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October 07, 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 community-wide conference 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 community-wide call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication. Our next monthly briefing call with be on Tuesday, October 18th at 4pm.
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.
Monthly DSS Community Call
Please find link below to a recording of our last community call held on Tuesday, September 20th. Links to all of the calls we’ve held since April 2020 can be found on our Community Updates webpage. If you are not on the list to receive invitations to the monthly call, please contact DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Access the audio recording here.
Passcode: Covid-19
ACCESS HRA Provider Portal
In response to questions received on our monthly community call, community-based organizations can enroll in the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal by emailing DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to receive the onboarding package and information on how to become a Provider Portal Partner.
If an organization is already a member of the Provider Portal but has not created an account, they can email DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to receive their Organization ID and instructions on how to create an account.
Online ACCESS HRA Trainings
DSS is offering online ACCESS HRA training webinars. These are open to CBOs and elected officials' offices. Please see the training descriptions below and sign up online.
ACCESS HRA Overview Webinar
This webinar 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.
Provider Portal Webinar
This 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.
ACCESS HRA Benefit Application Webinar
This webinar will simulate a mock benefit application. After completion, participants will be familiar with the ACCESS HRA benefit application process for SNAP, Cash Assistance and One-Shot Deal and using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit documents.
October 2022 Changes for NYSNIP Households
Beginning October 1, 2022, some items used to figure the amount of SNAP benefits a household gets will change. These changes are a result of federally-required changes to the following standards and deductions.
- The Standard Deduction for households of one to four persons will be $193.
- The Standard Deduction for households of five persons will be $225.
- The Standard Deduction for households of six or more persons will be $258.
- The SNAP Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction will be $624.
- The SNAP Maximum Homeless Shelter Deduction will be $166.81.
The new Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) amounts for NYC, as of October 1, 2022 are:
Heating/Air Conditioning SUA:
- Old SUA : $852
- New SUA : $1,002
Basic Utility SUA:
- Old SUA : $336
- New SUA : $395
Phone SUA: $31
These changes may affect the amount of SNAP benefits New Yorkers get. Depending on their individual circumstance, the amount of their monthly SNAP benefit may not change or it may decrease or increase as a result of these changes.
SNAP – Fiscal Year 2023 Cost-of-Living Adjustments
The USDA announced the COLA adjustments that will go into effect October 1, 2022.
Amongst a number of other elements for determining SNAP eligibility, this includes a
12.4% increase in the maximum SNAP benefit allotments. The table at the end of this communication shows the numbers that went into effect 10/1/21 and those that will be in effect as of 10/1/22. Learn more here and access documents that identify the other COLA adjusted amounts.
Most SNAP households with income only have to report changes every six months. Every six months, the household either will be asked to recertify, or will be mailed a form for them to use to report changes. The one exception to this rule is if the household’s gross monthly income becomes more than 130% of the federal poverty level. Gross income includes all income any member of the household receives during the calendar month before taxes and other deductions are taken out.
More information about updated federal poverty levels and changes to SNAP are available here.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Information and Materials
The NYS Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help New Yorkers pay overdue water and wastewater bills is accepting application. Applications are available on the OTDA website and can be submitted online or by mail. Learn more, including information on how to apply online and/or download a paper application.
Benefits are based on the amount of unpaid water and wastewater bills owed by applicants and could go as high as $2,500 for each service. LIHWAP benefits are based on the actual amount of drinking water and/or wastewater arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per drinking water or wastewater provider, or $5,000 if drinking water and wastewater services are combined, per household. Benefits are paid directly to the household's drinking water and/or wastewater vendor(s).
Eligibility and benefits are based on household income, household size, whether a household includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualified immigrant , and the amount owed to drinking water and/or wastewater provider(s).
On October 1, 2022, new income guidelines go into effect for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This represents an increase from 2021. On average, the income guidelines increased by 5 percent. Guidelines are set at 60% of State Median Income (SMI) or 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), whichever is greater. Updated income guidelines can be viewed on the program’s website at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/.
Beginning October 1, 2022, households that received LIHWAP benefits may be eligible for additional benefits and are encouraged to re-apply if they continue to struggle with water and/or sewer arrears. To view eligibility requirements and application instructions, or to apply online, visit the LIHWAP website at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/.
