June 28, 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 Wednesday, June 23rd, NYC announced that all New Yorkers age 12 and older are eligible for the in-home vaccination program, effective immediately.
 
Request an in-home vaccine by going to nyc.gov/homevaccine or calling 877-VAX-4NYC.
 
Vaccination Incentives

For a limited time, New Yorkers can get free tickets, memberships, and gifts for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. When New Yorkers receive their first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccine location, they will be eligible to choose one of the incentives listed here. Once their first COVID-19 vaccine dose is complete, they will receive an email with instructions on how to select their incentive and enter the contest. Visit the Vaccine Incentives website here or call 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692) to learn more.
 
CBO Vaccine Referral Incentive

NYC is offering an incentive to community and faith-based organizations to help get people vaccinated by awarding $100 for each referral for each first dose at a City-run site. When an individual makes an appointment ahead of time or arrives for a walk-in vaccination, they can identify which community organization referred them to get vaccinated. Once they receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the referral organization will be credited $100 after the program ends. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations must sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus. 
 
NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. 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. New Yorkers are required to provide proof of age and residency in order to receive the vaccine. Additional information 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.

CUNY/SUNY Scholarship - COVID Vaccination Lottery

As of May 27, New Yorkers aged 12 to 17 who receive their COVID-19 vaccine can have their names entered into a random drawing for a full scholarship to SUNY or CUNY. Winners receive a full scholarship to any public college or university, including tuition and room and board. New York State will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks, for a total of 50 winners. Once a 12- to 17-year-old has received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a parent or legal guardian can sign them up for upcoming drawings here. Today – June 28 – is the last day to sign up for a drawing.

COVID-19 Testing

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.
 
Cooling Centers and Extreme Heat Information

High heat and humidity are in the forecast this week with heat index values in the mid-90s to low 100s. To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City has begun opening cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Attendees must wear face coverings inside all cooling centers and adhere to social distancing guidelines. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder. Additionally, a citywide map of outdoor cooling options (including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more) can be found online at Cool It! NYC.
 
During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness.
 
To prepare for future hot weather, eligible New Yorkers can also obtain free air conditioners, including installation, through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found below, at this website, or by calling 311 and asking about the cooling assistance benefit.
 
HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC)

As a reminder, to be eligible for a CAC benefit, the applicant or a household member must have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Requirements for medical documentation for a CAC benefit may be waived for applicants who are unable to obtain such documentation due to COVID-19. Additionally, the applicant household must not have a working air conditioner newer than five years old, or must not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years.

New Yorkers may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
 
  • All members of household are U.S. citizens, U.S. citizen nationals, or “qualified aliens” as defined in federal law; and
  • Each household member has a valid Social Security number; and
  • Household receives SNAP benefits, Cash Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income; or
  • Monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines.
 
New Yorkers may be eligible for HEAP even if they own their own home, pay for heat as a part of their rent, or have money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or other resources.
 
Benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants through Tuesday, August 31, 2021, or until funding allocated to this component by the State is exhausted. Learn more and apply here.
 
The State OTDA has created a new outreach flyer to promote the HEAP Cooling Assistance Component. The flyer briefly outlines eligibility guidelines and provides information on how to apply. Please share the flyer widely with potentially eligible clients and constituents. Download the new flyer here.
 
Six-Month Mailers and Periodic Reports
 
The State OTDA has denied HRA‘s request to extend our authority to refrain from taking negative actions on cases where clients did not return their Cash Assistance six-month mailer or SNAP periodic report. Therefore, after June 30th, 2021, we are required to resume taking negative action if a Cash Assistance client does not return the Cash Assistance six-month mailer or a SNAP client does not return the SNAP periodic report. If a client does not return the form they receive, their case will close. As a reminder, in addition to mailing the forms back, Cash Assistance clients can take pictures of their completed and signed six-month mailer and upload it through the ACCESS HRA mobile app. SNAP clients can complete their Periodic Report on the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
 
