February 8, 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. 
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates
 
On Tuesday, February 2nd the State added restaurant workers, taxi drivers and residents of facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities to phase 1b for vaccine eligibility. The full list of all vaccine eligibility categories set by the State can be found here.
 
Beginning on Friday, February 5, Yankee Stadium opened as a vaccination distribution site for Bronx residents. The site will operate from 8 am to 8 pm seven days per week. Vaccinations are by appointment only and for Bronx residents meeting eligibility requirements for groups 1a and 1b. Eligible Bronx residents can make an appointment by visiting somosvaccinations.com or by calling 1-833-somosNY.
 
Individuals who schedule appointments for Yankee Stadium are also required to bring proof of residency with them to the appointment. To prove Bronx residency, an individual must show one of the following: State or government issued ID, statement from landlord, current rent receipt or lease, mortgage records, or two of the following: Statement from another person, current mail, school records.

Appointments are required at all locations in order to be vaccinated. Please visit the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder here or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) for more information, to find a vaccine hub near you, or to schedule an appointment. Additional sites are coming online every day, so please continue to check the site often.
 
Steps for making a vaccine appointment:

  • Step 1: Determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment: Complete the Am I Eligible? App to check eligibility and find vaccination locations to schedule an appointment or call the New York City COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).    

  • Step 2: Complete the Vaccine Form. After confirming an appointment, New Yorkers must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online or at the vaccination site. (We encourage New Yorkers to complete the form ahead of time.)  

  • Step 3: Bring proof of eligibility to vaccination appointment. Proof of eligibility is required at the vaccination site.

  • People who are eligible based on their employment must attest that their job requires them to have in-person contact with members of the public or with co-workers, or that they are unable to work remotely. 
  • They must also have proof of employment in New York, such as an employee ID card, a letter from their employer or affiliated organization, or a recent pay stub (depending on your specific priority status).
  • Those who are eligible for a vaccine based on age must show proof of age and New York residency, such as New York State driver’s license, IDNYC, passport, mail (residency), rent statement (residency) or birth certificate (age). See the New York State list of requirements for additional information. 

Please download and share the eligibility flyer and the vaccine fact sheet.
 
More information can be found here.
 
New York State has established a hotline that New Yorkers can call to report suspected vaccine fraud or scams. To make a report, New Yorkers can call 1-833-VAX-SCAM (1-833-829-7226) or email STOPVAXFRAUD@health.nyc.gov.
 
The City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has created a social media toolkit which is available here.
 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has added additional categories of qualified providers to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines as of January 28th. Among other things, the HHS policy states that:

  • Any licensed or certified healthcare provider in one state is now authorized to prescribe, dispense, and/or administer the vaccine in any other state or U.S. territory. 
  • Any physician, registered nurse, or practical nurse whose license or certification expired within the past five years is also now authorized, but must be observed by a practicing provider.
  • All providers are required to document completion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccine Training Modules.  
  • Any state law that effectively prohibits the above from administering vaccines is preempted by this HHS Declaration.
 
The Federal government will begin sending coronavirus vaccines directly to pharmacies, with the initial shipment of 1 million doses going to 6500 stores across the country beginning on February 11. Pharmacies in NYC will still need to follow New York State’s vaccine distribution plans, including eligibility tiers. CVS Health will begin to administer the coronavirus vaccine to eligible people at select pharmacies across New York on Thursday, Feb. 11, and people can make appointments starting Monday, February 8 by registering at CVS.com, through the CVS Pharmacy app or by calling 1-800-746-7287.
 
DHS Vaccination Sites
 
DSS is establishing vaccination distribution sites to deliver vaccinations to DHS shelter staff and residents. The first site began providing vaccines on January 18 and will continue to do so as long as the supply of vaccines remains available. Staff and residents of DHS shelters have the option of using the DSS site or the City’s Vaccination Hubs.
 
Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
 
Free testing continues to be available throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, getting tested is safe, confidential, and free. All New Yorkers should get tested, even those who do not have symptoms or are unsure if they were exposed to COVID-19. Getting frequent tests should be every New Yorker's goal. Don't stop at just one test. 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 now offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard. This dashboard displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
 
NYC Test & Trace Corps has created a folder of documents for public sharing, including flyers, palm cards, holiday guidance, travel guidelines, and more. The documents are available online here. Learn more about how New York City is here to help with testing and tracing in this Test and Trace FAQ or by visiting www.testandtrace.nyc.

