June 29, 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 community-wide conference 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 community-wide call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication. Please note, as we announced on our most recent call, the community-wide briefing calls have moved to a monthly schedule.
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.
Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials
The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be done completely online without coming in to an HRA office. To apply, please visit ACCESS HRA here.
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 ordered by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website, after registering on the login page.
DSS has also created a Social and short video to help get the word out. Please share and amplify.!
While there is no need to come in to an HRA office to apply for Fair Fares, the Fair Fares NYC (FFNYC) locations have reopened, if needed. Clients are able to go to offices for help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, and to report that a card was lost/stolen/damaged/not working/lost in MTA vending machine. To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website. Clients will also be able to request an in-person appointment by calling 311.
Clients who need a replacement card or a refund must mail in their card to:
Fair Fares NYC
P.O. Box 7099
New York, NY 10008-7099
Clients must include their first and last name, date of birth, and Fair Fares Client ID number in the envelope with the card.
All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.
EBT Card Skimming Scam
There is a new scam in which thieves are using card-swiping machines to steal personal information from debit and credit cards. In some cases, skimmers have been used to steal EBT card information. The thieves clone client EBT cards and are able to access and steal the benefits.
HRA is actively investigating this fraud, and is working with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to try to make clients whole.
People who experience this should call the EBT Helpline at 888.328.6399 immediately to get a new EBT card and change their PIN, then call the HRA Fraud Unit at 718.722.8001. If they know or suspect where their card was skimmed, they should call the NYPD Financial Crimes Unit at 718-330-1805.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Food Benefits Updates
P-EBT Scam Text Messages
OTDA has been sending texts to households of children that are being issued their summer 2021 P-EBT benefits. It has come to the attention of HRA and OTDA that clients and some SNAP workers are receiving messages about P-EBT that appear to be suspicious.
Official texts about P-EBT will come from the phone number 877-902-0684 and include the following text:
Recipients should not respond to any messages from a different number, especially those including the following information:
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Message is from: 21125686 @ access (dot) nyc (dot) gov
- Message instructs the person to call 1(888) 984-1165
- Message also contains the following: #MSGID 2096589 P-EBT Blocked
Summer P-EBT Benefits
New York State continues to distribute Pandemic EBT food benefits to all households with eligible children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act.
As of June 21, 2022, OTDA has begun to distribute Summer P-EBT to eligible students in NYC who are part of an NCA SNAP or CA household.
Nearly all eligible children throughout the state, who had their in-person attendance reduced during the 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic will receive P-EBT food benefits. Each eligible student will receive $375 in food benefits. Individuals can check their family's P-EBT food benefit transaction history by visiting www.connectebt.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399.
Recipient households should receive a text message alert when their food benefits are distributed. Families can check www.connectebt.com to see if the summer benefit was deposited. For all families with active SNAP or CA cases, benefits should be distributed in June.
Qualifying households do not apply for the P-EBT program, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) administers the program and automatically issues benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
For assistance with general questions or to request a replacement Medicaid CBIC that was issued for P-EBT food benefits:
Infoline Extended Hours of Operation on Wednesdays
On June 8, 2022, the Infoline call center began a pilot that extends the hours of operation on Wednesdays to 7 PM until further notice. The Infoline hours of operation will remain 8 AM to 5 PM for all other weekdays.
SNAP On-Demand Interviews
SNAP On-Demand telephone eligibility interviews resumed on June 1, 2022. SNAP recertifications that are expiring in July and SNAP applications submitted after May 31 must now complete an interview or be rejected for failing to interview.
The availability of On-Demand interviews gives clients more flexibility as they do not have to wait for HRA to call them to complete their eligibility interview. Beginning June 1st, once they submit their application or recertification form via ACCESS HRA, at a PC Bank, in-person, or by mail, clients are able to call HRA at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) anytime between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, for an “on-demand” telephone interview. If an applicant has an emergency need for SNAP they should call right after they submit their application. Clients have up to 30 days from the time they submit their form to complete an interview either over the phone or in-person.