Completed applications can also be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail to:
NYS LIHWAP
PO Box 1789
Albany, NY 12201
Fax: 518-486-1259
Email: NYSLIHWAP@otda.ny.gov
Questions can be directed to the LIHWAP call center at 1-833-690-0208 or by email to NYSLIHWAP@otda.ny.gov.
Applicants will be required to provide the following documentation with their application:
- Proof of identity for the primary applicant.
- A valid Social Security Number for the primary applicant.
- Proof of residence.
- A drinking water, wastewater, or combined drinking water and wastewater bill listing your permanent and primary residence.
- Documentation of income for the primary applicant.
Download an overview of LIHWAP
Download an application document checklist
For more information on household protections from water service shut-offs, view information on the COVID-19 Moratorium on Utility and Municipal Shutoffs.
Promotional Materials
Outreach materials are available to promote the Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), providing information on the types of assistance available and how to apply for the benefits. A brochure, flyer, palm card, and poster have been developed to provide information about the Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP, which is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Documents are available at the following links:
More information about the LIHWAP program is available on the ODTA website.
FHEPS
As of October 3, the maximum FHEPS rent levels have increased in line with our State approved FHEPs plan. The new levels match those of CityFHEPS as set by the standards adopted by NYCHA. Families potentially eligible for FHEPS will receive shopping letters with the new levels. Those with shopping letters at the old rates may request a new letter by coming in to a Homebase office, by telephone or email. For those who are already in receipt of FHEPS may request an increase at the time they receive a new lease/rental agreement if their rent goes up.
In response to questions received on our monthly call, walk-in appointments are available at Homebase offices, but we strongly encourage clients to schedule an appointment for everyone’s safety and efficiency in processing applications. For those who are requesting a revised shopping letter, walk-ins are appropriate. HASA rent levels are already at the same level as CityFHEPS. FHEPS rent levels have increased to meet the level of CityFHEPS and HASA, thus HASA clients with shopping letters will not see an increase in levels.
Public Assistance Policy Changes in the 2022-23 New York State Budget
Application of the Earned Income Disregard and the Work Expense Disregard
Currently the Earned Income Disregard (EID) is applied to the difference between the eligible applicant or recipient’s gross monthly earned income and the work expense disregard. Effective October 1, 2022, the EID is now applied prior to the work expense disregard. The work expense disregard js now deducted from the remainder of the individual’s gross monthly earned income after the EID is applied.
Earned Income Disregard
The EID, which excludes a percentage of earned income, changed from 55% to 50% on October 1, 2022, and will be adjusted annually beginning June 1, 2023. However, the policy of only applying the EID for earnings up to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for those residing in temporary housing shelter types remains unchanged.
Work Expense Disregard
Effective October 1, 2022, the work expense disregard increased from $90 to $150.
Single Individuals and Childless Couples
Effective October 1, 2022, the method by which gross earned income is calculated changed for Safety Net Assistance (SNA) cases for single individuals and childless couples. These cases, which were previously not eligible for the EID, are now eligible to have the EID percentage deducted from their gross earned income when calculating their budgets. These cases remain eligible to have the work expense disregard deducted to calculate their total countable gross earned income after the EID is applied.
Elimination of the Gross Income Test and the Poverty Level Income Test
Effective October 1, 2022, Automated Budgeting and Eligibility Logic (ABEL) is no longer perform the Gross Income Test (GIT) and the Poverty Level Income Test (PLT). ABEL will only perform the Needs Test in determining income eligibility for PA. For recipients, net income cannot equal or exceed the PA standard of need after deducting the 50% EID and then the $150 work expense disregard. If net income equals or exceeds the PA standard of need, the recipient is ineligible. An applicant’s eligibility for PA must be determined without application of the percentage EID unless the applicant is reapplying and has been off PA not more than four whole months.
Resource Limit Changes
Effective October 1, 2022, changes to the PA resource limit policy are as follows:
- The amount of liquid and non-liquid assets that an applicant household can own and still qualify for PA increased from $2,000 to $2,500;
- When any member of the PA household is age 60 years and older, the amount of liquid and non-liquid assets the applicant household can currently own and still qualify for PA is $3,000. This amount increased to $3,750 for PA applicant households where any household member is age 60 years and older or is disabled; and
- All PA recipient households have a resource limit of $10,000.
Elimination of the SNA 45-Day Waiting Period
For information pertaining to the elimination of the 45-day waiting period for SNA applications, please refer to GIS 22 TA/DC080 and GIS 22 TA/WMS032.
