March 15, 2022
Dear Community Partner:
Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the bi-weekly community calls, continues to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions. We will continue our work toward the shared goal of fighting poverty, income inequality, and addressing homelessness in our city with care and compassion for our clients, staff, and provider partners.
As a reminder, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the Tuesday call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication.
We continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
SNAP Scam Alert
HRA has been advised that there is a scam using texting to obtain personal information from individuals. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, their social security number, bank information, or SNAP electronic benefits transfer card or PIN number.
The texting scam message tells people that they were approved to get food stamps or SNAP and to click on a link to start them. Please refer to the end of this communication for a sample image of the text that is sent.
This is not a text from HRA, OTDA, or USDA. Clients should be advised not to respond or click the link. They should not share any personal information.
There are also reports of clients receiving calls from 929-385-3938. Clients should be advised not to give their PIN information even if they are told that their case will close. For more information or assistance call the NYS EBT Customer Service Hotline at 888-328-6399.
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 March 2022. 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/.
Fair Hearings Demonstration Project Extension
Since March 2020, the OTDA Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) has been involved in a demonstration project to conduct fair hearings - to the greatest extent possible - utilizing telephone, video, and other means of communication. These alternatives to conducting hearings in-person have improved timeliness and reduced unnecessary travel for all the hearing participants, while protecting the parties respective due process rights. The demonstration project, which was originally set to expire in March 2021, and then extended to March 2022, has been extended for one year, and is now expected to expire on March 12, 2023. Questions about this demonstration project should be directed to OAH Deputy Commissioner Roy A. Esnard at Roy.Esnard@otda.ny.gov and 718.923.4334 or Director Samuel Spitzberg at Samuel.Spitzberg@otda.ny.gov and 518.486.9570.
Fair Fares
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on eligible transportation. In our ongoing efforts to get the word out about this valuable benefit, the City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that can be order by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website here, after registering on the login page. We have also created this Fair Fares toolkit to help get the word out.
Pandemic Food Reserve Emergency Distribution Program (P-FRED) Updates
The Pandemic Food Reserve Emergency Distribution Program (P-FRED) has been distributing fresh and shelf-stable food to more than 400 COVID-response emergency feeding programs ("EFP") that serve the public. Due to a spike in demand and in food prices in recent months, the P-FRED program has been facing supply challenges which has affected recent orders. As a result, the ordering portal temporarily closed to allow the situation to be remedied. The ordering portal reopened on March 7, 2022, and deliveries will resume during the week of March 14, with a focus on the fresh produce items which was the initial intent of this supplemental pandemic food program.
Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Updates
Referral appointments for Cash Assistance cases have resumed and negative case actions may be taken if the client doesn’t return the form and/or comply with their interview. OCSS staff will make two attempts to reach the client by telephone to conduct the interview. Clients must comply with the child support program, or they will be sanctioned.
All clients referred to OCSS will be mailed the following:
- Referral for Child Support Services (LDSS-5145)
- Postage-paid return envelope
- Information for All Potential Child Support Applicants About Getting Child Support Safely (W-280a)
- Notice of Responsibilities and Rights for Support (LDSS-4279)
Clients referred to OCSS prior to 3/6/22 will receive the “Avoid a Reduction in Your Benefits – Complete Your Child Support Application Today” (OCSS-63). Clients who return the LDSS-5145 will be contacted for telephone interview. If OCSS is unable to reach the client, a telephone appointment will be scheduled and an OCSS Mandatory Telephone Interview Notice (OCSS-63b) will be mailed to the client.
Clients referred to OCSS after 3/6/22 receive a scheduled appointment during their Cash Assistance Interview and are mailed the “Avoid a Reduction in Your Benefits – Child Support Appointment Notice” (OCSS-91) for a telephone or in-person interview.
If an in-person appointment was scheduled, the client is required to report to the Borough Office location on the day of the interview.
Returning a completed application:
The completed LDSS-5145 can be returned to OCSS using any option below:
- Online: using the ACCESS HRA Child Support mobile app or the ACCESS HRA mobile doc upload mobile app.
- Mail: using the postage-paid return envelope that was sent with the LDSS-5145.
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Email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us - ask the client to type “LDSS-5145” in the subject line.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS)
The State HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) program is ending at the close of business (5PM) on March 15, 2022. HEAP RAS was a one-time benefit funded with the HEAP appropriation received under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
After March 15, 2022 those at risk of a utility turn-off may also apply for emergency assistance (One-Shot Deal) through regular application/special grant channels. See link below for more information about One-Shot Deals
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Season Extended
The dates of operation for the Regular and Emergency HEAP benefit components will be extended from March 15, 2022 to April 29, 2022, or until funds allocated to these components are exhausted, whichever comes first.