Additional Waiver Updates
 
We have submitted requests to NYS OTDA to extend all waivers currently scheduled to expire on June 30, 2021. Although the State denied our request to extend our authority to refrain from taking actions on cases where clients do not return their Cash Assistance six-month mailer or SNAP periodic report, we are optimistic that they will grant our request to extend the remaining waivers currently in effect through June 30, 2021:
  • SNAP partial interview waiver
  • Telephonic signature waiver for Cash Assistance and SNAP applications and recertifications conducted over the phone by HRA staff, which can also be used for State FHEPS applications
  • Waiver to allow Cash Assistance application and recertification interviews to be conducted by telephone.
  • Waiver to allow drug and alcohol and DV screenings to be conducted by telephone.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Benefits September 2021 – March 2021
 
New York State is providing Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits to all households with children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act and whose school was closed or operating with reduced in-school attendance due to COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 school year. The State OTDA’s distribution of Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits for families of schoolchildren for the period of September 2020 through March 2021 is now underway.
 
Each eligible child will receive P-EBT food benefits based on the number of days their school has reported that it was closed, or that in-person attendance was reduced due to COVID-19. The amount issued to each child is based on the following:
 
  • In-person school attendance was reduced by 1 to 12 days during a month
  • P-EBT amount per student: $82/month
  • In-person school attendance was reduced for more than 12 days during a month
  • P-EBT amount per student: $132/month
  • In-person school attendance was not reduced during a month due to COVID-19
  • P-EBT amount per student: $0 
 
Clients with Cash Assistance and SNAP cases who receive P-EBT food benefits may see up to 7 separate payments (one for each month from September 2020 through March 2021) for the total amount due per month based on the table above and the number of eligible children in their SNAP household. P-EBT food benefit payments are not visible to HRA staff or on ACCESS HRA or the ACCESS HRA Provider Portal.

Reminders and important information about P-EBT food benefits:

  • The amount of P-EBT food benefits for the 2020-2021 school year is different than the previous school year.
  • P-EBT food benefits will be issued for the 2020-2021 school year to households with eligible children. OTDA plans to issue the P-EBT food benefits, as follows:
 
  • Payment should occur June – July 2021
  • Payment covers school year months September 2020 – March 2021
  • Payment should occur by the end of September 2021
  • Payment covers school year months April 2021 – June 2021 

  • P-EBT food benefits are not SNAP benefits. HRA doesn’t have information about a client’s eligibility for P-EBT, access to the details of how much money was allocated to each child, and on which card benefits were loaded.
  • P-EBT food benefits stay on the card for at least 274 days from the date they were issued.
  • P-EBT food benefits do not affect the ‘public charge’ status for a non-citizen household.
  • Clients cannot apply to receive P-EBT food benefits.
  • Clients can call the State’s information line at 888-328-6399 to check the P-EBT food benefits balance on their card or to select a PIN for their CBIC.
  • Callers can also check the balance of their P-EBT food benefits by visiting www.connnectebt.com
  • P-EBT benefits received do not need to be paid back.
  • Households can get P-EBT food benefits and still participate in the Department of Education “grab-and-go” curbside meal pick-up/delivery program.
  • Clients who receive P-EBT food benefits are not eligible for a State fair hearing regarding the benefit.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits are administered directly by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). All questions regarding P-EBT should be directed to the State. Receipt of P-EBT is separate from SNAP and receipt of P-EBT does not preclude clients from applying for SNAP benefits.
 
State OTDA is providing a P-EBT helpline at 833-452-0096. The helpline is available from 8:30am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Translation services are available. Questions can also be submitted through the State’s contact form regarding P-EBT food benefits. Again, please note that P-EBT benefits are not visible to HRA staff, even for recipients of Cash Assistance or SNAP.
 