One-Shot Deal Eligibility

In response to questions received on last week’s community briefing call, we would like to reiterate that eligibility for a One-Shot Deal is not contingent on being sued for rent arrears. We appreciate those who have recognized in recent public statements that we have made it clear that there is no such requirement for receipt of a One-Shot Deal. We are also continuing our efforts to ensure that this is clear to potential applicants. Please reference and share the One Shot Deal fact sheet that has been on our website here, which makes it clear that an eviction case is not required to receive a One Shot Deal. In September, HPD shared this information with their citywide landlord contacts. We appreciate the recent request to reinforce this message with our staff. We will be sharing instructions with staff as a reminder that an eviction case is not required. Other limitations on the provision of these grants are set by State statute and regulations, including the repayment agreement requirement that we have asked the State to waive during the continuing public health emergency.  
 
Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period Extended
 
New York has extended the Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers through March 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage directly through insurers or through NY State of Health, New York's official health plan marketplace. Applicants for NY State of Health can apply online here or by phone at 1-855-355-5777. An individual's coverage start date will vary based on enrollment date as follows: 

  • Enroll by February 15: Coverage starts March 1
  • Enroll March 15: Coverage starts April 1
  • Enroll by March 31: Coverage starts May 1

More information, fact sheets, and FAQ in various languages can be found on the New York State of Health website. New Yorkers who are eligible for Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus can continue to enroll year-round. 
 
Child Care
 
Recipients of Cash Assistance who are participating in an approved education or training program outside of the home, or are employed, may be eligible for childcare assistance. Active Cash Assistance recipients should take the following steps to apply for child care: Select a child care provider, complete the provider enrollment form, upload the form via ACCESS HRA mobile document upload.  
 
We have updated ACCESS HRA to guide applicants through the process and we also have information on our website here.

Below are links to relevant information:
 

Child Care Provider Search: Easy to use search tool to locate NYC contracted & non-contracted Child Care Providers & short list/filter based on client needs

 
SNAP Simplified Application
 
The SNAP simplified application for seniors is available for download on the “Forms” page of the OTDA website here. The simplified form is LDSS 5166. The page does not indicate that this is the simplified form, so when applicants are looking for the application they need to know the form number or to know to find it at the bottom of the SNAP section on the page. The direct link to the form can be accessed here. 
 
Federal Benefit Rule Changes
 
President Biden has withdrawn a number of proposed policies that would have impacted provision of social services. Proposals that have been withdrawn include:

  • The Categorical Eligibility rule, which would have resulted in fewer people being able to access SNAP benefits and free school meals.
  • Standardization of the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), which would have set a uniform SUA calculation instead of being determined by states, leading to a decrease in SNAP benefits. 
  • Rule Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews, which proposed more frequent eligibility reviews for certain people receiving SSI.
 
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Fee Change
 
On January 29, 2021, USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register stating that in accordance to two preliminary injunctions issued in 2020, DHS will NOT be enforcing the proposed fee changes in the final rule entitled "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements." This means that USCIS will follow the guidance on fee waivers and accept the fees that were in place prior to October 2, 2020. The government filed an unopposed motion for voluntary dismissal of its appeal related to this issue (ILRC v. Wolf) on December 28, 2020 thereby fully enjoining the proposed rule. This is very positive news for those looking to file forms with USCIS, many of whom would have otherwise faced new, and in many cases very steep fees.
 
Additional Immigration Policy Updates
 
On February 2, 2021 President Biden issues three new Executive Orders related to immigration;
 
The "Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans" focuses on promoting "integration, inclusion, and citizenship" as well as removing barriers and fear that prevent immigrants from utilizing government resources available to them. The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will review existing policies and (1) identify and find ways to remove barriers to immigration benefits and within 90 days introduce a plan for each of those agencies to remove those barriers, (2) review agency actions related to public charge and submit a report within 60 days with identified issues and recommended remedies, and (3) conduct a comprehensive review of the naturalization process including the N-400 application, civics and English tests, and all other elements to reduce processing times, eliminate barriers, and make the process more accessible. The order further revokes the Presidential Memorandum of May 23, 2019 (Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens)

Another order centered on the review of asylum protocols, especially the "remain in Mexico" program. The order seeks to address root causes of migration in Central America, bolster asylum systems and resettlement capacities in Central and North American countries, and restore the U.S. asylum system after the damage it sustained over the last four years. This will include a review of asylum eligibility such as on grounds of domestic and gang violence. The order looks to move towards terminating the Central American Minors (CAM) parole program and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP, also referred to as "remain in Mexico") and reversing several Trump administration orders including the order suspending entry to those coming from a country where a communicable disease is present, several safe third country agreements, and others.

Additionally, the interagency task force on family reunification was created by executive order. The task force will identify separated families, seek out different ways to reunite the families and provide services, and provide recommendations on ways to ensure that the government can never again repeat these policies and practices. 
 
