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September 9, 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.
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
In response to a number of requests for a recording of the call held on Tuesday, August 23, please see link below to access the recording. 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
NYC Benefits RFP
The NYCBenefits Request for Proposals (RFP) continues to solicit applicants for the cross-agency, cross-sector effort to undertake a systematic approach to connecting hundreds of thousands of eligible New Yorkers to the billions of dollars of government benefits that are currently going unused:
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The deadline to apply is 11:59 EST September 13, 2022.
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The RFP can be found on the RF CUNY website.
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Pre-proposal Webinar: the August 17th pre-proposal webinar can be viewed HERE. The deck can be viewed HERE.
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Q&A Doc: See answers to questions submitted between July 26 and August 9, 2022 HERE.
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Answers to questions submitted between August 9 and August 19, 2022 were posted on the RFCUNY site yesterday, can be viewed HERE.
- Questions are no longer being accepted as of August 19, 2022.
NYCBenefits aims to ensure all eligible New Yorkers are aware of all of the supports available to them, that accessing those supports is easy and efficient, and that eligible New Yorkers enroll, and stay enrolled, in those support programs. NYCBenefits will bring together the many City agencies and community-based organizations that inform and administer benefits programs by providing funding and enhanced collaboration and coordination to unify and fortify the social service benefits ecosystem.
RF CUNY website.
One Shot Deal Repayment Suspension
In response to questions received on the August monthly community call, we are confirming that billing of One-Shot Deals remains suspended for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, currently through October 13, 2022. Clients may make voluntary payments. Clients with cases approaching the statute of limitations will receive letters from HRA regarding their One-Shot Deals and clients should not ignore those letters.
DHS Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC
In response to questions received on our August monthly community call, we are providing the following information on the Agency’s response to the recent influx of asylum seekers coming from Central and South America. As of 9/8, approximately 9,806 asylum seekers had come to DHS, about 7,372 of whom remained in shelter as of that date. Families with children represent the majority of the population, although we are currently seeing an uptick in the number of single men arriving. DHS is meeting its legal and moral mandate to provide shelter to all who need it, and since July have opened 17 emergency sites to accommodate need. In mid-August we released two emergency solicitations, one for an intake site specific to asylum seekers, and one to identify 5,000 beds of shelter capacity that will specifically serve this population. We have designated a provider for the intake site, are in negotiations, and expect to open in September. The other RFP is rolling, and we encourage providers to apply.
Meeting the needs of this population goes well beyond DHS; we are collaborating closely with our colleagues at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA). MOIA opened a “Navigation Center” which will provide a range of services at a centralized location to those recently arrived in New York City. Other agencies involved in the effort include Education, Health, Emergency Management, etc. As Mayor Adams has noted, we are a welcoming City, DSS and its collaborating agencies across the City are committed to meeting the needs of asylum seekers.
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 Central and South America. 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)
ACCESS HRA System Updates
New ACCESS HRA updates went live on Saturday, August 20th, 2022. Click here for a detailed overview of the changes.
Featured updates within ACCESS HRA client portal:
- Updated User Dashboard, Benefits, and Documents pages
- Clients will now be able to view their Medicaid case information such as:
- Case Status, Coverage Dates, Eligibility End Dates, Household Members
- Surplus case status, link to surplus payments portal
- The Statement of Benefits will now be available for Closed and Rejected cases
- Applicants for SNAP or Cash Assistance who do not have an SSN will be able to connect to their case on ACCESS HRA using the SSN of the oldest child on their application with an SSN.
Featured updates within ACCESS HRA mobile app:
- Clients will be able to view their Medicaid case status within the ACCESS HRA mobile app
- Elderly Simplified Application Process (ESAP)
- Seniors and people with disabilities will be able to use the NYC HRA Document Upload app for submission of the ESAP application (LDSS-5166) and supporting documents
Featured updates within Child Support Mobile app:
- New forms available to submit for a clients Child Support case
- Update Contact information for your Child Support case
- View Child Support Appointments and Notices in the app (CA clients)
The ACCESS HRA client portal can be found here: www.nyc.gov/accesshra.
To go directly to the Fair Fares NYC application or home page, go here: www.nyc.gov/accessfairfares.
As a reminder, trainings on ACCESS HRA is available for public service organizations! Sign-up here.
Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program
We received many questions on this week’s call regarding eligibility for the Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus Program. We are providing information here, but encourage those who are interested to reach out to the New York State Department of Health for additional information at (866) 682-0077.
New York State’s Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has launched, providing frontline healthcare workers (with base salaries under $125,000) bonuses for their dedication during the COVID pandemic. Learn more about the requirements here.
This program establishes a fund of $1.3 billion to be disbursed in bonuses to certain eligible frontline healthcare workers across New York. Depending on title, number of hours worked, and salary, employees may qualify for up to $3,000 in bonuses. Employers must apply to the HWB Program on behalf of eligible employees for them to receive bonuses. A list of eligible employee titles and criteria for eligible employers can be found on New York State Department of Health’s website, here.
Please note that the HWB Program also enables the State to penalize employers for up to $1,000 per employee if they fail to identify, claim, and/or pay bonuses for eligible employees.
The State has established a hotline for more information about the HWB Program: (866) 682-0077.
OTDA has issued guidance on how these payments will impact recipients of TA, SNAP, and HEAP, available here.
Fair Fares Program Overview and Application Webinar
The Office of Community Outreach has created a webinar providing a general overview of the Fair Fares transportation discount program and which will also simulate a mock Fair Fares application. After completion, participants will be familiar with the Fair Fares benefit and the application process. Sign up for the webinar here.
To start, we will offer these sessions weekly through the end of September.
Fair Fares NYC Enrollment
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online, without visiting an HRA office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!
While there is no need to visit an HRA office to apply or renew, Fair Fares NYC locations have reopened and are available to help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, or to report an issue with a Metrocard. To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website. Clients will also be able to request an in-person appointment by calling 311.
Clients who need a replacement card or a refund must mail in their card to:
Fair Fares NYC
P.O. Box 7099
New York, NY 10008-7099
Clients 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!
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.
Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families
A one-time, low-income utility bill credit is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This credit, which will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit. The bill credit should have been applied to customers' accounts by August 1, 2022. Any eligible low-income customer that enrolls in EAP before December 31, 2022 will be included in the bill credit program.
HRA mails notices to our clients periodically throughout the year about the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) offered by Con Ed and National Grid. Clients who are in receipt of CA, SNAP, and HEAP benefits receive a letter that instructs them to contact us by a specific date to opt-out of EAP, otherwise they will be automatically enrolled in their utility provider’s EAP. Clients who call after the deadline to respond are instructed to contact their utility provider directly to opt-out of EAP.
Medicaid (MA) consumers must contact their utility provider to enroll in EAP.
Learn more about the Con Ed and National Grid EAPs.
Learn more about the Utility Bill Credit program here.
Temporary Assistance Implication
Temporary Assistance (TA) funding may continue to be utilized to pay utility arrears when the applicant presents with an emergency or immediate need, after first exploring the availability of HEAP. A payment can be made to prevent termination if it is determined that an immediate threat of shut off is present and the applicant/recipient (A/R) is otherwise eligible.
Additional Resources and Information
Hurricane IDA Supplemental Funding Program
NYC Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations may be able to help those who were impacted by Post Tropical Storm Ida. New Yorkers may be eligible for assistance up to $72,000 to cover the cost of the repairs to make the home habitable and for mitigation measures to protect against future damage if:
- They own a 1-4 family home that was uninhabitable because of damage from Ida; and
- They applied for FEMA or were not eligible for FEMA assistance because they are a landlord; and
- They have either been denied or received less than the amount needed to complete repairs that would make the home habitable.
Application Deadline September 12, 2022
For more information, please contact (212) 615-8329 or IdaAssist@recovery.nyc.gov
SUNY Application Fees Waived
Starting Aug. 1, 2022, all students at designated public high schools across New York State can apply to up to seven SUNY schools for free. SUNY has automatically waived application fees for every student at the 500 high schools statewide with the highest percentages of students receiving free lunch.
Additionally, any student at any high school in the state who receives free lunch will also have their fees waived. Please click here for additional information and to see which schools qualify.
FAFSA Opening October 1st
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing season opens on October 1st! Through FAFSA, students could receive federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs to help fund their education. The earlier families fill out the FAFSA, the better their chances are to receive aid, since some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, or from programs with limited funds. Here are some of the documents needed to apply, including tax documents and information about any investments or savings your family has. A Social Security Number is required, although students with undocumented parents can still apply.
