October 18, 2021
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 weekly call, we continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications which can be found on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
To be added to the invitations for the weekly briefing calls or to the distribution list for this weekly update, please send an email request to dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
We appreciate your ongoing participation in these calls and continuing to raise important issues that we are able to address in this weekly communication of the latest information, which you can share with the clients you serve. We welcome your continued questions and comments in order to help us make sure we are providing the most relevant information and clarifications about the evolving public benefits and government services landscape affecting our shared clients.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Flu vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Locations can be found at the NYC Vaccine Finder website.
Pfizer booster doses are now available for certain groups of people who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Those groups are:
- People who are 65 or older.
- People who are 18 or older with an underlying medical condition, or
- People who are 18 or older and live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
- People who are 18 or older at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to occupational (e.g. healthcare workers) or institutional setting (e.g. people who live in shelters).
Eligible New Yorkers are able to access these booster shots (as of September 24, 2021) and will need to attest to their eligibility.
Separately, please note that there has been no change to the August guidelines about third doses for people with underlying conditions. Adults who received the Pfizer OR Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago, and are moderately to severely immunocompromised, are still eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. Eligible New Yorkers can access third doses citywide and need to attest to their eligibility.
Those who received the J&J vaccine are not eligible for additional doses of the vaccine at this time.
The NYC vaccine referral bonus program continues to be available to small businesses, restaurants, civic organizations, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and Parent-Teacher Associations. These are all eligible to receive a $100 vaccine referral bonus for each employee or customer who they refer to a City-run vaccine site for their first shot. The referred individual is still eligible to receive their own $100 bonus. To sign up for the program businesses and organizations should use the same form we have previously shared, available here.
The City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here, and is available in additional languages here.
NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found online here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website.
As a reminder, New Yorkers ages 12 years and older can continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at select sites across NYC. Sites can be found here.
While walk-up vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites, appointments can still be made by using vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
New Yorkers can meet vaccine and/or testing requirements by carrying their paper vaccination card with them or scanning and storing it in one of two authorized mobile apps - Excelsior Pass Wallet and NYC Covid Safe.
The Excelsior Pass Wallet, developed for New York State, allows an individual to find and store their proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. New York residents who were vaccinated out of State can learn more about their options at the Excelsior Pass FAQ. The app, called NYS Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
The NYC Covid Safe app doesn’t connect directly to vaccine records. The app allows a person to upload a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days. The app is also available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
COVID-19 Testing
Free in-home COVID PCR testing is now available for all immunocompromised New Yorkers and people 65+. Call 929-298-9400 to schedule an appointment.
Free testing continues to be available throughout the five boroughs. A schedule of mobile testing locations throughout the City as well as detailed information on locations and types of testing offered at regular testing sites (including rapid testing and antibody tests) can be found here. Locations of testing sites can also be accessed by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.
The Test-and-Trace corps offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
Please note that NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing will be at the two sites below on Monday, October 18 through Friday, October 22, from 8am-7pm:
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Rockaway: 219 Beach 59th Street, Rockaway, NY 11692
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Bushwick: 2 George Street, Brooklyn NY 11206
Landlord Applications for NYS Landlord Rental Assistance Program
Starting October 7 landlords can apply for the NYS Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP), which provides up to 12 months of past-due rent for landlords whose tenants decline to apply for the earlier Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), including in instances when the tenant has left the rental property. For the next 45 days, priority will be given to owners of fewer than 20 units. Landlords are encouraged to gather all the information needed – including proof of ownership and rent amounts. Documentation must be uploaded at the time of application in order to complete and submit it.
There are no citizenship or immigration status requirements to qualify for the program.
NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Program Updates
Please continue to encourage all tenants and landlords who may be eligible to apply for State OTDA’s ERAP, and please remember that help is available for landlords and tenants across the city through a network of DSS contracted community-based organizations: https://nyc.gov/erap. Questions can also be answered via the State’s ERAP call center: 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368); or the hearing-impaired TTY phone number: 1-833-843-8829.
Additional resources are available for download to help clients access this benefit:
All are available in additional languages here.
ERAP Denial/Partial Acceptance Information for One-Shot Deal Applicants
In accordance with OTDA’s directive, clients who have received a denial or partial acceptance of an ERAP application from the State may now apply for a One-Shot Deal/Special Grant. Confirmation of the ERAP application denial or partial acceptance from OTDA can be provided in hard copy or email format.
Medicaid Easements
Medicaid easements have been extended through December 2021. This includes the automatic extension for cases with an authorization that ends between August and December 2021, even if the client does not submit their renewal. These cases will be extended for 12 months.
Any case that is closed during the COVID-19 emergency for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Excess resources cases have been extended for 6 months.
