Dear Community Partner:
 
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Following our standing call on Tuesday, as we have been doing each week, we want to share important updates, with a synopsis of prior communications at the bottom of this letter. We will continue to provide these updates weekly and encourage you to reach out to us at   dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov  with questions. 

During this challenging time, we would like to thank all of you for working hard to adhere to the social distancing and stay-at-home orders issued by the State and City. It is critical during this time that we work to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. As we have been discussing since the emergence of this crisis, we continue to stand-up the resources needed to enable clients to access benefits without in-person contact. We appreciate your continued collaboration in making this possible and ensuring the ongoing safety of our staff and clients.  

Pandemic EBT

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be distributed by the State to all families of eligible school-aged children. The State’s P-EBT Plan authorizes the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to issue P-EBT benefits to provide nutritional support for children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals (FRPMs) due to school closings necessitated by the COVID-19 public health emergency. These benefits are being issued directly by the State, not HRA. All questions and concerns should be addressed to the State directly. The State will provide information and a contact phone number for questions related to the issuance of these benefits. We will share this information as soon as it becomes available. 

Families of public school (or participating private school) children between the ages of 5 and 18 are eligible for the one-time benefit of $420 for each eligible child, which represents the value of school meals for the period of time from March when the schools closed until the end of the school year on June 26 th . Payments will be issued for each eligible school-aged child living in the household.  

There is no application process for receipt of these funds. Information for distribution of funds will be provided to State OTDA by local school districts (for NYC, the NYC Department of Education). OTDA will be using the March 2020 school enrollment data to determine eligibility by age and enrollment status.

Payments will be issued as follows:

  • Families of eligible school-aged children who are currently receiving SNAP and Cash Assistance will receive a P-EBT benefit directly to their existing EBT cards. Families will receive $420 for each eligible child. These benefits will be available on the following schedule:
  • On May 19th - $193 
  • On June 16th - $227

  • Families of eligible children with Medicaid-only cases will receive the full payment in the last two weeks of June. These benefits will be issued on a separate benefit card for each child in the household. The benefits will be issued in the name of the case-head. 

  • Families with eligible children who are not living in households receiving CA, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits will receive a P-EBT benefit of $420 for each eligible child in the household. These children will be certified eligible by enrollment rosters from the NYC DOE. State OTDA anticipates issuing benefit cards for each eligible child to families in this cohort. Benefits are expected to be distributed by the State in July and August 2020.

Please be reminded that HRA has no role in the administration of these benefits.  Distribution of these benefits will be handled directly by the State’s vendor.  

SNAP and Cash Assistance Recertification Waiver

Currently, clients with a SNAP or CA case expiring in March – June have been granted a 6-month extension on re-certification. This extension period is set to end with cases expiring in July. We have requested a further extension on the six-month recertification requirement waiver for CA and SNAP recipients. The State is submitting a request to the USDA to expand the existing waiver which granted a six-month re-certification extension for cases expiring in March - June. 

Without such an expansion beyond cases expiring in June, clients will be required to recertify their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps or Cash Assistance (CA) cases beginning in June for cases due to expire in July. Pending consideration of our extension request, clients are beginning to receive these re-certification notifications from the State. Clients should be informed to check back on ACCESS HRA after June 1 to confirm whether they need to re-certify:

Issuance of Replacement or Temporary CBIC cards

As we have mentioned previously, benefit cards are sent to clients by mail. There is no need to come in to a service center to request a card or receive a replacement CBIC card. If an emergency card is needed for a new applicant who is eligible for expedited SNAP or an immediate needs grant, applicants can visit any HRA center that is open to request a Vault (temporary benefit card). Clients do not need to come to the CBIC distribution office in Brooklyn to obtain their cards.  

Clients can request a replacement card online at  www.connectebt.com  or call EBT Customer Service at (888) 328-6399 for account information or to request that a replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for SNAP or Cash Assistance be mailed.  

Please be reminded that it is critical that we continue to comply with the State and local social distancing and stay at home orders. In order to do so, and keep both clients and staff safe, please encourage clients to utilize the mail service option to the extent possible for replacement card requests.  