Child Support Pay It Off Program Opens
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) will be offering its Pay It Off. Program beginning October 17th through October 31st. Noncustodial parents (NCPs) can pay off their NYC DSS child support arrears twice as fast. OCSS will match payments of at least $500 made toward their DSS arrears up to the amount they owe. For those with a current support order, the court ordered child support amount must be paid first for the full payment to be matched. Those NCPs who pay the DSS principal amount owed in full can have the entire amount owed in interest forgiven. In addition, NCPs may be eligible to enroll in other DSS debt reduction programs. The Pay It Off program over the years has been used by over 3,000 noncustodial parents to reduce $16 million of debt owed to the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS). The average debt reduction per case is $5,558. Please spread the word.
Learn more at nyc.gov/payitoff.
DHS Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC
As of October 5, 2022, over 17,429 asylum seekers have come to DHS, over 13,238 of whom remain in shelter as of that date. DHS is meeting its legal and moral mandate to provide shelter to all who need it, and since July have opened 42 emergency sites to accommodate need. These numbers are updated weekly as this information changes daily.
DHS RFP for Shelters for Asylum Seekers
DHS is soliciting proposals for providers to run shelters for Asylum Seekers. We are looking to stand up 5,000 units of capacity to serve the influx of Asylum Seekers coming from the southern border. DHS is seeking providers who are prepared to quickly stand up sites, and who can provide culturally competent services to this population. The RFP can be found here: HRA/DSS - Doing Business with HRA (nyc.gov)
DSS Info Sessions for CBOs – Navigating Benefits for New Arrivals/Asylum Seekers
DSS will be providing community information sessions relating to the possible benefits eligibility for new arrivals to NYC from the southern border. The information session will provide general overviews of the different immigration statuses and situations of those newly arriving as well as potential benefits eligibility as they relate to those categories.
Register for a session at the links below:
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at 11:00am. Register here.
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Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 at 2:00pm. Register here.
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Thursday, October 27th, 2022 at 11:00am. Register here.
Fair Fares - Ride for Half
Please help us get the word out about Fair Fares – the half price Metrocard program. The Fair Fares NYC program offers eligible New Yorkers a 50% discount on subway and eligible buses and Access-A-Ride paratransit fares. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed anywhere online or a FFNYC borough office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!
To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website.
Clients who need a replacement card or a refund can visit an office or mail in their damaged or expired card to:
Fair Fares NYC
P.O. Box 7099
New York, NY 10008-7099
Clients who mail their card must include their first and last name, date of birth, and Fair Fares Client ID number in the envelope with the card.
All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.
Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials
The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that can be ordered by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website, after registering on the login page.
We encourage our partners to help get the word out about Fair Fares with our Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video. Please share and amplify!
Big Apple Connect - Free Municipal Broadband for NYCHA Residents
‘Big Apple Connect’ is a landmark digital equity program that will make free high-speed internet and basic cable TV available to approximately 300,000 New Yorkers living in more than 200 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments by the end of 2023. NYC's Office of Technology and Innovation officially launched Big Apple Connect in September 2022 to ensure that NYCHA residents have access to free, fast, reliable, and safe internet. NYCHA residents without existing home internet will be able to sign up for Big Apple Connect with either Optimum or Spectrum (service provider will depend on where you live). Existing Optimum and Spectrum customers will have their bills reduced to as low as $0, as monthly internet and basic cable TV charges are eliminated.
Big Apple Connect will provide residents of NYCHA developments a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, including a modem and router; basic cable TV service, including a cable box and remote control; and common area Wi-Fi hotspots.
Residents of the developments listed on this page are eligible to enroll in Big Apple Connect today. More developments will be added throughout 2023.
Learn more here.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) has created informational resources about ACP in support of the DOE’s Back-to-School efforts. New Yorkers with children attending public school can use this website to learn more about affordable internet options!
The PEU team has also formatted the information as a toolkit which can be found here.
Child Tax Credit
The White House is working to spread the word about the Child Tax Credit to eligible households during this period of back-to-school. Time is winding down for eligible families to easily claim at least $3,000 per child with the Child Tax Credit at ChildTaxCredit.gov (if they have not yet filed taxes).
Households can receive this money even if they have low- or no income and have never filed taxes before.
ChildTaxCredit.gov helps most people file in 15 minutes or less on their mobile devices in English or Spanish. Help us spread the word by sending at least 2-3 messages in the lead-up to the deadline!