Treatment of Health Care Worker Bonus Payments for TA, SNAP and HEAP
OTDA has issued guidance on how these payments will impact recipients of TA, SNAP, and HEAP, available here.
Temporary Assistance (TA)
Health Care Worker Bonus payments received by eligible individuals are excluded as income when determining eligibility for Cash Assistance. In addition, the bonus payment(s) are also excluded as a resource for Cash Assistance and emergency assistance.
The Health Care Worker Bonus payment(s) is also excluded as a lump sum for the month of receipt of the bonus payment(s) and the following two months.
For example, if a household receives the bonus payment(s) in April 2023, the district must not count it as income or a resource for April and must exempt it as a countable resource for May and June. In July, if the household has remaining funds from the bonus payment(s), the district must count the remaining funds as a resource.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
For SNAP, any Health Care Worker Bonus paid to individuals are excluded from consideration as income. For any household subject to a resource test, these payments are considered countable resources in the month received and in subsequent months as long as they remain readily available to the household.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Health Care Worker Bonus payments are excluded as countable income and liquid resources for HEAP eligibility determinations.
DSS Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) is now Community Food Connection (CFC)
We are pleased to share that what was formerly the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) has a new name and new program. The Community Food Connection (CFC) is partnering with a new vendor, H. Schrier & Company, to provide supplemental food and funding to approximately 600 emergency food programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Our new model of emergency food distribution will provide a variety of fresh produce, and shelf-stable and frozen foods, and increased flexibility when ordering and setting up convenient deliveries.
For more information on DSS’ Community Food Connection, contact 929-221-7679 or efap@hra.nyc.gov.
IDNYC Renewals
IDNYC has made renewals easy and fast with the NEW and Improved Online Portal. For those who have no changes to make, renewing online takes 5 minutes or less. Even a renewal with a change of address this can be done online, saving a trip to an enrollment center.
For those that need to make a change that requires an appointment, we have 15 convenient locations around the city open to the public. These locations require an appointment. New Yorkers can visit https://a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov/IOPWeb/IOPWeb/#/EN/Dashboard
or call 311 and say “IDNYC” to learn about the amazing benefits of the card, and for more information on how to enroll or renew.
Affordable Connectivity Program for Broadband Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives a discount on a household's monthly broadband internet service. If eligible, participating broadband providers will apply this discount to the household's broadband plan.
The City has created ACP flyers in 30 languages to download and use at events, programs, and more: ACP Flyers.
If eligible for the ACP, the household can receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (recipient will need to pay a copay between $10 and $50)
- Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household
How to Enroll
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Go to acpbenefit.org to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
- Contact the preferred participating provider to select an eligible plan and have the discount applied to the household bill.
- Some providers may have an alternative application to complete. Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
Resources from the FCC
NYC Care Health Care Access Program
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals .
NYC Care is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive initiative to guarantee health care for New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Eligibility
- You must live in the five boroughs of New York City
- Must not qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State
- Not be able to afford health insurance based on government guidelines
To enroll: 646-NYC-CARE
Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness
The blueprint rests on five key pillars:
- Transforming NYCHA,
- Addressing Homelessness and Housing Instability,
- Creating and Preserving Affordable Housing,
- Improving the Health and Safety of New Yorkers, and
- Reducing Administrative Burden.
NYC HOPE Count 2022 Results
The Department of Social Services and Homeless Services (DSS) announced that the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey of unsheltered homelessness in New York City, conducted annually since 2005, found 3,439 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in New York City on the night of January 25th, 2022.
The HOPE 2022 survey results are available for download here.
New Online Portal for DFTA Volunteers
On Thursday, June 9, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) launched a new volunteer portal to to make it easier for individuals and public/private partners to sign up for opportunities to support older adults. With the portal's new streamlined process, New Yorkers can see what opportunities are available and register online.
To learn more about these opportunities, click here to explore the new portal.