A second Emergency benefit will be available to applicants from February 22, 2022 through April 29, 2022 when the Emergency component closes. The eligibility criteria for the second Emergency benefit will be the same as the first Emergency benefit. Applicants must have exhausted, or have unavailable to them, both the Regular benefit and the first Emergency benefit to be eligible for the second Emergency benefit. First and second Emergency benefits must not be issued concurrently. For example, those who received a regular HEAP benefit and then applied for an Emergency HEAP allocation in the first round of HEAP Emergency benefits, and have exhausted these benefits, and are again in a heat and/or heat related energy emergency may now be eligible for a second Emergency benefit. They must continue to meet the eligibility criteria (linked above) for Emergency benefit assistance.
Applicants can call 212.331.3126 for HEAP assistance.
Applying for HEAP
In response to questions received on our bi-weekly call, we are unable to accept HEAP applications by fax. As a reminder, to apply for HEAP, 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 an HRA Job 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.
One Shot Deal – Clarification of ERAP Application Requirement
Applicants for One Shot Deal/Emergency Grants for rent arrears are no longer required to apply for ERAP to be eligible for a grant from HRA. This does not change with the re-opening of the ERAP portal. However, individuals who applied before the ERAP portal initially closed on 11/14/2021, and are still pending a State determination, must have that determination rendered before HRA is able to provide assistance for rent arrears.
ACCESS HRA System Updates - Join Mailing List
Updates related specifically to ACCESS HRA, such as new releases, outages and scheduled maintenance, are shared periodically with our partners via e-mail. If you would like to receive these communications, please click here to sign-up for our ACCESS HRA System Updates mailing list.
COVID-19 Related Updates
Second Round of At-Home COVID Tests Delivery
At this time every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Starting March 7, every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 tests. Order Free At-Home Tests. For help placing an order for at-home tests, individuals can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Mask Mandates and Key to NYC Updates
NYC's school mask mandate and the Key to NYC vaccination requirement for patronizing restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, and other cultural institutions expired on March 7. The school mask mandate has also been lifted. Some public indoor businesses have chosen to keep their mask and vaccine requirements in place through at least the end of the month Masks will still be required on public transit, in health care settings, correctional facilities, and shelters. All other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect. Under the rules, employees will still be required to be vaccinated unless they have received a reasonable accommodation from their employer.
Additionally, Mayor Adams released a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of the risks they face in New York City. This new system will better help New Yorkers understand the current level of COVID-19 risk and how they can best protect themselves and others based on the current risk. The system consists of four alert levels that outline precautions and recommended actions for individuals and government based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Community Burden Indicator.
Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication
The City has begun free home delivery -- as long as there is a prescription-- of oral antiviral pills Paxlovid (made by Pfizer), and Molnupiravir (by Merck), via Alto Pharmacy, a medication provider which has partnered with the City. Since supplies of the new drugs are extremely limited, deliveries will be prioritized to those who test positive and considered to be at higher risk for COVID.
Those who have tested positive and are otherwise qualified can visit Virtual ExpressCare for a phone or video visit, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) and press 9.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The City is now offering in-home Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who requests one. Even if individuals who received their first dose through a different program can receive the second, third, or booster dose in-home. Those who are interested in receiving an at home vaccine can fill out this form.
Vaccination sites can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC. New Yorkers can also text their ZIP code to 438829 to receive information on vaccination sites near them, including what age groups can be served at each site.
For more information about vaccines and the vaccines for children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ, or call 212-COVID19 with questions about the vaccine.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
- CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
- NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from a health care provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
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NYC COVID Safe App. Android. iOS. This app can be used to upload a photo of 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.
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CLEAR Health Pass. Android. iOS. Individuals can use the digital vaccine card option in the CLEAR app if they are age 18 or older and are fully vaccinated.
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NYS Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). Allows an individual to find and store 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 Excelsior Pass Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
Vaccine Records
Individuals who are fully vaccinated but have lost their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of their vaccine status can request a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record. Individuals cannot get a replacement COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at this time but can get an official record noting they have been vaccinated. For more information and to submit a request visit the NYC DOHMH Vaccine Records site.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Test Scams
There have been reports of scams which claim to provide at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for personal or medical information. Individuals should not give out Medicare Numbers for COVID-19 test kits.
As a reminder, each household in the U.S. can access four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing.
Call 800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
Testing in NYC
Through NYC Test & Trace Corps, 14 landmark City cultural sites and 27 branches of The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library will receive at-home COVID-19 test kits to give to New Yorkers free of charge. Weekly walk-up distributions began Monday, February 14. Tests will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one per person while supplies last. Test & Trace will update its testing website daily with the hours and pick up locations of cultural sites and library branches with tests available. The distribution of tests will not impact other aspects of cultural site or library branch operations. A list of participating cultural sites and their hours is available here.