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. The Student Loan Debt Plan includes the following:
- Forgiving debt for qualifying federal student loan borrowers with annual income below $125,000 if filing as single or $250,000 if filing jointly or as head-of-household.
- Up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt cancellation for those who attended college and received Pell Grants
- Up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt cancellation for those who went to college and did not receive Pell Grants
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A limited number of borrowers will have relief automatically applied but many will need to self-attest their incomes. To be notified when the process for self-attestation opens, sign up at the Department of Education subscription page.
- Extending the federal student loan repayment pause to December 31, 2022.
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Cutting monthly payments in half for undergraduate loans. The Department of Education is proposing a new income-driven repayment plan that protects more low-income borrowers from making any payments and caps monthly payments for undergraduate loans at 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income—half of the rate that borrowers must pay now under most existing plans. This means that the average annual student loan payment will be lowered by more than $1,000 for both current and future borrowers.
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Fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program by proposing a rule that borrowers who have worked at a nonprofit, in the military, or in federal, state, tribal, or local government, receive appropriate credit toward loan forgiveness. These improvements will build on temporary changes the Department of Education has already made to PSLF, under which more than 175,000 public servants have already had more than $10 billion in loan forgiveness approved.
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.
Public Service Loan Repayment Credit
For a limited time, federal student loan borrowers who work in public service may receive credit for past periods of repayment that did not previously qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
The Help Tool at the U.S. Department of Education’s website, StudentAid.gov/PSLF, can be used to determine eligibility. This tool usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
The deadline to apply is October 31, 2022.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Behavioral Health Professionals
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals announced the launch of a new student loan forgiveness program for behavioral health providers, funded by a $1 million contribution from an anonymous donor. The new program is designed to help attract and retain doctors, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians who care for New Yorkers with mental health or substance use needs as the U.S. faces a national mental health professional shortage.
NYC Health + Hospitals will offer psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers between $30,000 and $50,000 of debt relief in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve the public health system.
NYC Health + Hospitals provides about half of all behavioral health services for children and adults in New York City. The loan forgiveness program will be available to eligible employees and new hires for the next year or until the $1 million donation has been distributed.
Applications opened on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=varKAPjLK-0
DFTA Bill Payer Program
The Bill Payer Program helps adults, 60 years or older, manage their household bills. DFTA has partnered with SilverBills, a financial-technology company, to provide services. A Bill Payer representative will make a one-time visit to the home to help with budgeting and enrollment. After that, the program will continue to review and process the payment of bills each month and inform the participant of any discrepancies or potential fraud.
To qualify for the Bill Payer Program, a person must:
- Be 60 years or older;
- Live in one of the five (5) boroughs of NYC;
- Have an annual income below $60,000 per individual, OR below $100,000 per couple;
- Have the financial capacity and willingness to make their own financial decisions;
- Have enough money to pay their basic bills, such as rent, utility, healthcare, and insurance; and
- Have a checking account or be willing to open one.
Enrollment into the Bill Payer Program is contingent upon referrals. Referrals must be made through case-management agencies.
Once a person has enrolled, the Bill Payer Program staff will do the following for the participant every month:
- Provide individual bill payer services remotely (out of home);
- Provide customer service to handle all questions and problems related to bills;
- Eliminate paper bills by handling all bill management electronically;
- Pay any household bill(s) on time; and
- Help manage bills for clients using Pooled income Trusts (PIT).
Assistance will be available upon request for the following:
- Account monitoring for fraud; and
- Help finding alternatives to cash via smart or debit cards.
Family Enrichment Center (FEC) Request for Proposals
The NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) recently released a Request For Proposals to expand the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) model to nine new neighborhoods in the coming year. FECs will be expanded to a total of 30 sites across the City over the next two years. This is an important effort to connect communities and families in areas hit hard by COVID-19 to the resources and supports they need. ACS is seeking local community-based providers, with deep ties to their communities, to operate the new sites.
Interested parties can learn more about the FECs in this short video.
FECs, which were launched in 2017, are warm, home-like, walk-in centers that are co-designed with community members enabling individuals, families and children to connect with neighbors, volunteer their time, and access activities and resources they need to thrive. Community members who engage with an FEC can expect a stigma-free, voluntary, locally-managed resource in their community. The new centers will be located in the priority neighborhoods identified by the City’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE), based on their equity burdens and the impact of COVID-19.