SNAP Student Eligibility Expansion
The current expansion of SNAP eligibility criteria for college students under the Federal Emergency Relief Act remains in effect until 30 days after the end of the federal Public Health Emergency. This has temporarily expanded the SNAP student eligibility rules by amending the allowable exemptions to the rules in two additional ways:
- A student is eligible if they are eligible to participate in state or federal work-study, regardless of whether the student is actively employed or participating in work-study; and
- Any student that has an "expected family contribution" of $0 may participate in SNAP if otherwise eligible.
New applications received after the 30 days following the lifting of the PHE will be processed under normal student eligibility criteria. The same standard will apply to recertifications occurring more than 30 days after the end of the emergency declaration.
Students granted eligibility under the temporary changes will maintain student eligibility until the next recertification regardless of whether the emergency declaration is lifted at any time during the certification period.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who are issued SNAP benefits for October 2021. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 2021/22 Season
The HEAP 2021/22 heating season opened on October 1, 2021, including regular HEAP benefits, the Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefit (HERR), and Clean and Tune Benefits. Please visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ for more information.
Recipients of HEAP benefits may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help pay for heating costs. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, is age 60 or older or has a permanent disability. Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household's primary source of heat. HEAP recipients can use HEAP approval letters as documentation to support Con Ed reduced rate programs and Verizon Lifeline.
A household may be eligible for a regular benefit if:
- Clients and/or household members are United States Citizens or qualified immigrants;
- The household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides; or
- The applicant is in receipt of:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; or
- Temporary Assistance; or
- Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone).
To apply, please contact 212-331-3126 or visit the ACCESS HRA website for instructions here. HEAP applications are available for download here. Please note, the HEAP application can be downloaded from ACCESS HRA, but cannot be submitted through ACCESS HRA at this time. All HEAP applications need to be completed, signed by the applicant or their authorized representative and returned by mail or dropped off at a designated HEAP assistance location. There is no need to come into a Center. The completed application can be mailed back to HRA at:
NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
Applicants can check on the status of a HEAP application by calling the State OTDA Helpline at 800-342-3009.
NYS Excluded Workers Fund Update
As of October 8, 2021, the application process for workers seeking to receive funding from the Excluded Workers Fund is now closed. Applicants who already submitted a complete application may still access their account to view the status or respond to requests for information. Accounts can be accessed at ewf.labor.ny.gov. Funds for the program are limited and are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are processed in the order they were received. There is no guarantee of available funding for any claims that were submitted after September 24, 2021. Additional information can be found on the EWF FAQ page here.
Child Support Services Updates
Family Court continues to accept petitions to establish child support orders and to change or modify child support orders for both custodial parents receiving Cash Assistance and those who are not, as well as for noncustodial parents. Hearings are being scheduled and continue to be held virtually. Clients in receipt of Cash Assistance should continue to reach out to their HRA Borough Office for assistance. Clients not in receipt of Cash Assistance who want to file a petition to establish or modify a child support order can download the petition forms from the court’s website at nycourts.gov. The same applies for noncustodial parents who want to file a modification petition. To file for support, use Form 4-3; to modify support, use Form 4-11. Both clients and noncustodial parents can submit their completed petition through the courts’ Electronic Document Delivery System (EDDS at nycourts.gov/edds), by email to NYFCSupport@nycourts.gov, or by mail to the court in the county where the parent resides or the county where the matter was previously heard or is pending (see below for a list of the Family Courts and their contact information). Clients who wish to receive child support services can download a child support application at nyc.gov/hra/ocss and can return it to us by mail (OCSS, PO Box 830, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013) or email (dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us). Once we receive the completed application, we will contact the client to open a case.
Bronx Family Court
900 Sheridan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-2098
Kings Family Court (Brooklyn)
330 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
347-401-9610
Manhattan Family Court
60 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10013
646-386-5223
Queens Family Court
151-20 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-298-0197
Richmond Family Court (Staten Island)
100 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
718-675-8800
Staff is available to assist clients who are not in receipt of Cash Assistance. Clients should send an email to dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us with a description of the request and a staff member will be in contact with the client.
Extension of Temporary Increase in WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB)
On Thursday September 30, Congress passed a continuing resolution to extend the temporary increase of the WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for the purchase of vegetables and fruits authorized under the American Rescue Plan through December 2021. This temporary increase was previously set to expire on September 30th.
Voluntary Engagement – HRA Employment Services
As a reminder, HRA’s Career Services and Customized Assistance Services (CAS) programs are offering voluntary employment services as of June 28, 2021. Clients may begin to receive letters and phone calls inviting them to participate in remote YouthPathways, CareerCompass and CareerAdvance services or WeCARE Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). These are voluntary services. No negative actions will be taken against clients who cannot or choose not to participate.