Free testing continues to be available at City-run sites throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Sites page includes detailed information about all City-run mobile, brick-and-mortar, and micro testing sites across the five boroughs, including location, schedule, and types of testing offered. 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.
COVID-19 testing at most City-run sites is walk-in only. All New Yorkers are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites allow pre-registration through this link, which will streamline check-in upon arrival.
Additional Resources and Information
Department of Housing Preservation and Development Educational Sessions
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development is presenting sessions of use to homeowners and building owners this month.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Updates
The Emergency Broadband Benefit was a program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021, with a 60 day transition period that ends on March 1, 2022. More information is available here.
Most Emergency Broadband Benefit households will not have to take any action to continue receiving the new $30 monthly benefit after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. By March 1, 2022, most legacy Emergency Broadband Benefit households should have been automatically transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Households that need to take action to remain enrolled in the ACP will have been contacted by USAC, the program administrator, or their provider.
Households that may need to take action include:
- Consumers for whom the transition from EBB’s $50 per month subsidy to ACP’s $30 per month subsidy will result in additional out-of-pocket costs.
- Action required: Contact your provider. Consumers may have to opt-in to the program to ensure that they are comfortable with assuming additional out-of-pocket costs for their broadband bill.
- Consumers who originally qualified for EBB by suffering job loss as of February 29, 2020 or participating in their carrier’s COVID-19 program.
- Action required: Contact USAC to reapply for the ACP, if eligible. Consumers will have to requalify/reapply for the ACP program.
Child Care Options for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Families living in shelter or temporary housing may be eligible for childcare assistance, including vouchers and contracted care through DOE or ACS. This includes families who may be sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason (“double-up” situations).
Families living in shelter or temporary housing may apply for a child care voucher with ACS by:
Shelter Social Work staff are available to assist in the application process. Each shelter has an assigned childcare liaison tasked with ensuring that families are connected to childcare. There are also DOE staff who do enrollment workshops in shelter with families.
The Early Care & Education Programs for families experiencing homelessness flyer is
NYC School Survey
Every year, the NYC Department of Education asks public school families to make their voice heard by responding to the NYC School Survey. The City is asking all families and teachers in grades 3-K through 12, and students in grades 6-12 to take the survey, along with select school support staff. Available in ten languages, the survey collects information designed to support a dialogue among all members of school communities about how to make their school a better place to learn. Results will be released publicly in the fall of 2022.
The Office for Faith-Based and Community Partnerships (OFCP) Survey
The Office for Faith-Based and Community Partnerships (OFCP) works to build bridges among City government, diverse religious communities and nonprofit organizations to better serve all New Yorkers. OFCP will reflect the diversity of religion, race, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation of the New Yorkers it will serve. This survey was created as a tool to better understand and respond to the needs of faith-based leaders across the City. The survey can be accessed here.
Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.
Participants have the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that help in developing their social, civic and leadership skills. By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, NYC youth are better prepared for careers of the future.
Tax Season Information
Important tax season reminders:
For more information and to learn about virtual, drop-off, and in-person tax assistance options, visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance.
Available tax credits:
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for families and individuals with low and moderate incomes. This year, for the first time, filers aged 19-24 and over 65 without children can claim up to $1,502. As of 2022, filers can use their 2019 or 2020 tax year to maximize EITC benefits. Additional tax credit information can be found here.
Child Tax Credit for parents with children age 17 and under is a benefit worth between $3,000 – $3,600 depending on the child’s age. Parents don’t need to have had income to claim the credit; those who got some advance payments in 2021 (those payments started in July) must file to get the rest of their money. The children being claimed need to have Social Security Numbers (SSN), but the filer does not.
Child and Dependent Care Credit is for parents who pay for childcare for children under 13 or the care of dependent adults can get back up to $4,000 in care expenses for one qualifying person and up to $8,000 for two or more people.
Metropolitan Transit Authority – OMNY Unlimited Ride Pilot
The MTA will launch a four-month pilot project to allow unlimited weekly rides using the new OMNY tap-and-go app. Until now, the OMNY tap-and-go app had no equivalent to an unlimited Metrocard.
Starting Feb. 28, from Monday to Sunday during each week of the pilot, any subway or bus rider who uses the OMNY contactless payment system and takes 12 trips within that week, spending $33 in fares, will automatically have free trips for the rest of that week.
The week-long calendar rolls over every Sunday night.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our bi-weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our bi-weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our bi-weekly call as well as new developments and useful information regarding other City benefits and services. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates page.
Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our bi-weekly calls, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
New York City Department of Social Services
