Assistance for individuals, homeowners, workers, artists, veterans, the unemployed (and pets) and volunteers

Resources & guidance

NYC Resources page for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance: www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/covid-19-services-resources.page and  www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page

4/29/2020 Tenants' Rights for Tenants with COVID-19 or Under Home-Quarantine   www1.nyc.gov/content/tenantprotection/pages/covid19-home-quarantine

ACCESS NYC, a NYC site for general resources on COVID-19, workers benefits and rights, medical/health insurance, food, people with disabilities, housing, employment, school, mental health access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates

To request a wheelchair-accessible taxi, the citywide accessible dispatch program is still running. Call 646-599-9999. www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/accessible-dispatch.page

Masks can be shipped to people who are concerned about leaving their homes (e.g. older, immunocompromised and/or disabled New Yorkers) you can request to have masks shipped to you using this form from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. a002-irm.nyc.gov/EventRegistration/RegForm.aspx?eventGuid=5c6b9250-3729-4021-8241-650a0d1eecf4.

5/8/2020 The National Disability Rights Network has produced a new video series on the rights of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and what to do if those rights are violated ndrn.org/resource/know-your-rights-during-covid-19-series.

5/1/2020 Emotional support service for frontline health care workers, available 24/7. Those workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access these services. The state is partnering with the Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line to provide this service.

3/31/2020 The City launched the Help Now Portal www1.nyc.gov/site/helpnownyc/index.page for individuals and organizations who need help and want to help. The portal connects New Yorkers who need help to resources on employment, benefits, seniors, food security, NYCHA residents, mental health, and education--and to also give those who want to GIVE help a way to do so.

4/1/2020 NYC COVID-19 Engagement Portal cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us. This website is designed to provide you with information about COVID-19 and give you the ability to update the City on your status.

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) guidance for employees and employers about the different mandates under COVID-19: Update about Workplace Laws www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/workers/Complying-with-NYC-Workplace-Laws-During-COVID-19.pdf.

4/8/2020 A well designed Resources Page for individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, freelancers, tenants, homeowners, and more, courtesy of NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/covid-resources/overview/

5/3/2020 Process for claiming paid sick leave due to COVID-19
Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot issued a Commissioner’s Order detailing the process for New Yorkers who missed work because they tested positive for COVID-19 or were sick with COVID-19 to claim paid sick leave from their employer under New York State’s COVID-19 paid sick leave law.   www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-paid-sick-leave-order.pdf. The order applies to health care workers, essential employees, and nonessential employees. An FAQ on the Order can be found here (PDF). New Yorkers can check if they are qualified to claim paid sick leave and obtain the documentation they need by calling the Health Department at 855-491-2667. Visit paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19 for more information about the State law. All New Yorkers can also call 311 to be transferred to receive the documentation needed to qualify for paid sick leave.

NYC Financial Empowerment Center is providing free one-on-one financial counseling. Counselors can help individuals develop a strategy to minimize debt, access federal, state, and local resources, receive student loan debt tips, and more. www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/get-free-financial-counseling.page.

The Community Service Society (CSS) has created a new guide, COVID-19: What Workers Need to Know bplc.cssny.org/benefit_tools/15

4/11/2020 The Community Service Society has established the Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (MCCAP), a free health coverage helpline assisting people with how to manage the health care bureaucracy, including applying for hospital financial assistance, resolving billing issues, or appealing coverage denials. Reach MCCAP at 888-614-5400, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

4/17/2020 Community Service Society: Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (MCCAP) can help constituents with how to use their health insurance, accessing low cost care, applying for hospital financial assistance, resolving medical billing issues, and appealing coverage denials. Call the MCCAP helpline at 888-614-5400, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. They also offer guidance on student loans, financial coaching and correcting rap sheets. For guidance on long-term care or behavioral health services through a managed care plan, call 888-614-8000. All services are free.