Additional Resources and Information
Free Summer Meals
Breakfast and lunch will continue beyond the instructional school year, as of June 28th. The NYC Summer Meals Program is available throughout New York City to anyone ages 18 years old and under. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks will be open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal. Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks. Learn more about Summer Meals here.
How To Find Locations
- Find A Location Search (available mid-June)
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Website: www.schools.nyc.gov/summermeals
- Text: NYC Food to 304-304 (standard text messaging rates may apply)
- Call: 311
SYEP MAP to $uccess
The Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP) is a comprehensive neighborhood-based strategy to increase safety through coordinated crime reduction efforts at 15 NYCHA developments across New York City.
The SYEP MAP to $uccess Program is designed to provide SYEP opportunities to youth ages 14 to 24 who currently reside in one of these MAP Housing Developments.
The goal of the MAP to $uccess is based on agency partnerships that help youth to navigate life's challenges and empower them through a project /work-based lens.
Special programming available for NYC youth through various service options:
- NYC Teens ages 14—15 can participate in paid project-based activities which will help them explore different career opportunities
- Young people ages 16—24 can apply for paid summer jobs in a variety of industries throughout NYC
Requirements:
- Must be a resident of the five boroughs of NYC.
- Legally allowed to work in the United States.
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Must be a resident of one of the identified MAP developments
Learn more about SYEP MAP to $uccess here.
Individuals with further questions about SYEP can contact NYC Community Connect at (800) 246-4646.
Alternate Side Parking Returning
Beginning July 5, 2022 alternate side parking regulations for street cleaning will be restored to pre-pandemic frequency as posted on the signage throughout the City.
New Yorkers can look up the ASP rules on street cleaning signs on specific streets by using the Parking Sign Locator map.
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Once a year, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives eligible, low-income older adults 20 dollars in coupons to buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets in New York State. Booklets are available in July and may be used through November. They are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is no cost for the coupon booklet. Farmers markets may accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits, and many markets accept the Electronic Benefits Card (EBT).
Eligibility
SFMNP checks are provided to individuals 60 years or older, who are, or affirm that they are, low-income based on income standards.
NYC Free Swimming Pools
NYC pools will open for the season on June 28th for general swim. Pool hours are 11: 00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please visit the NYC Outdoor Pools page to find public pool locations, including wheelchair-accessible pools.
Due to the current national lifeguard shortage, all swim programs, including adult lap swim, have been cancelled for summer 2022.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver
For a limited time, Federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced a temporary period during which borrowers may receive credit for payments that previously did not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF). This waiver makes it easier for public service employees to receive credit for more payments. All waiver forms must be submitted by October 31, 2022.
SAHMSA Behavioral Health Recovery Innovation Challenge
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced its first-ever behavioral health Recovery Innovation Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to identify innovations developed by peer-run or community-based organizations, and entities that may partner with them—such as local or state governments, health systems, hospitals, or health plans—that advance recovery.
As part of this challenge, participants are encouraged to share details about the practices they are using to advance recovery and demonstrate how these practices have: 1) expanded upon SAMHSA’s definition of recovery, or 2) helped them overcome challenges in incorporating recovery into their behavioral health services or systems.
The deadline for submission is July 15, 2022. The purse prize is up to $400,000. The competition will offer up to 10 awards, depending on the judges’ overall scores. All submission materials must be submitted through the SAMHSA Recovery Innovation Challenge page on the challenge.gov website.
NYCHA Residents CUNY Scholarships
NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability announced that applications for college scholarships are now open. One-time $1,000 grants are awarded to eligible NYCHA residents who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at a City University of New York (CUNY) college.
All applications must be submitted online by July 14, 2022.
To apply, please use the NYCHA self-service portal and select NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship on the left-hand navigation pane. If an applicant does not already have access, they must create a username and password.
COVID-19 Related Updates
On June 21, the COVID-19 alert Level in NYC was reduced to “Medium” risk.
