CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS ON PUBLIC BENEFITS

While all public benefits are still available to those eligible, there are changes to application procedures and communication.

The Community Service Society of New York, through its Benefits Plus Learning Center, has published information on how coronavirus is impacting public benefits offices, applications, and amounts. Please see for info on Cash Assistance, SNAP, WIC, Housing benefits and others:

https://cssny.s3.amazonaws.com/system/files/uploads/Coronavirus_-_Impact_of_on_Public_Benefits.pdf?fbclid=IwAR00xJiuqF-ykanXR2JUtsK0IjhdyfKV7fGP_LtmORuio1Uqf0eNJ8KBLzg

FOOD ACCESS & RESOURCES

For many New Yorkers who have experienced recent wage loss, food access is an increasingly critical need. Free food is now available to all NYC residents in need Businesses, faith-based organizations, and pantries have also increased availability of food resources. Please see below for resources. Call ahead to check on pantry hours and availability, as many continue to adjust.

FREE FOOD AVAILABLE TO ALL NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS:

Beginning Friday, April 3rd, New York City will make up to 3 free meals a day available for anyone in NYC, regardless of immigration status, age, or any other factor. The 435 school sites already providing meals to children under 18, are now offering the meals to everyone. You can visit any of the 435 sites listed here or text food to 877-877 to find the nearest location. Children 18 and under should continue picking up their meals between 7:30 and 11:30 am, and adults without children should pick up their meals between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.

COMIDA GRATIS DISPONIBLE PARA TODOS LOS RESIDENTES DE LA CIUDAD DE NUEVA YORK: Empezando el viernes 3 de abril, la ciudad de Nueva York hará disponible 3 comidas al día para cualquier persona en la ciudad de Nueva York, sin importar el estado de inmigración, edad, o cualquier otro factor. Las 435 escuelas ya proveyendo comida a los menores de 18 años de edad, ahora están ofreciendo la comida a todos. Puedes visitar a cualquiera de las 435 escuelas listadas aquí o mandar un mensaje de texto con la palabra “food” al 877-877 para encontrar el lugar más cercano. Menores de 18 años de edad pueden continuar recogiendo su comida entre las 7:30am y las 11:30am, y adultos sin niños pueden recoger su comida entre 11:30am y 1:30pm.

Nourriture gratuite disponible pour tous les résidents de la ville de new york: À partir du vendredi 3 avril, la ville de New York fera jusqu’à 3 repas gratuits par jour disponibles pour toute personne vivant dans la ville de New York, quel que soit le statut d’immigration, l’âge ou tout autre facteur. Les 435 sites scolaires qui fournissent déjà des repas aux enfants de moins de 18 ans offrent maintenant les repas à tous. Vous pouvez visiter l’un des 435 sites répertoriés ici ou envoyer des sms au 877-877 pour trouver l’emplacement le plus proche. Les enfants de 18 ans et moins doivent continuer à prendre leurs repas entre 7 h 30 et 11 h 30 du matin, et les adultes sans enfants devraient prendre leurs repas entre 11 h 30et 13 h 30.

모든 뉴욕 주민들에게 무료 식사 제공: 4월 3일 금요일부터 뉴욕시는 모든 뉴욕 주민들에게 이민 신분, 나이, 또는 기타 요인에 관계없이 매일 최대 3회의 무료 식사를 제공합니다. 이미 18세 미만의 아이들에게 식사를 제공하던 438개의 학교들은 이제 모든 사람들에게 식사를 제공하고 있습니다. 여기에 나열된 438개의 사이트 중 한곳을 방문하거나877-877로 "food" 이라고 문자를 보내시면 가장 가까운 위치를 찾으실 수 있습니다. 18세 이하의 아이들은 오전 7시 30분에서 오전 11시 30분사이에, 그리고 미성년자 자녀들이 없으신 성인들은 오전 11시 30분에서 오후 1시 30분 사이에 식사를 픽업하실수 있습니다.