Office of Burial Services
 
The Office of Burial Services (OBS), formerly the Burial Claims Unit, is open for in-person services and to receive phone live calls on Wednesdays only from 9 AM – 5 PM:
In-person:      33-28 Northern Blvd, 3rd floor
                       Long Island City, NY 11101
By phone:      929-252-7731
 
Clients who call on any other day can leave a message and a staff member will return their call by the end of the next business day.

Federal Stimulus Funds Impact on Benefits Eligibility  
 
As we reported previously, the State OTDA and SDOH have clarified that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement of $300/week as well as the $600 stimulus payments are excluded from consideration as income for the purposes of calculating SNAP, Cash Assistance and HEAP benefits, as well as for Medicaid. All income received through FPUC and/or Economic Impact Payments is excluded as income and disregarded as a resource in eligibility determinations for SNAP, Cash Assistance and HEAP benefits, as well as Medicaid. In addition, any lump sum received under FPUC, if received retroactively, is excluded as income and therefore is not subject to the lump sum provisions for these benefits. 
 
However, the State treats regular State Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) as income in calculating benefits eligibility in the same way that it was treated prior to the pandemic. The exclusion only applies to Federal supplement and stimulus payments.
 
Grab and Go Meals
 
Grab-and-go free meal service times on February 12th (Lunar New Year) and February 15th-19th (Mid-Winter Recess) will be from 12pm to 3pm. All sites offer vegetarian meals, and kosher and halal meals are available at select sites which can be found online here. For more information please visit www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals, and/or Text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877 to find a location.

Pandemic EBT Benefits (P-EBT)  
 
As we have reported on the weekly calls and described on our website at DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page, the continuing resolution appropriations bill that Congress passed in late September provides an additional $8 billion for nutrition benefits, and also extends a suite of nutrition-related regulatory waivers through Federal Fiscal Year 2021, including measures to help families with school-aged children buy groceries and flexibility for school districts to make meals more accessible to students. This includes the continuation of P-EBT benefits for the 2020-21 school year. 
 
Pandemic EBT benefits are provided by the State, which administers the program. Students are eligible for benefits for days when students were not physically in the school building, whether on a hybrid schedule or engaged in fully remote learning. When the State provides more information on the operation of the 2020-2021 school year program, we will provide it in our weekly communications. 
 
P-EBT benefits for the school year which ended in June 2020 have been distributed by the State. A detailed explanation of the State’s distribution plan for these benefits is included on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. The State completed P-EBT benefits distribution in October 2020 for the spring quarter of the 2020 school year. The State has been following up by phone with recipients who have not yet used the funds. 
 
State OTDA is operating a P-EBT helpline at 833.452.0096. The helpline is available from 8:30am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Interpretation services are available. Questions can also be submitted through the State’s contact form regarding P-EBT food benefits.
 
State OTDA has provided the following email address to direct all questions regarding the distribution of P-EBT benefits: otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov.
 
State OTDA has also created a page for P-EBT frequently asked questions (FAQs).
 
Federal Stimulus Recovery Rebate Credit
 
Individuals who did not receive a first or second stimulus payment and think they may be eligible, or did not receive the full payment amount, are able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing a 2020 federal tax return. 
 
NYCHA Section-8 Voucher Extension
 
NYCHA is issuing an extension of the 120-day voucher extension for Section 8 applicants whose voucher has an expiration date between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2021. An additional 60-day voucher extension will be issued to those Section 8 applicants whose initial 120-day extension expired without an accepted rental packet through February 28, 2021. More details and updates about the extensions and NYCHA‘s response to COVID-19 can be found online online.
 
SNAP Student Eligibility Expansion
 
As we reported previously, the Federal Emergency Relief Act temporarily expands the SNAP student eligibility rules by amending the allowable exemptions to the work rule 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.
 
Beginning on January 16, 2021, students meeting the expanded criteria above are eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Students must provide verification that they meet one of these new criteria. 
 
These amended federal eligibility qualifications for students will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID–19 federal public health emergency is lifted

Students granted eligibility under these amended federal qualifications will maintain student eligibility until the next recertification regardless of whether the emergency declaration is lifted at any time during the certification period. More details about SNAP student eligibility are available on the OTDA SNAP website.
 
This is a temporary further expansion of the student eligibility criteria for​all students regardless of the program or school they are enrolled in. However, as we reported in November, student eligibility was also extended for CUNY students participating in career or technical programs. CUNY students are receiving their Student Verification of Enrollment forms directly through their student account. CUNY is reviewing current enrollment status for all students. Those students who satisfy all of the SNAP requirements for a career and technical education exception will receive the Verification form in their student account. The Student Verification of Enrollment form must be submitted as supporting documentation with a SNAP application.
 