IMPORTANT: In order to respond to the RFP, organizations must be registered and prequalified in the City’s Procurement and Sourcing Solutions Portal (PASSPort) system. PASSPort is the web-based system maintained by the City of New York to manage procurement -- the process by which the City secures good and services. Only organizations with an approved Prequalification Application will be eligible to propose to this RFP. In these two links, you will find information about registration and prequalification. Please be aware that prequalification can be a lengthy process, so interested applicants should begin the process immediately.
The deadline to submit proposals is September 30, 2022.
For this RFP, the new sites will be located in the following nine catchment areas.
Bronx
- BX03: Morrisania/Crotona & BX06: Belmont/East Tremont
- BX05: Fordham/University Heights
Brooklyn
- BK04: Bushwick
- BK17: East Flatbush
Manhattan
- MN12: Washington Heights/Inwood
- MN03: Lower East Side/Chinatown
Queens
- QN03: Jackson Heights
- QN04: Elmhurst/Corona
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QN09: Ozone Park/ Woodhaven & QN10: South Ozone Park/Howard Beach
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:
- 9/13, 6-8pm NDA Queens 8 (Briarwood/Jamaica Hills, Pomonok/Flushing Heights/Hillcrest)
- 9/15, 6:30-8:30pm NDA Brooklyn 9 (Prospect Lefferts Gardens/Wingate, Crown Heights South
- 9/21, 6-8pm NDA Bronx 5 (Mount Hope, University Heights)
- 9/22, 6-7:45pm NDA Queens 3 (North Corona, East Elmhurst)
- 9/29, 6:30-8:30pm NDA Brooklyn 8 (Crown Heights North
- 10/4, 6:30-8:30pm NDA Brooklyn 3 (Stuyvesant Heights, Bedford)
- 10/13, 6-7:30pm NDA Queens 9 (Richmond Hill, Ozone Park)
September Webinar Series on Addressing Healthcare Inequities for People with Disabilities
Every Wednesday in September at 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
During the month of September, the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities will be a hosting #WebinarWednesdays, in which they will be presenting recommendations that will help close gaps in healthcare inequities experienced by people with disabilities.
The Center for Dignity is working on identifying and reducing life-limiting healthcare inequities for people with disabilities. These inequities are often rooted in stigma and ableism. The Center has focused their efforts in healthcare inequities within prenatal diagnosis, mental health and suicide prevention, aging and end of life, and organ transplantations.
During September, they will dedicate each Wednesday to hosting a discussion on recommendations to close the gap in each of those areas. ASL Interpreters will be provided. If you need any additional accommodations, please contact Leah Smith.
Register for the webinars.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for Broadband Internet
PEU is continuing to call New Yorkers in target ZIP codes about The Affordable Connectivity Program which provides discounted internet service. Qualifying individuals and families can receive up to $30 per month off their broadband costs.
You can learn more about and sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program here: http://GetInternet.gov.
The City has created ACP flyers in 30 languages to download and use at events, programs, and more: ACP Flyers
Monkeypox Information
Information about Monkeypox in New York City is available at http://on.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:
GetCoveredNYC
The Mayor, Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, and NYC Care recently teamed up to promote GetCoveredNYC, NYC Care, and the importance of accessing high-quality primary care.
The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance continues to be extended and GetCoveredNYC is available to support New Yorkers through the process of signing up for the health coverage they deserve. GetCoveredNYC provides free assistance for New Yorkers seeking to enroll in health care, regardless of immigration status or income. GetCoveredNYC Specialists speak more than 20 languages and conduct outreach to proactively identify uninsured New Yorkers and help them get access to health care and other health-related benefits.
Contact GetCoveredNYC:
Beaches and Pools Closing
City beaches and pools remain open, but will close for the season on September 11.
Subscribe to NYC Parks Newsletters
Sign up to the NYC Parks Weekly Highlights newsletter, and find events all across the city. Sign up here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/newsletters/. New Yorkers can also sign up for the customized version of Weekly Highlights for their neighborhood or borough, to find out about upcoming events in their neighborhood and in neighborhoods around them, as well as important citywide news.
COVID-19 Related Updates
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
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.
Test-and-Trace is now 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.
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.
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.
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, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
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