30 PM: Topic: Financial Emergency
- Planning with FEMA
- 4 steps to financial preparedness
- Disaster assistance resources
March 17 at 2:30 PM: Topic: John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service
- Fellowship program overview
- Alumni experiences
- Application process
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our weekly call as well as new developments. 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 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