Shelter 

DHS continues to seek proposals from qualified vendors to operate additional stabilization and safe haven beds to provide shelter to clients experiencing homelessness on the streets or in the subways. If you are interested in learning more about DHS’s open-ended RFP or submitting a proposal for safe haven or stabilization capacity, please contact   DHS at  Administrator_Carter@dhs.nyc.gov . 

Community-wide Conference Call

If you were not able to join Tuesday’s call, please find an audio recording  here  and use  Covid-19  as the password. The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared. 
 
For a copy of our previous communications, click on the following links: 

As a reminder, we have a standing informational call on  Tuesdays at 4:00PM . Details about this call are sent separately for those who have expressed an interest in joining. 

CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is available during these calls as an accommodation for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Please contact  oria@dss.nyc.gov  at least four hours prior to the call to enable this service. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership in serving New Yorkers in need, particularly now when our clients need us more than ever. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, at  dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov . 

Sincerely, 

Steven Banks
DSS Commissioner
New York City Department of Social Services 

Additional information
 
State Waivers 

We have been reporting on waivers we have received and continue to pursue in an effort to provide services to clients while continuing to keep clients and workers safely at home, to the greatest extent possible. These waivers should continue to allow for clients to limit the need to come in to our Centers even when the City and State begin to lift some stay at home orders. By not requiring our clients to come into our centers, we will continue to support social distancing and the safety of our clients and staff.

As reported during our prior calls and in our previous communications, we have eliminated all requirements for HRA in-person appointments for clients and we will not take any adverse case actions if HRA clients do not keep previously scheduled appointments or assignments. This includes, but is not limited to, appointments for services such as with the Office of Child Support Services as well as appointments or assigned activities with Career Service employment providers.

We have lifted employment sanctions for Cash Assistance recipients who contacted the agency and stated a willingness to comply and have suspended all employment related requirements. Demonstrated compliance is suspended until further notice.

The 180-day length of stay for those living in Domestic Violence shelter has been waived. 

We have received authority to use hotel space for confidential DV shelter.

We have received approval to waive signatures for SNAP and Cash Assistance applications taken by HRA staff over the phone for clients who have challenges using ACCESS HRA for application submission.  We are finalizing details for accepting these applications for homebound clients and will share them as soon as this waiver is operationalized.  

Effective April 1, 2020, the federal Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements for SNAP clients have been suspended.  

Status of requested waivers 

The items listed below are recent waiver requests made to the State and their current status: 

  • Waiver of the 45-day wait period for Safety Net Cash Assistance applications – denied 
  • Waiver of the Cash Assistance eligibility interview – pending
  • Waiver of/modifications to certain aspects of the Cash Assistance Resource Policy - denied
  • Waiver of the need to provide proof of application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits - denied
  • Ability to grant blanket good cause and lift child support sanctions – denied 
  • Ability to grant blanket good cause and lift employment related sanctions – denied
  • Authority to allow prepared meals to be purchased with SNAP benefits – denied by USDA
  • Authority to adjust the DV shelter per diem due to COVID factors and underutilization – pending 

SNAP and Cash Assistance Application signature waiver

We have received the much-anticipated Federal waiver submitted by the State on DSS’s behalf for a waiver of the signature requirement for SNAP and CA applications submitted by HRA employees. We are working with the State to develop a process to allow our staff to complete a SNAP or CA application for our clients over the telephone. Therefore, clients who are unable to use ACCESS HRA on their own will be able to apply for benefits with telephone assistance.  

Although this waiver is more limited than we had requested and does not extend to community organizations, we are confident that this service will provide needed application assistance to clients. We are beginning by accepting applications for CA and SNAP for homebound clients, and we will share information on how clients can access this service as soon as it has been operationalized.

Online ACCESS HRA Training 

DSS is offering online ACCESS HRA training webinars. These are open to CBOs and elected officials’ offices and will provide information on the use of ACCESS HRA for SNAP and Cash applications as well as the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal. 