Go to ChildTaxCredit.gov to complete a tax return, download outreach materials and find more information about the expanded Child Tax Credit.
Additional Resources and Information
Building Bridges 2022
DYCD and other NYC agencies are hosting information sessions for small, emerging nonprofits that are interested in learning how to apply for NYC funding.
The final session will be held:
- Wednesday, December 7, 10am - 11:30am (shareable flyer)
What to expect:
- Learn how to apply for NYC funding
- Find out when and where to apply for New York City Discretionary Funding
- Learn about additional services available to support nonprofits
Learn more and register here.
STRIVE Workforce Development
STRIVE is a national workforce development leader that for 38 years has successfully provided services to populations facing significant employment barriers. They are an HRA-approved training provider offering trainings in Green Construction and Healthcare and Office Operations. STRIVE has three programs, Career Path, Future Leaders and Fresh Start. They currently offer ZOOM information sessions for candidates who may qualify or are interested Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and offer in-Person information sessions are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more at this shareable flyer and access their website here.
988 National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Supporting New Yorkers with accessible mental health care and support is critical, especially in light of the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
With the launch of the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, individuals experiencing mental health-related distress finally have an easy way to reach the help they need. This new dialing code serves as an alternative to 911 for mental health crises, which will result in a more appropriate response for those seeking assistance. All New Yorkers are encouraged to spread the word that those struggling with mental health challenges should call 988 to get connected to support.
To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration official site on 988.
Cabinet For Older New Yorkers
On Wednesday, September 21, Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers, a first-of-its kind multiagency collaborative created in the country, which will allow City agencies to seek coordination and efficiency across departments, leverage resources and shape current and future services to better serve older adults, ensuring that New York is an inclusive city for all ages.
The Cabinet includes members from 17 agencies, comprising a cross-section of City agencies that provide services to the city's 1.6 million New Yorkers over the age of 60. Cabinet members cover multiple facets of services and resources including public safety, housing, transportation, health and social services. Together, these City agencies will collaborate to eliminate age-related barriers and inequities in services and develop cross-agency solutions to address challenges facing older New Yorkers. The cabinet will also review current and future city initiatives and projects to ensure they are age-inclusive and accessible to adults over 60.
More information about the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers is available here.
Small Business Grants
The NY Small Business Funders Collective (SBFC) is a group of philanthropic entities coming together to strengthen the local small business ecosystem across the New York region. Members of the Collective share the belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful lever for innovation, community vibrancy, and economic development. Through pooled grantmaking, the Collective aims to create opportunities for Black, Latinx, Asian & Pacific Islander, and Indigenous entrepreneurs to close the racial wealth gap.
Most recently, the SBFC announced it will award $500,000 to improve access to capital and technical assistance for Black, Latinx, Asian & Pacific Islander, and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the five boroughs.
Organizations can review grant guidelines here; review the application preview here; and apply by 10/14.
November 8 General Election
The general election is Tuesday, November 8, and early voting will take place from October 29 through November 6. The Absentee Portal is currently open. New Yorkers that need an absentee ballot for the election can request one online at https://nycabsentee.com/absentee, and then track the absentee ballot here.
New York State ABLE
State Comptroller DiNapoli administers the NYS Achieving a Better Life Experience (NY ABLE) program which allows eligible New Yorkers with disabilities to save for qualified short-term and long-term disability-related expenses on a tax-free basis while also keeping Medicaid, SSI and other government benefits. Disability-related expenses are costly and can make it hard to save for long-term financial security; NY ABLE can help.
Learn more here.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Pause
The Biden Administration announced plans for some student loan forgiveness and a final extension of the student loan repayment pause through December 31, 2022.
Read FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Student Loan Relief for Borrowers Who Need It Most
Please visit studentaid.gov/debtrelief for additional information and updates.
DYCD’s 2022 Community Needs Assessment (CNA)
The Community Needs Assessment (CNA) is a stakeholder engagement process through which the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) collects feedback from community members in Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA) about the programs and services needed in their community. DYCD and Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NAB) use the feedback to develop program priorities and allocate federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds.
DYCD collects and uses data to inform program design and assess program success after CSBG funds are allocated as part of a continuous quality improvement process. NAB members, DYCD staff, and volunteers solicit feedback from community members through surveys, interviews, hearings, and other feedback collection methods.
The City has created a flyer and media tool kit to help raise awareness and increase involvement. The flyer can be found here, and the media toolkit can be found here.