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
 
SNAP Emergency Allotments
 
As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is issuing an emergency SNAP supplement to households who were issued SNAP benefits for June 2021. SNAP Emergency Allotments (maximum allotment for household size or $95, whichever is greater), will continue to be issued to SNAP households as long as the State’s emergency declaration and the national public health emergency remain in effect. Further information is available here. 
 
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Application Updates
 
As a reminder, as required by the State, all clients must have applied for and received a State determination on ERAP before rental arrears can be paid as a One-Shot-Deal or with CityFHEPS. 
 
ERAP payments are not countable as income or as a resource for Cash Assistance, SNAP or HEAP eligibility or for budgeting purposes. For recipients who are granted ERAP benefits for prospective (future) rent, these payments will cover the difference between the Cash Assistance Shelter Allowance grant and the monthly shelter cost.
 
State OTDA has advised us that the ability to “save and resume” an ERAP application has temporarily been taken offline. As a result, households that have started but not completed an application cannot resume the stored application and complete it. This functionality will likely remain unavailable for a few weeks. For now, individuals who have started and saved an application, but not completed it, are directed to resubmit a new application. Those who completed all questions, agreed to the tenant certification and signed the online application are considered to have submitted the application and can upload required documentation at any time. 
 
State OTDA’s vendor will contact individuals who have started an ERAP application but have not submitted a complete application to inform them of the need to begin and complete a new application. 
 
Please continue to encourage those who may be eligible to apply, and please remember that help is available for landlords and tenants across the City through a network of 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 TTY: 1-833-843-8829.
 
Federal Eviction Moratorium Extension

On June 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a one-month extension of the national moratorium on evictions, scheduled to expire on June 30. The moratorium on residential evictions now applies through July 30, 2021 and more information is available here.

The CDC Order does not apply where state or local laws provide the same or greater protections against eviction, as they do in New York State until at least August 31, 2021 for tenants who submit a NYS Hardship Declaration. Tenants with questions about their protections from eviction under the CDC order or New York State eviction protections can get free legal advice and other assistance through HRA's Office of Civil Justice. For more information on how to access free legal services for tenants in NYC, you may contact the Tenant Helpline by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline, or visit HRA's Office of Civil Justice.
 
Return to Shelter
 
On May 27, 2021, DHS communicated with clients to prepare them for the return to congregate shelter from the temporary relocation hotels, and on June, 17, 2021 DHS received updated NYS OTDA guidance on resumed operations of congregate shelters. DHS is now moving forward with the return to shelter and following all current safety guidelines. We began reaching out to the first group of clients and providers about the first moves on Thursday, June 17th and began moving the first group of clients on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. We expect the transition back to congregate shelter to be complete by the end of July.
 
Voluntary Engagement
 
Career Services and Customized Assistance Services (CAS) programs will start to provide voluntary services beginning the week 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 participate.
 
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
 
The IRS has launched a Child Tax Credit Non-Filer tool which families can use to register for the advance payments of the Child Tax Credit. The tool can also be used to claim any amount owed to filers from the first and second federal stimulus payments and to claim a third stimulus payment. This tool is available only to those without a requirement to file federal taxes. Filers are required to file a return if their 2020 adjusted gross income exceeds $12,400 for individual filers and $24,800 for married filers filing jointly. Before using the tool, filers should be prepared with several pieces of identifying information. A link to the online tool can be found here. Additional information about using the tool can be found on the IRS website here. 
 
NOTE: Filers who use this method may miss out on other valuable tax credits for which they may be eligible that can only be accessed through filing a federal return, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Individuals can prepare and file tax returns with free assistance from NYC Free Tax Prep. Visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for “tax preparation assistance” to learn more about tax prep services.
 
The fastest way to get the Child Tax Credit is by direct deposit to a bank account. Families can visit the NYC Financial Empowerment Centers for free help setting up a bank account. To set up an appointment, visit nyc.gov/talkmoney or call 311 and ask for “financial counseling”.
 