  • The ACCESS HRA Cash Assistance Webinar will simulate the Cash Assistance (CA) application process via ACCESS HRA. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA SNAP Webinar will simulate the SNAP application process via ACCESS HRA. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA General Overview Webinar is a three-part presentation that offers an overview of the ACCESS HRA client facing website and Mobile App; and the Provider Portal case management tool. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

  • The ACCESS HRA Provider Portal Webinar offers an in-depth presentation of the Provider Portal, the case management tool that allows participating organizations to view real-time case information for clients who have provided consent. You can sign up for an upcoming session by clicking HERE.

Authorized Representative forms for clients

We also want to remind service providers that while the SNAP and Cash Assistance signature waiver that we received is limited to use by HRA employees, SNAP applications can be submitted by community organizations on behalf of clients by serving as an authorized representative for the client. Clients may authorize a representative to submit applications and communicate with HRA on their behalf. 

To become an authorized representative, service providers will need to obtain a signed copy of  the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) and complete the application on the individual’s behalf on ACCESS HRA by doing the following:

  • Step One: Once you have the signed and completed authorization in hand, create an account for the individual at nyc.gov/accesshra by selecting a username (this could be a username or email address), password and answering one security question. If the individual does not have an e-mail address, please select the User Name option. 

  • Step Two: During the course of completing the SNAP application, you will be asked to indicate if an Authorized Representative has been appointed to represent the individual. Indicate “Yes” and enter the information requested.

  • Step Three: At the end of the application, you will need to initial the application as the authorized representative, using your own initials. 

  • Step Four: After submitting the SNAP application, IMMEDIATELY download the HRA Mobile Application at nyc.gov/accesshramobile. Using the same credentials that you used to login to the website, upload the completed and signed Authorized Representative Request Form referenced above, connecting it to the pending case. The form must be complete, signed and dated by both parties. If this step is not completed appropriately, the application will not be able to be processed. If you are unable to immediately link to the case, please note that application registration only occurs on business days and there is occasionally a delay in the Application Registration process, so the application may have not been registered yet. Please try again later.

It is recommended, but not required, that all applicants/providers use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) when designating an authorized representative. However, if the Authorized Representative form cannot be completed and submitted, the applicant/provider may write a letter with the relevant information from the form to designate an authorized representative.

Burial Claims/Funeral Services

We issued an   emergency rule  increasing the amount of burial/funeral services allowance from $900 to $1,700 with a  total funeral cost cap of $3,400. The Mayor’s Office has been working with MOIA and others to raise private dollars to offer funeral assistance to all eligible individuals regardless of their immigration status. To obtain further information regarding HRA burial/funeral services please visit:  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/burial-assistance.page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

In response to the inquiries we have been receiving, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for questions specifically related to systemic changes related to COVID-19. These are located on our website,  HERE . This section will be updated regularly as we continue to receive questions.  We encourage you to continue to reach out with questions to   dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov  so that we can ensure you have the most current and accurate information available. 

Rental/Emergency Assistance AND Ongoing Cash Assistance Benefits

Clients can apply for emergency assistance grants as well as ongoing Cash Assistance through ACCESS HRA. To apply for Cash Assistance, a client does not need to apply for an emergency grant, but we do ask questions during the online application process in order to make sure that an emergency grant is not needed to ensure the financial security of the clients. Therefore, every ACCESS HRA Cash Assistance application starts with a series of emergency indicator questions.  

As provided previously, below are instructions for applying for Cash Assistance through ACCESS HRA.  We encourage organizations to sign up for an ACCESS HRA training webinar for additional information on using our online tools. Click  HERE  to view the webinar options.