IDNYC Updates
IDNYC has reopened two additional permanent sites.
- Queens Public Library Jamaica Central branch - for public enrollments (limited capacity; by appointment only) Mondays through Fridays only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Coney Island SNAP office - for public enrollments (limited capacity; by appointment only) Mondays through Fridays only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
IDNYC will deploy its IDNYC On-the-Go/Mobile Command Center, in partnership with Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, on October 27 and 28 at 41-40 Junction Boulevard, Corona, NY, for public enrollments (limited capacity; by appointment only) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) 2022
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a 5.9 percent increase in benefits for 2022, amounting to an additional $92 er month for the average retired worker. The Social Security Administration will mail COLA notices throughout December 2021 to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. Individuals that prefer to access their COLA notice online instead of the mailed notice can log in to their personal my Social Security account to opt out of a mailed COLA notice. Social Security beneficiaries who don’t have an account yet must create one by November 17, 2021, to receive the 2022 COLA notice online. The Social Security Administration has published a fact sheet with more information, accessible here.
NYC General Election 2021 - Early Voting
New York City's general election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. New Yorkers have an opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day during Early Voting, which runs during October 23, 2021 - October 31, 2021. Voters must vote at their assigned Early Voting Site, which may differ from their polling site on Election Day. Visit the Poll Site locator to find Early Voting or Election Day poll sites. Early voting hours and additional information about the election can be found online at Vote.NYC.
Grow NYC Fresh Food Boxes
Half-priced Fresh Food Boxes are now available for customers shopping with SNAP. SNAP recipients can receive the same great bag of produce for just $7 when paying with an EBT card at every GrowNYC Fresh Food Box site. GrowNYC Fresh Food Box sites are part of a network of food access retail sites operated by GrowNYC, along with Greenmarkets and Farmstands. Through Fresh Food Box, customers pay one week in advance for a pre-assembled box of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables grown primarily by regional farmers and sourced through GrowNYC Wholesale. The program allows customers to take advantage of the cost benefit of buying in a group and enjoy the flexibility of a weekly commitment while supporting farmers.
Curbside Composting Program
The Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY) has resumed limited curbside composting. In order to expand the service DSNY must receive requests from community members. DSNY would like to hear from as many New Yorkers as possible in order to help expand the program. To request curbside composting visit the DSNY website here.
For those who do not live in an area where the service is yet offered, there are locations across the city to drop food scraps at a drop-off location.
Department of Housing Preservation and Development Home First Program
First-time homebuyers can now get up to $100,000 in assistance to cover down payments or closing costs thanks to the “HomeFirst” program from the NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development. Eligible applicants can make up to 80% area median income (see an AMI chart here). The program also offers guidance on navigating the home-buying process. Contact one of the counseling agencies listed on this page to get started.
New York City Racial Justice Commission Public Input
The Racial Justice Commission invites community members to provide input on critical issues the Commission should address through changes to the NYC Charter that would have the greatest impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Those interested can submit input on the Commission’s website at https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/. Look under “Question of The Week”.
Child Tax Credit Materials
Using the Child Tax Credit (CTC), families can get up to $3,600 per child, but must take action if they haven’t received a payment already in 2021. Individuals can visit GetCTC.org/nyc to sign up for payments or to file a tax return, and can get the CTC even if they did not earn any other income. Children under 18 must have a Social Security Number to qualify, but parents can file with an ITIN.
The NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity has developed materials to promote this benefit. Materials for printing are available here.
As a reminder, the CTC is excluded as income, and as a resource for up to 12 months, for benefit eligibility, other than for One-Shot Deals.
Community-wide Conference Call
We appreciate your continued participation on our weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information and details about changes we are making in response to the pandemic are being communicated to our clients. Your active engagement is appreciated, and your questions and suggestions help us better understand the needs of those we serve and respond accordingly.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared as well as new developments.
Each week, we will provide all of the information included in each of our prior communications on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates page. If you would like to reference a specific prior communication, links to each of the prior communications can be found on the community updates page.
As a reminder, we have a standing informational call on Tuesdays at 4:00PM. In the event that the date or time of the weekly call needs to change due to extenuating circumstances, a notification is sent out from DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov, in addition to an updated calendar invitation to those who have signed up to join the calls. To be added to this list, please reach out to DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Please note that there are several hundred participants on these weekly calls, and as a result they may start a few minutes late to allow as many people to join as possible and hear all the information. In addition, the large number of participants does not allow us to have individual conversations efficiently, which is why we respond to individual inquiries through the chat box. If you have additional questions after the call, please reach out to DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov or the appropriate contact area listed on our COVID 19 Community Updates page.
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 the changes we have made and are continuing to develop to address the COVID pandemic, 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