4/12/2020 New York Public Library's Business Library offers online and phone consultations:
Career & Resilience Coaching (Free and Confidential): Get help with updating your resume and getting other marketing materials ready. Get advice on networking, interviewing skills, etc. Career coaches can help! Career & resilience coaching too. A great group of coaches can help you build your mental resilience by creating an action plan for whatever you need to accomplish career-wise. Book career and resilience coaching appointments at https://www.nypl.org/help/services/career-coaching. 
Financial Counseling (Free and Confidential) Counselors are now available by phone. Make a 30-minute appointment to speak with them about your current financial situation, including general money management, budgeting, saving, banking, retirement planning, and more. Come prepared with your questions. This appointment is for a specific date and time; the counselor will contact you as the appointment approaches, and call you at the appointed time. Book your financial counseling appointment at https://www.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30088127?category=87376814.
Credit Counseling (Free and Confidential) Do you have credit or debt issues? Questions about your loans? Make a one hour phone or web appointment with a counselor from the Financial Coaching Corps, Community Service Society of NY. Please call 212-614-5586; leave a message, and a counselor will contact you.

New York Public Library resources: For Job Seekers: NYPL’s Science, Industry, and Business Library (SIBL) continues to provide career services nypl.org/education/adults/career-employment/sibl. For communities: NYPL’s community resource page covers Wellness, Housing, and Food Security, and more nypl.org/about/remote-resources/community-resources.

The Dept. of Small Business Services has launched Career Discovery NYC, a free career search and skills training tool careerdiscovery.cityofnewyork.us.

NYLAG has developed a financial crisis planning guide for people living paycheck to paycheck with guidance and info about benefits: nylag.org/coronavirusfinancialplanning.

DOROT has programs for older adults to stay socially connected in their homes during COVID-19, especially those who are not computer users and may be feeling even more isolated. DOROT’s University Without Walls offers connections from home and lifelong learning for older adults – just by picking up the phone. New programs are added weekly. To register for programs and discussion groups on the arts, news, literature, wellness and more, facilitated by engaging experts, call 877-819-9147 or email UWW@dorotusa.org. DOROT’s new Caring Calls program matches older adults with volunteers for social connections by phone once or twice a week. Interested older adults should call 212-769-2850 or send an email to info@dorotusa.org.

Resources and articles for older adults and those who care for them at nyam.org/what-can-i-do/health-for-all/older-adults.

Resources for those who have problems with addiction. Help is available through online meetings provided by SMART Recovery smartrecoverynyc.org and Alcoholics Anonymous aa.org. Both organizations are offering mutual support meetings that are free and open to anyone seeking to abstain from addictive behavior.

BIGVISION bigvision.nyc, an organization offering support to young adults (ages 18-35) who are currently in recovery from drug and alcohol use and living sober lives, is offering free virtual social events. These events include hangouts, cooking demonstrations, and game nights. Click here for more information and to register for these events.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) naminycmetro.org/covid-19-coronavirus-support, is continuing to offer mental health resources. NAMI offers a variety of support resources to help you or a loved one with general or COVID-related mental health concerns. Their help line continues to be available as a source of information and support. You can call them from 10 AM to 6 PM at (212) 684-3264 or email helpline@naminyc.org.

4/29/2020 The NYC COVID Care Network is a multilingual network that connects essential workers and their families during the COVID-19 crisis with free mental, spiritual, and emotional support. Find more about them on their website http://www.nyccovidcare.org/, or on Facebook facebook.com/NYCCOVIDCare, Instagram instagram.com/nyccovidcare/, or Twitter twitter.com/nyccovidcare.

4/21/2020 Community nonprofit The Pillars pillarsnyc.org/ is partnering with luxury bridal lifestyle brand Signature Bride and WedWeb Mobile to find medical staff (nurses, doctors, aides) who have had to cancel or postpone their wedding in response to the pandemic. One lucky couple could win a virtual wedding and honeymoon package worth $10,000 - register to win at their website signaturebride.net/WEDDINGGIVEAWAY, and email info@signaturebride.net for more information.