The online survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CNANYC.
Below is a list of upcoming public hearings:
1. 10/13, 6-7:30pm NDA Queens 9 (Richmond Hill, Ozone Park)
Health-Related Updates
Monkeypox Information
The City has opened second-dose Monkeypox vaccine appointments to anyone who received their first dose at least 28 days ago, and opened eligibility to people under 18 and who meet all other eligibility criteria (and whose parents consent).
Find everything about monkeypox at nyc.gov/monkeypox.
New Yorkers can also text MONKEYPOX to 692692 for updates. For alerts in Spanish text MONKEYPOXESP to 692692.
To stay up to date on information regarding vaccination appointments, please check the NYC Health Department Monkeypox website, follow @NYCHealthy on Twitter, and sign up to receive text alerts from the City for updates on appointment availability.
More information about how you can prevent monkeypox is available here and Monkeypox 101 information is here.
Palm Cards, information for providers, and other materials are available in multiple languages here.
Additional Resources
Polio Information
In August 2022, health officials found poliovirus in NYC sewage samples. This followed a case of paralytic polio identified in Rockland County in July. Officials are investigating the positive case and potential ongoing spread of the virus in several upstate counties and the NYC area. There have not yet been any identified cases in the city.
The most important way for children and adults to protect themselves from polio is to get vaccinated right away, if they have not received all recommended polio vaccine doses. New Yorkers who have questions or need to be vaccinated should contact their health care provider or their child's Pediatrician. Those who do not have a primary care physician for them or their child can call 844-692-4692 for help finding one. Make an appointment for children age 4 and above here.
For additional information about polio and the polio vaccine, please visit the following websites:
New COVID Vaccines
The CDC has approved the use of updated Covid booster shots that specifically target the two prominent omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.
To be eligible for the new bivalent booster you must be at least two months out from completing your primary two-dose vaccination series or your last booster and be aged 12+ for the Pfizer shot and 18+ for Moderna. If you have recently had Covid, you must be fully recovered with negative tests to receive another vaccine.
Find a location to receive your booster shot here.
Vaccine Booster Updates
CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older, recommending that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
COVID-19 Testing
Resources and information about COVID-19 Testing is available at the NYC Test and Treat home page, as well as our COVID-19 Community Updates page.
As of Friday, September 2nd, the federal government is no longer providing free COVID-19 at-home rapid testing kits.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for NYC Public Schools
The NYC Department of Education (DOE) has released the much-anticipated COVID-19 guidance for NYC public schools, which aligns with the updated CDC guidance. Please visit the following NYC DOE website to view the guidance: NYC Department of Education (DOE) Fall 2022 COVID-19 Guidance
Test-and-Treat
The New York City Test & Trace Corps, established during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is rebranding as the Test & Treat Corps to reflect the priority to provide New Yorkers with life-saving COVID-19 treatments.
The Test & Treat Corps also announced on Aug. 1 the expansion of the country’s first-ever mobile “Test to Treat” program to over 30 units, including units that will focus on providing COVID-related care to homeless New Yorkers.
New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find a city-run testing site most convenient and accessible to them. Multiple COVID-19 treatments are available for people ages 12 and older and can be delivered to New Yorkers’ homes for free.
For more information on COVID-19 treatments, call 212-COVID19 and press 9 or visit nyc.gov/health/covidtreatments. Calling 212-COVID19 provides New Yorkers an immediate connection to a clinician who can refer them to monoclonal antibody treatment or prescribe antiviral medications, like Paxlovid, and arrange to have it delivered to their home that same day.
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.
AfterCare Program for Long COVID
The NYC Test & Treat 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.
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and audible test results. Read more about the tests.
Although the program that has provided free standard COVID-19 tests will be suspended on Sept. 2, this does NOT apply to the tests for people who are blind or have low vision. Orders will be accepted while supplies last.
People will now receive 12 test kits with each order. In addition, anyone who is blind or who has low vision is now encouraged to order the more-accessible tests.
Individuals who placed an order before July 7 and received only two tests may place another order now to receive 12 additional tests.
How to get the tests:
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Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
- Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Orders will ship free, while supplies last.
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide assistance with:
- Ordering tests.
- Understanding instructions for test administration and test results.
- Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
- For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
- Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
- Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our monthly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our monthly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what is being shared on our community-wide conference calls 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 community-wide conference calls, or if you would like to be added to our distribution or community call invitation list, please reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
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