Small Business Services - Resources
 
NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched two new resources for business owners and their employees:

  • “Training for Your Employees” provides business owners and their employees with training in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety. The online, no-cost training program will provide classes on digital platforms including the Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and more. Live instruction will be provided and select courses will be available in Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Businesses can learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria and access the application here. 

  • Fair Share NYC is a targeted campaign to connect small business owners to federal relief funds. Fair Share NYC resources are available in multiple languages and include:
  • Daily webinars to review the PPP and EIDL Advance programs and offer guidance on how to apply;
  • One-on-one assistance to find the best financing option for each business and get help filling out the application;
  • Connections to PPP lenders; and
  • Information about additional federal resources.

Small businesses should visit nyc.gov/ppp or call 888-SBS-4NYC for more information.
 
Anti-Loitering Bill Repealed
 
Andrew Cuomo signed a bill on February 2, 2021 that repealed a state anti-loitering law, referred to as the "walking while trans" ban.  Advocates have long criticized the law as leading to police harassment and arrest of trans people, in particular Black and Latinx women.  
 
Post-COVID Care Clinics
 
Some COVID-19 patients continue to experience health issues for weeks or months after their initial illness, including persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, muscle, joint, or chest pain and other symptoms. Several New York City (NYC) hospitals have established specialized post-COVID care clinics to provide follow-up care to patients following hospital discharge and to serve patients who had less severe illness but have lingering health effects from COVID-19. Learn more and access the list of Post-COVID Care Clinics here. 
 
Earned Income Tax Credit/Free Tax Preparation Services
 
The Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA) is partnering with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to help working individuals and families learn about and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in order to reach more eligible New Yorkers. The EITC provides critical supports for workers earning low to moderate wages. Eligible individuals claim, on average, $2,400 in tax credits which can put working New Yorkers on the path to securing better housing, obtaining dependable transportation, paying for quality childcare, or pursuing higher education.
 
The IRS estimates that one in five eligible workers nationally do not claim the EITC, missing out on millions of dollars they have earned. We want to make sure our potentially eligible clients do not miss out on thousands of dollars every year because they are not aware of the EITC. Our goal is to reach out to potentially qualifying working clients, educate them about the credit, and encourage them to file and claim it. This includes workers who: 
 
  • Are self-employed or have income from a farm or business
  • Have a disability
  • Have no qualifying child
  • Are not proficient in English
  • Are older (e.g., grandparents)
  • Have no tax filing requirement
  • Are recently divorced, have reduced income, are recently unemployed, or are experiencing other changes to their marital, financial, or parental status

DCWP is offering free tax prep services, and IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) through which knowledgeable volunteer preparers will help individuals complete an accurate tax return. New Yorkers can visit NYC Free Tax Prep (nyc.gov/taxprep) for more information on how to file taxes for free or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance. Individuals can also learn about other tax credits they may be eligible to claim. You can choose the way that works for your constituents:
 
  • Virtual Tax Prep — In-Person Tax Prep but online.
  • Assisted Self-Prep – Clients can do their own taxes online using free filing software but phone or email a volunteer for help.
  • Drop-off Service – Clients can drop off their tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
  • In-Person Tax Prep — Sit down with a volunteer preparer. Find a location at nyc.gov/taxprep.
 
Taxes must be filed by April 15th to claim the EITC.

Personal Protective Equipment Refunds
 
Pursuant to State Department of Financial Services guidance, New Yorkers who have been charged for PPE by their in-network providers are eligible for refunds from the Department of Financial Services. New Yorkers with complaints about an insurance policy can contact DFS here or through the DFS Consumer Hotline at (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600. Learn more here.
 
SAMHSA Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grants
 
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting grant applications from Community Behavioral Health Clinics to increase access to and improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services. SAMHSA plans to issue approximately 74 awards of up to $2,000,000 per year for up to 2 years. Applications are due March 1, 2021, and more information is available here. 
 
NYC Civic Corps Recruitment Period

NYC Civic Corps recruits and places AmeriCorps members to serve full time at select community-based organizations for 10 months from September through July. The program builds the volunteer program capacity at nonprofit partners in all 5 boroughs to more effectively and efficiently address critical needs in the areas of Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Environmental Stewardship, Education/Youth Development and Healthy Futures (public health and hunger). Applications are now open, and close on March 1, 2021. Find out more about the program and access the application here.

Community-wide Conference Call

We appreciate your continued participation in 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. 

If you were not able to join our weekly call (usually on Tuesdays), 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.
 
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