To apply for Cash Assistance or a one-time emergency grant (one shot deal), clients will need to take the following steps:

  1. Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
  2. Select the ‘Benefits’ link from the menu options on the homepage
  3. Select ‘Start a New Application’
  4. Select the ‘Cash Assistance’ option in the ‘Select Application’ page
  5. Identify any applicable emergency indicators and click ‘Next’ 
  6. Select the type of benefits would you would like to apply for. The three options are: Cash Assistance, One Shot Deal, or Child Care without Cash Assistance (CILOCA)
  7. Complete and submit application
  8. Follow instructions in the ACCESS HRA confirmation page and submit required documents using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App

Clients with an active Cash Assistance case can submit a special grant request for rent or utility arrears via ACCESS HRA. To submit a Cash Assistance Special Grant Request, clients will need to:

  1. Visit ACCESS HRA and log-in
  2. Enter identifying information to ‘Find My Case’ and link to your HRA case
  3. Select ‘View Case’ in the ACCESS HRA user home page
  4. Select ‘Request Special Grant,’ located on the left-hand side
  5. Identify the special grant you are requesting, complete the request and submit
  6. Follow instructions in confirmation and submit required documents using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App

Medicaid

In New York City, all active cases will be extended. No Medicaid case will be closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation. The State has determined that any case that is closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation that had Medicaid coverage on or after March 18, 2020 will be re-opened with coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Renewals will be extended for 12 months.

Former SSI recipients and any discontinued Temporary Assistance/Medicaid cases that require a separate Medicaid eligibility determination will have Medicaid coverage extended. No renewal is required to be sent at this time and no redeterminations are required at this time.

During the COVID-19 Emergency, New York City residents who are age 65 or over; living with a disability or blindness; in receipt of Medicare and are not a parent or caretaker relative of minor children; or are young adults under age 26 who were formerly in foster care are able to submit a Medicaid application via fax to 917-639-0732. 

All other applicants not in the categories listed above may submit an application via the NY State of Health at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov   or by calling 1-855-355-5777. 

Apply for Cash Assistance Online
 
With a State waiver, we began accepting Cash Assistance (CA) applications online via ACCESS HRA on Friday, March 20. We have placed a copy of the  user guide here . Our ACCESS HRA online training sessions are also providing updated information on completing the CA application through ACCESS HRA.  

The interview portion of the CA application process is being conducted by telephone. Here is a  link to the flyer  for clients regarding the public benefits changes that we have described. 

Electronic Authorization to Release Case Information

In response to requests from our community partners, we have created a fillable PDF of our third-party authorization form that can be signed digitally / electronically by clients using Adobe or other third-party software. The PDF form can be downloaded  here .

SNAP Interviews

We have received a federal waiver that allows issuance of SNAP benefits without an interview, provided that  both  of the following conditions have been met (this waiver is scheduled to expire on May 31 st , but we have requested and expect to receive an extension):

  • the applicant’s identity has been verified; and,
  • all other mandatory information and verification has been provided and is valid:
  1. Identity
  2. Social Security number (as already required by federal law)
  3. Residency
  4. Gross non-exempt income (earned and unearned)
  5. Disability
  6. “Alien eligibility” (as already required by federal law)

Pursuant to the federal waiver, if either of these conditions has  not  been met, then an interview will be required. Under the federal waiver, interviews will still be required if any of the information submitted is unclear or cannot be verified through separate data matches. HRA will call applicants who need an interview.

We are aware that some clients are still receiving phone calls regarding missed interview appointments. While most interviews are waived, as outlined above, some clients are still required to have a phone interview.  

Issuance of Expedited SNAP 

For applications eligible for expedited benefits, the only information that must be verified prior to the initial expedited issuance is the applicant’s identity. Under the federal waiver, until May 31, an interview is not required for issuance of expedited benefits. 

Enhanced SNAP Benefits

Supplemental SNAP benefits for households that received a SNAP benefit in March and/or April that was not at the maximum benefit level for their household size have been approved at the federal level and the State will automatically add these benefits to recipients’ EBT account in April and May. The State will continue to identify cases and issue supplemental benefits for any cases that were not identified in the initial run either because of a late in April application or a delay in processing caused a delay in their regular SNAP issuance. Further information is available   here .

ACCESS HRA and Document Upload

Clients applying for benefits should be opening a new account through ACCESS HRA and uploading documents through the ACCESS HRA mobile app. We are aware of problems that were experienced previously due to increased volume and these issues have been resolved. 