Free legal services

4/29/2020 The NYS Bar Association has launched a new service to connect pro-bono attorneys with New Yorkers having trouble collecting or filing for unemployment benefits nysba.org/unemployment-insurance-relief

Manhattan Legal Services: 917-661-4500

Legal Aid: 212-577-3300

Mobilization for Justice: 212-417-3888

Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS) https://volsprobono.org/resourcesduringcovid19. Small businesses/VOLS Microenterprise Project: 347-521-5729, Seniors/VOLS Elderly Project: 347-521-5704, Older Veterans/VOLS Veterans Initiative: 347-521-5725, Immigrant Youth/VOLS Immigration Project: 347-521-5722, Unemployed Workers/VOLS Unemployed Workers Project: 347-521-5735, Main VOLS Office: 212-966-4400

Legal Services NYC: a dedicated staff of nearly 600 advocates continue to fight for justice for low-income New Yorkers across the city on issues like housing, immigration, unemployment insurance, access to public benefits. Their Access Line is up and running and people can call 917-661-4500 for help. Qualified applicants can expect to be contacted by an attorney within 3 business days.

Help for individuals and families

COOLING CENTERS & ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE

7/12/2020 During July and August we would normally be giving information about NYC cooling centers, but during the pandemic, they are not open. The City of New York is providing free air conditioners through the GetCool Air Conditioner Program to seniors who pre-qualify based on their enrollment in City benefits programs. Those who are eligible for the program will be contacted by a City case manager. For more information and determine eligibility portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03305. 

NYC Beat the Heat website www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/html/beat-the-heat/beattheheat.html

Con Edison will not be shutting off anyone’s power for failure to pay during this pandemic. Information from Con Edison about the program and the financial help they are offering coned.com/en/about-us/media-center/news/coronavirus/updates.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page helps individual homeowners and renters pay for their utility bills. To apply for the program www1.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf

Utility Assistance Program (UAP) for financial assistance to help families and individuals who meet certain criteria pay their energy bills. If you meet the requirements for UAP, can contact the Heat Line for more information at 212-331-3150.

5/31/2020 Deadline to submit applications is August 30, 2020. The Cooling Assistance benefit, provided by the NYC Human Resources Administration has released the application access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit for which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. 

5/20/2020 All NYC public school families will receive $420 per child for food benefits through federal coronavirus relief effort
May 20, 2020, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Christina Veiga

3/27/2020 Economic Impact Payments: What you need to know
The distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to receive a payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. However, some people who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child. Tax filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 for individuals, and $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns, will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the thresholds. The IRS will use information from their 2018 or 2019 tax filing to calculate the payment. Check this page for updates: irs.gov/coronavirus. 

4/11/2020 Related information: IRS web tool to help ensure that people who are not typically required to file tax returns receive their coronavirus relief payments irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.

5/7/2020 The IRS has opened a new, online portal and launched a new, free app for economic impact payment tracking. irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

Guaranteed Paid Leave for New Yorkers Under Mandatory or Precautionary Quarantine Due to COVID-19, 3/18/2020. This benefit is not available to you if you are able to work through remote access or other means.

COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Application paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/if-you-are-quarantined-yourself.

Department of Labor (DOL) Complaint process related to COVID19 law that provides benefits - including sick leave, paid family leave, and disability benefits - to New York employees impacted by mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. If your employer does not comply with this law, you have the right to file a complaint. labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/coronavirus-complaints.shtm.

Moratorium on Utilities Termination. Governor Cuomo has asked the New York State Department of Public Service to direct utilities providers not to terminate service for any person who has not paid their bill as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Con Edison is also waiving new late fees and many other fees. Learn more. Con Ed has halted all meter reading and installation of smart meters; stopped shutoffs of electric, natural gas or steam service, except for safety issued. Customer service walk-in centers are shut. Residential customers can pay their bills online at My Account, by mail with a check or money order, or by phone at 1-888-925-5016.

Unemployment insurance

8/22/2020 N.Y. to apply for federal funds to pay $300-a-week unemployment benefits
August 21, 2020, nydailynews.com, by Denis Slattery
New York will apply for coronavirus unemployment money President Trump made available after the feds [The U.S. Department of Labor] dropped a requirement making states pony up a portion of the funds. State budget director Robert Mujica said Friday that the Empire State will sign up for the so-called Lost Wages Assistance program, which will provide $300 a week to out-of-work New Yorkers in addition to state benefits...States have the option of meeting the 25% match by allocating Coronavirus Relief Funds from the CARES Act or other state funding. This replaces the $600 that has expired.