On July 15, 2021, the IRS will begin making advance payments of the Child Tax Credit payments of either $300 (children under 6 years) or $250 (children ages 6 to 17 years) per child. For a full schedule of payments, see When will the IRS begin issuing the advance Child Tax Credit?
 
Below is information to help determine who should be using the Non-Filer Tool:
 
Use this tool to report qualifying children born before 2021 for anyone who:
  • Is not required to file a 2020 tax return, did not file one and does not plan to; and
  • Has a main home in the United States for more than half of the year.
 
Those who did not get the full amounts of the first and second Economic Impact Payment can use this tool if:
  • They are not required to file a 2020 tax return, did not file one and do not plan to, and
  • Want to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and get the third Economic Impact Payment.
 
Do not use this tool for anyone who:
  • Filed or plans to file a 2020 tax return; or
  • Claimed all dependents on a 2019 tax return, including by reporting their information in 2020 using the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" tool; or
  • Was married at the end of 2020 unless they used the tool with their spouse and included the spouse’s information; or
  • Is a resident of a U.S. territory; or
  • Does not have a main home in the United States for more than half the year, and, for those who are married, their spouse does not have a main home in the United States for more than half the year; or
  • Does not have a qualifying child who was born before 2021 and had a Social Security number issued before May 17, 2021.
 
Medicaid Renewals Extended
 
All Medicaid cases with authorizations ending in July – December 2020 and January – September 2021 are automatically extended for 12 months. 
 
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program 

As outlined in previous communications, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has announced the official launch of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This first-of-its-kind water assistance program will expand access to more affordable water and help low-income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shutoffs, and support household water system reconnections related to non-payment. Learn more here. We will share more information about how New York State will implement this program as it becomes available.

Relief for Homeowners

Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium

The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Act of 2020 places a “moratorium” on evictions and foreclosures through August 31, 2021 for people experiencing a hardship related to COVID-19. During a moratorium evictions and foreclosures may not proceed. This moratorium was extended from its original expiration of May 1, 2021.
 
If a homeowner has already submitted a Hardship Declaration, the moratorium will automatically extend from May 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021 and the homeowner does not have to take additional action. For pending (ongoing) foreclosure cases, the court will mail the homeowner a copy of the Hardship Declaration. Prior to initiating new foreclosure actions, the foreclosing party (mortgage lender, servicer etc.) must send borrowers a copy of the Hardship Declaration along with the required pre-foreclosure notices. The form is also available on the Office of Court Administration’s website. Once a homeowner submits a Hardship Declaration to their mortgage bank, no foreclosure action may be filed against them until August 31, 2021.
The foreclosure moratorium only applies to residential properties for which the owner is an individual who owns ten or fewer dwelling units. Mortgage borrowers can access additional information and FAQ here.
 
NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) was established through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide relief for homeowners experiencing financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic - including loss of income or significant increase in expenses - by preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship. In New York, State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) will administer the HAF. A minimum of sixty percent of funds statewide will go toward assisting households at or below area median income (AMI), and priority for forty percent of the total funding to “socially disadvantaged households,” as defined by the U.S. Treasury Department.
 
HCR is seeking input and public comment from New York residents, advocacy and affordable housing organizations, faith-based and minority-led organizations, and other interested parties on the NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund Needs Assessment and Plan. More information can be found here. In response to additional federal guidance, HCR has extended the deadline to submit public comment. Comments must be submitted in writing to HAF@nyshcr.org no later than Friday, July 2, 2021 at 3:00 PM EST. 
 
One-Shot-Deal for Homeowners

Homeowners may be eligible for a one-shot-deal to help pay back mortgage and/or property taxes to prevent foreclosure or home repairs that are necessary to the homeowner’s health and safety or if the repair is necessary to maintain employment.
 
As previously announced, clients applying for a one-shot-deal to cover rent arrears or both rent and utility arrears will be required by the State to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for as long as ERAP funds remain available. One-shot-deal requests will be processed as usual for other expenses, including back mortgage and/or property taxes.
 