Center Consolidations

With our programs and benefits available online and in order to protect clients and staff, we have consolidated our HRA Job, SNAP, and Medicaid Center locations. As a result of these consolidations, we are advising New Yorkers to apply for public benefits online at ACCESS HRA in order to prevent unnecessary visits to an HRA center. For clients who cannot or do not want to apply online, a list of Job, SNAP, and Medicaid Center locations that will remain open can be found here:  Job ,  SNAP ,  Medicaid .
We have also consolidated HASA Center locations, and one HASA Center will remain open in each borough. Even though these offices are still open, clients do not need to come into our offices as assistance can be obtained online and by telephone. For HASA clients who cannot or do not want to apply online, we strongly advise them to call the Service Line at (212) 971-0626 for help rather than traveling to an office.

For the most recent information about this and other changes, however, please visit our   website . 

Moratorium on Evictions and Utility Shut-offs

The moratorium on evictions as well as the moratorium on utility shut-offs continue to be in effect. These are helping to avoid unnecessary visits to an HRA Center to apply for these emergency benefits. For those in need of emergency benefits, applications can be completed online through ACCESS HRA. 

City FHEPS and Rental Assistance

City FHEPS is one of the programs that provides ongoing rental assistance. This is a benefit that is made available to clients who are in shelter or for some individuals facing eviction. More information about City FHEPS eligibility for community tenants can be found  here   and information on eligibility for households residing in shelter can be found  here .

The Homebase program can help eligible clients facing eviction obtain rental assistance. Homebase locations are currently closed but are providing their services by phone. Clients can find the phone number for the Homebase location that serves their zip code  here .

For existing City FHEPS clients in shelter, we continue to operate the program with some modifications to our usual process:

  • For clients whose eligibility is based on employment, they will still be eligible to rent housing with City FHEPS even if they have reduced or lost work during the pandemic.

  • We will automatically reissue City FHEPS shopping letters as they expire. There is no need to reapply.

  • For apartment inspections, we have created a virtual viewing and walk-through process. Clients will also be able to view apartments virtually.

  • HRA is still processing and issuing rental assistance checks. Each day we are expanding our ability to work remotely to expedite payments.

As a reminder, at this time there is a continuing moratorium on evictions. Courts are not open for non-essential services. 

Home Energy Assistance Program  ( HEAP ) 

HEAP heating season has been extended, and the HEAP program is accepting applications until June 30, 2020. Applications can be mailed; they are not required to be submitted in person during this period. The HEAP cooling season opened May 1, 2020 and runs through August 31st. If an individual with a documented medical condition has not received a cooling benefit in the past 5 years (previously the lookback was 10 years) and does not have a working air conditioner newer than 5 years old, they may be eligible for an AC unit.

For clients who cannot mail in their HEAP application, they can be dropped off at those Job and SNAP Center locations that remain open:  Job ,  SNAP .

Home Visits 

For the safety of our clients and staff, it is critical that HRA reduce contact with our most vulnerable clients by limiting home visits. If a client does require a home visit related to a Cash Assistance/SNAP issue and is unable to use ACCESS HRA or a phone call with HRA staff cannot resolve the matter, a home visit can be made pending the client’s willingness to have a worker in their home. 
 
The HRA Special Services programs are conducting regular wellness checks via telephone when possible. If checks via telephone are not possible, home visits are occurring for Adult Protective Services, HIV/AIDS Services, and Home Care Services Program clients.
 
Home Visit Needed (HVN) clients are receiving regular wellness check-in calls from HRA staff. These client check-ins focus on COVID-related health issues as well as food insecurity. If a client may be experiencing symptoms of COVID, they are directed to call their treatment provider. If the client is experiencing food insecurity appropriate referrals are made for home delivered food as needed. 

The Substance Use program is also conducting client check-in calls. All clients are advised of availability of Narcan for free with no prescription at local pharmacies.  In addition, if any clients have relapsed and are seeking treatment, staff will conduct a telephone assessment and refer them for treatment.

Food Resources

New York City is taking steps to make sure every New Yorker has access to the food they need. For individuals who are in need of support with meals and food, here are some resources that we want to be sure you are aware of:

  • Any New Yorker can receive three free meals a day at one of more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. Find out more information here.