7/30/2020 Unemployment benefits update from the New York State Department of Labor (DOL). DOL has announced the following benefit extensions:

1. Traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are now extended for up to 59 weeks: Traditional UI lasts for 26 weeks in New York, and has been extended by both the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which adds 13 weeks, and the Extended Benefits (EB) program, which adds an additional 20 weeks.
    
2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are now extended for up to 46 weeks: Under Federal law, those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are not eligible for PEUC or EB, but are now eligible for up to 46 weeks of benefits in New York – up from the original 39 weeks.
   
   To continue receiving your unemployment benefits, you must continue to certify each week. You do not need to re-apply or contact DOL unless you are specifically told to do so. You can certify online at labor.ny.gov/signin or on the phone by calling 1-888-581-5812 (for UI) or 1-833-324-0366 (for PUA).
   
   Visit the PEUC and EB FAQs at labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/extended-benefits-faq.pdf. You can also visit labor.ny.gov, as well as check DOL’s social media accounts on Twitter (@NYSLabor), Facebook (facebook.com/nyslabor) and Instagram (@nyslabor) for updates.
    

6/8/2020 Using the KeyBank debit benefits card to withdraw cash. The following is a link to an FAQ sheet that includes information on how no-fee cash withdrawals can be made, and more: key.com/corporate/treasury-management/key2benefits-faqs-english.jsp. In addition to the one KeyBank branch ATM machine in Manhattan, it is also possible to make no-fee cash withdrawals at Allpoint ATMs. The following link allows you to locate Allpoint ATMs closest to you: allpointnetwork.com/atm-locators.aspx. The FAQ sheet also indicates that you can make no-fee cash withdrawals at any Master Card member bank at the teller’s window. You will have to show identification.

6/5/2020 If you need assistance with an unemployment issue, State Sen. Liz Krueger can help. Complete an unemployment intake web form to request assistance:   docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF5eMgY_Jrjh_1_qXlx0ri7coPS01j4GvWJ4Lu7mpWTG2kNQ/viewform.

4/3/2020 Unemployment Insurance Benefits under the CARES Act
labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm 

4/3/2020 What You Need to Know and Do About the CARES Act
The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The Act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/cares-act-need-to-know.pdf

4/9/2020 The NY State Department of Labor unemployment website was upgraded, including a new application form that promises to be easier to fill out and eliminates the need for applicants to call in to complete the process. Instead, if a phone call is needed, the DOL will call the applicant. The call centers have hired 300 more phone reps. Applying for unemployment means money in your pocket if you're out of work. Freelance or gig-economy workers earning 1099 income could qualify, guidelines: labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/self-employed-ui-guide.pdf. The Federal CARES Act is supplementing all states' unemployment benefits, increasing checks by $600 per week. And the State extended benefits by 13 weeks to 39 weeks in total. Apply online at labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm. 

3/20/2020 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance waived by New York State for New Yorkers who have been laid off due to the virus. Source: Email from Councilwoman Carlina Rivera 3/14/2020. [People are reporting that the website is overloaded and it is difficult to enroll, 3/20/2020.]

8/22/2020 

4/10/2020 The State Dept. of Labor is announcing unemployment claims are now extended by 13 additional weeks, from 26 to 39 weeks. New York is among the first states to include the additional $600 in unemployment payments, as provided by the federal CARES Act.

4/6/2020 The State Dept. of Labor is working to improve the process for applying for unemployment insurance https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm. Meanwhile, in an effort to manage the influx, applicants are now asked to call based on the first letter of their last names, as follows: Monday, last names starting with A - F. Tuesday, last names beginning G - N. Wednesday, last names beginning O - Z. If you miss your day you can file Thursday-Sunday. Claims will be back-dated to the d