One-shot-deal applications can be submitted through ACCESS HRA. Applicants without an existing Cash Assistance case should select “Cash Assistance” when prompted to select an application type, and then “One Shot Deal” when asked to select a benefit type. Existing Cash Assistance clients should submit a special grant request, which can be found after selecting “View Case” on the ACCESS HRA user home page.
 
Additional Resources

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has put together additional information on federal and State resources to provide relief for homeowners who are unable to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19 or who are at risk of or in foreclosure.
 
Child Support and Family Court Updates
 
Family Court updates are available at www.nycourts.gov. The Court is accepting support modification requests via the following:
 
  • EDDS (the court's electronic document delivery system on its website at www.nycourts.gov), or by
  • U.S. mail addressed to the appropriate county Family Court, or by
  • Calling 212-343-1122 (LIFT) or 646-386-5299 (Family Court) for assistance.
  • The date of contact with the court and postmark will be recorded.

The OCSS Customer Service Office remains closed. To schedule a phone appointment with a Customer Service caseworker, email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us. Please include your name, Child Support case number, a description of your concern(s), phone number, and the best time to reach you. Enter “Requesting a Customer Service Appointment” in the subject line of your email. For general inquiries, please call the New York State Child Support Helpline at 1-888-208-4485.
 
Fair Hearings

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is currently conducting Fair Hearings by telephone. HRA clients or applicants may request a Fair Hearing in any of the following ways:
  • Call the statewide toll-free number at 1-800-342-3334
  • Request an emergency Fair Hearing in NYC by calling 1-800-205-0110
  • Using the Fair Hearing Online Request Form

Client notices with Fair Hearing information provide a unique phone number that clients can use to request a pre-hearing HRA conference by phone. Once a pre-hearing conference to resolve a hearing issue is requested, clients will be contacted by HRA at or around the date and time requested by the client.

As Fair Hearing determinations are made, the agency is complying with the determinations. When a Fair Hearing finds in favor of the client, benefits will be re-instated, including any rental subsidies.
 
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud and SNAP Eligibility
 
The New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) investigates allegations of unemployment insurance (UI) fraud. Suspected UI fraud can be reported to NYS DOL using an online form available at https://on.ny.gov/uifraud. After reporting suspected fraud, the client will receive an email confirmation that NYS DOL has received the report. NYS DOL may call if they need additional information. Once a report is filed, NYS DOL immediately shuts down the fraudulent claim and no additional benefits are paid.
 
In response to an inquiry received on last week’s call, any applicant for SNAP benefits who is denied because there has been a fraudulent UI benefit applied for in their name may show documentation to HRA that they have reported this fraud to NYS DOL, and HRA will review and re-budget the application without considering the fraudulent UI payment as unearned income.
 
It is very likely that the client may receive additional mail, emails, text messages, and/or a debit card after the report has been filed. While fraudulent claims are stopped immediately, the communication, printing, and mailing process may continue for weeks or months later. The client does not need to send a report for each piece of communication received. More information can be found at www.dol.ny.gov/report-fraud.
 
HRA Centers Reopening
 
We are currently focused on safely reopening our Centers. However, it is easier than ever for clients to interact with HRA through ACCESS HRA and the ACCESS HRA mobile app without having to go to one of our offices. New applicants can apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Emergency Assistance grants online. Existing HRA clients can recertify their active SNAP or Cash Assistance case, submit a Cash Assistance six-month mailer or SNAP periodic report, submit case changes, submit a special grant request, request a budget letter, or check case status and view notices. Applicants and existing clients can upload documents through the ACCESS HRA mobile app. HRA continues to closely track and monitor foot traffic at our Centers to ensure clients are provided with appropriate staff resources.
We will continue to provide updates on the status of HRA Centers that are reopening. 

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. 
 
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 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