  • The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Find out more information here.

  • If you are interested in the location of a food pantry, please visit the Food Help NYC pantry locator. We recommend calling to ensure the particular location is open. We’ve provided all of our emergency food providers with information about grab and go meals and how to implement social distancing at food pantries.  

  • You can now use your SNAP benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries. Participating online stores now accept SNAP benefits for online orders and will deliver to you. Use your EBT card to securely shop online. For participating stores, please click here. NOTE: Pursuant to federal requirements, SNAP benefits cannot be used to cover delivery fees. 

Financial Counseling

NYC Financial Empowerment Center counselors are available to support New Yorkers over the phone with free financial counseling. It is free and confidential. To book an appointment, please click  here .

Shelter

We remain committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have access to safe and secure shelter placements. Together with our network of providers, DHS is working hard to protect shelter residents and our shelter staff during this time. We will continue to communicate regularly to share guidance on shelter cleaning, social distancing, and isolating of shelter residents who are showing symptoms. We have also taken the following steps, with more to come:

  • Stood up more than 700 isolation beds in commercial hotels for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have tested positive.  

  • First prioritized transfer of DHS clients aged 70 and older to commercial hotels, and then began the transfer of additional single adult clients in congregate shelters to commercial hotels, with now approximately 9,000 of the 17,000 single adults in the DHS shelter system placed in commercial hotels.

  • Moving an additional 1,000 single adults from congregate shelters to commercial hotels each week.  

  • Securing new safe haven and stabilization beds to help clients experiencing homelessness on the streets and in the subways, including opening such beds in a commercial hotel and soliciting additional beds in commercial hotels.

  • Adding a drop-in center near Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, and continuing to have an open request for providers to add additional drop-in capacity.

  • Streamlined the process for families applying for shelter by eliminating in-person appointments and conducting interviews by phone.

  • Ensuring that all shelter staff have access to requisite PPE while at work and have distributed face coverings for our clients. 

As we have reported previously, we have received a waiver of the State-set 180-day time limit for those living in Domestic Violence emergency shelter beds; and we are seeking an additional waiver to add new capacity.  

For individuals who are being released from Rikers and other facilities, DHS is working with our partner agencies to ensure appropriate placement, including placing some into DHS shelters. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice is finding appropriate placements for others who require a different level of services than the level provided at DHS shelters.

DHS Isolation Sites and Non-COVID Hospital Discharges to DHS shelters

Effective Wednesday, April 22, 2020, we have changed our processes at isolation sites to conform to the new NYS Department of Health guidance about the length of the isolation period.

In addition, all non-COVID medical discharges are accepted 7 days a week for the duration of the pandemic. 

Federal Stimulus Payments: Economic Impact Payments
 
On March 27th, 2020, the federal CARES Act authorized a one-time payment of $1,200 to certain individuals. While many people will receive their payments through direct deposit or mailed checks, those who were not required to file a federal income tax return for 2018 or 2019 will need to take additional steps. 
 
According to the   IRS , if you don’t file taxes, use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to provide information to receive your payment. You should use this application if:
  • You are a citizen or a non-citizen with a Social Security Number; 
  • You did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
  • You weren’t required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons.

If you receive the below benefits, the IRS already has your information and you will receive $1,200. If you have qualifying children under age 17, you can use the " Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here " application to claim the $500 payment per child.
  • Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits
  • Railroad Retirement and Survivor Benefits

For more information, please visit the  IRS website .

Benefit Card Assistance

If your benefit card for Cash Assistance and/or Food Stamps, was lost, stolen, or printed with incorrect information, you can get a replacement. Replacement cards can only be mailed to the address on record. You can request a replacement card online at  www.connectebt.com .

You can also call EBT Customer Service at (888) 328-6399 for account information or to request that a replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for SNAP or Cash Assistance be mailed to you. There is no need to come in to the Over the Counter service center at 227 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn to request a card or receive a replacement CBIC card. If an emergency card is needed for a new applicant who is eligible for expedited SNAP or an immediate needs grant, applicants can visit any HRA center that is open to request a Vault (temporary benefit card). 