Vaccines for Children
On June 22, NYC opened 10 dedicated Moderna vaccine hubs exclusively for children ages 6 months up to and including 5 years old. These City-run sites are accessible either by appointment or walk-in. For appointments call 877-VAX-4NYC or visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov.
Parents and guardians can use New York City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find convenient locations across the five boroughs to vaccinate young children, including the 10 city Vaccine Hubs where the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged six-months through, and including, five years of age. NYC's Vaccine Finder website (vaccinefinder.nyc.gov) is also updated with info on non-City sites – such as pharmacies – offering vaccination to children under 5.
Many pediatrician offices have ordered a supply of vaccines for children under 5. It's recommended that New Yorkers reach out to their child's pediatrician to see if they will be offering the vaccine.
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and audible test results. Read more about the tests.
How to get the tests:
Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
- Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Orders will ship free, while supplies last.
Need more assistance?
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide additional assistance with:
- Ordering tests.
- Understanding instructions for test administration and test results.
- Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
- For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
- Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
- Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Vaccine Updates
CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older, recommending that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
COVID-19 Testing
Third round of home tests
The Biden administration is opening CovidTests.gov for a third round of orders of at-home COVID tests. US households are now able to order "an additional eight free at-home tests at COVIDTests.gov—bringing the total number of free tests available to each household since the start of the program to 16.
Individuals who need help placing an order for at-home tests can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Testing in NYC
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.
To search for all nearby testing sites, including those not affiliated with the City, please visit the NYC Testing Locations site. NYC Test & Trace recommends calling these testing sites before visiting. Please note that some sites that are not City-run may charge for testing.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
Free, at-home testing for COVID-19 is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. To schedule an in-home appointment, call (929) 298-9400 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 p.m. (7 days a week). For more information visit the NYC COVID-19 Testing Locations site
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.
Call 800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud.
“Test-to-Treat” Pharmacy Program
A new federal Test to Treat program gives people a fast and easy way to get lifesaving treatment for COVID-19. In this program, people can get tested at Test to Treat sites. If they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them, they can get a prescription from a healthcare provider and have the prescription filled all in one location. People can also bring test results obtained from a home testing kit to Test to Treat sites and get evaluated by a healthcare provider for treatment.
People can use the COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator to find Test to Treat sites near them. A call center is also available at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8:00 am to midnight ET, 7 days a week. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to specifically help people with disabilities access services. To get help, call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
Learn more about the program and download fact sheets in numerous languages here.
Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication
The City is providing 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.
Federal COVID-19 Resource Website
The Biden administration has introduced covid.gov, a federal website meant to help Americans who are infected with the virus find the treatment they need quickly and at no cost. On the website, people can find locations to get tests and anti-viral pills, find the locations of vaccination sites and places to acquire high-quality masks; fill out a form to order eight free at-home coronavirus tests per household; view their community’s risk level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and get general information on Covid symptoms, treatment, testing and travel.
The website is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The administration is also making all of these tools available over the phone through the national vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), which supports over 150 languages.
AfterCare Program for Long COVID
The NYC Test & Trace Corps AfterCare program has launched a hotline for New Yorkers seeking information and resources to recover from Long COVID. New Yorkers who are suffering from or suspect they may have Long COVID can now call AfterCare Navigators directly. AfterCare Navigators are health outreach specialists with experience supporting people during their COVID infection and will assess patients for their specific health and social needs and connect them to Long COVID resources. AfterCare Navigators connect patients to holistic resources – including physical and mental health referrals, community support, and financial assistance – to address the various physical symptoms, as well as the social and economic impacts, that New Yorkers with Long COVID may experience.
New Yorkers can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319), select their preferred language, and press 4 to speak directly to an AfterCare navigator. Learn more on the AfterCare website and through AfterCare’s Long COVID recovery guide.
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our briefing calls which will now be moving to a monthly schedule, and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our monthly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what is being shared on our community-wide conference calls 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 webpage.
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 community-wide conference 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