Census

Please remind clients and constituents to complete the Census:

It’s not too late to  fill out the 2020 Census ! Responding to the census has never been more important. Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs. These are resources that our City, communities, and front-line workers need now more than ever. It only takes a few minutes and you can do it from home: visit  my2020census.gov  or call 844-330-2020.  Learn more  about why the census matters more than ever! 

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Supplement – impact on eligibility

  • Under the federal CARES Act, eligible individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) will receive an additional $600 weekly Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payment. 

  • The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) provision of the CARES Act expands coverage to certain workers who traditionally are not eligible for unemployment benefits under state law, such as individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, or who have exhausted all rights to regular or extended unemployment benefits, among others. This is particularly important for those who work in the gig economy, who work largely as independent contractors and freelancers. This expansion is also very important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court-ordered child support payments.  

  • Although income received through UIB is typically counted as income under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the purposes of benefits eligibility, the CARES Act has specifically instructed states to disregard the $600 weekly additional payment (Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) when determining eligibility for Medicaid.

  • The regular UIB payments are still counted for MAGI for the purposes of benefits eligibility.

  • The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) increase to Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) payments is subject to budgeting as unearned income for both Cash Assistance and SNAP, in combination with regular UIB payments. Any retroactive UIB/PUC issued is considered a resource for SNAP in the month it is received, but due to Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, most SNAP households are not subject to a resource test. Retroactive UIB/PUC is also considered a lump-sum payment for Cash Assistance which may make a household ineligible for a period of time. This expansion is especially important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court ordered child support payments.   

  • Additionally, the CARES Act relief payment in the form of the “recovery rebate” or “stimulus payment” is up to $1,200 for single adults, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly and $500 for children under age 17. This stimulus payment is not taxable income and is therefore also not countable in MAGI based eligibility determinations.

  • For non-MAGI determinations, rebates are not countable as income and are an exempt resource for 12 months. After the 12-month period any portion of the stimulus payment remaining is a countable resource.

  • The CARES Act relief payments are not countable for Cash Assistance (CA) or SNAP eligibility.

  • The CARES Act stimulus payments made to eligible noncustodial parents who owe past-due child support and who are subject to intercept under the Federal Income Tax Refund Offset Program will be offset by the amount of past-due child support. This expansion is especially important for noncustodial parents who are required to make court ordered child support payments.  

Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Updates

  • CA clients scheduled for a child support appointment in June 2020 will be rescheduled. Clients will be informed that their appointment has been scheduled and advised that they will receive a notice informing them of a future appointment date 

  • For clients who have a child support sanction, they can restore Cash Assistance and Medicaid benefits by informing the NYC Office of Child Support Services that they are willing to comply with the child support program. Clients can do so by calling 929-221-7676 or emailing dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, or writing to the New York City Office of Child Support Services, PO Box 830, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013. Clients should provide their name, case number, and contact information, and state that they are willing to comply with the child support program. Letters have been mailed to clients with a child support sanction informing them of this information. 

  • No negative case actions are being taken for missing appointments with the Office of Child Support Services.

  • If you would like to apply for child support services, you can get an application by:
  1. DOWNLOADING an application at childsupport.ny.gov OR
  2. CALLING the NYS Child Support helpline at 888-208-4485 to have an application mailed to you.
 
  • Family Court inquiries - The New York State court system has suspended all nonessential court functions until further notice. Family Court is only addressing emergencies, such as child protection and domestic violence cases. For more information, go to www.nycourts.gov.
 
  • To make a payment - For information about making a child support payment, see mail and online options here.
 
 
  • Customer Service - The OCSS Customer Service Office is closed. Clients can reach us by email at dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, or can call the NY State Call Center at 888-208-4485. 
 
COVID-19 related fraud

The FBI has seen a significant increase in fraud schemes related to the pandemic.  Please help get the word out as some of these schemes target our shared clients by posing as assistance with or opportunities to access public benefits and CARES stimulus payments.