免费食物提供给所有纽约市居民：从四月三日，星期五开始，纽约市将会提供早餐、午餐和晚餐给任何纽约市居民。由于纽约的多元化，438个学校已经在隔离期开始期间就为所有18岁以下的学生们提供了免费食物，但现在开始，将会为所有人都提供免费食物。你可以在这个网站或者发送”food”到877-877以查看离你最近的免费食物提供地点。18岁或以下的孩子、青少年可以在7:30a.m.到11:30a.m.去领取食物。而成年人则可以在11:30a.m.到1:30p.m.去领取食物。

Please also see the addition of Make the Road NY’s Emergency Relief form available in English and Spanish below, as well as the NYC Food Delivery program available for individuals who are homebound

FOOD RESOURCES by BOROUGH

Δ Some non-faith-based organizations are highlighted in blue

HEALTH & WELLNESS

All people regardless of immigration status can access treatment, testing, and other care for COVID-19. The following resources focus on stopping the spread of coronavirus, coronavirus facts, city resources related to coronavirus, emotional wellness, domestic violence, health insurance updates/public benefits and general coronavirus resources.

Coronavirus Outbreak Factsheet

Novel Coronavirus Outbreak Factsheet (PDF, March 15)

Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español | 한국어 | 日本語 | Русский |

Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو | فارسى | ελληνικά | עברית | हिन्दी | नेपाली | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Tagalog | Tiếng Việt

Domestic Violence Protection & Resources

For people quarantined with an abuser: 1-800-942-6906

NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

NYC Family Justice Center facilities are temporarily closed. Services remain available by phone, such as immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. From Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call your nearest FJC:

Emotional Wellness

Coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak:

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/coping-with-stress-disease-outbreak.pdf

Cómo hacerle frente al estrés durante los brotes de enfermedades infecciosas

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/coping-with-stress-disease-outbreak-sp.pdf

在傳染病爆發期間應對壓力: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/coping-with-stress-disease-outbreak-ch.pdf

Health & Wellness

In the evenings and/or on weekends:

· Call NYC's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800-621-4673); or

· Visit the NYC HOPE Resource Directory online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE For help with stress and anxiety please call NYC Well (888-692-9355) or text "WELL" to 65173.

· For emergencies, call 911.

Other resources are available for phone or online assistance:

NYC 24-Hour Hotline for Domestic Violence Survivors: 800-621-HOPE (4673)

Queens Family Justice Center: 718-575-4545 (available weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Safe Horizon one-on-one online chat system: www.safehorizon.org/safechat (weekdays 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

Safe Horizon 24-Hour Hotline for all crimes, including support for family members of homicide victims: 866-689-HELP (4357)

Safe Horizon 24-Hour Hotline for Rape and Sexual Assault: 212-227-3000

NYC's 311

https://gothamist.com/news/resources-domestic-violence-abuse-victims-during-covid-19

Health Insurance & Access

New York Statewide Directive

As directed by Governor Cuomo, all New York health insurers have been directed to waive cost-sharing expenses related to coronavirus testing, emergency room visits, urgent care, telehealth, and office visits.

Medicaid

Effective March 19, 2020, no one who currently has Medicaid will lose coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medicare

In addition, Medicare has been directed to:

• Waive cost-sharing for testing

• Waive cost-sharing for coronavirus treatment in doctor’s offices or emergency rooms and services delivered via telehealth

• Remove prior authorization requirements

• Waive prescription refill limits

• Relax restrictions on home or mail delivery of prescription drugs

• Expand access to certain telehealth services

• Has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services to respond to Coronavirus. Medicare beneficiaries can temporarily use telehealth services for common office visits, mental health counseling and preventative health screenings. Go to the right-hand side of the page and indicate the state of residency. A listing of various services will show with phone numbers.

https://cssny.s3.amazonaws.com/system/files/uploads/Coronavirus_-_Impact_of_on_Public_Benefits.pdf?fbclid=IwAR00xJiuqF-ykanXR2JUtsK0IjhdyfKV7fGP_LtmORuio1Uqf0eNJ8KBLzg

General Coronavirus Resource Center

NYC Emergency Management Resource center includes info on:

· Employment Resources

· Food Assistance

· Health & Medical Assistance

· Financial Assistance

· Rent Arrears and Public Assistance

· Emotional Support & Spiritual Care

· Other Assistance

Virtual Resource Center/ Centro de Recursos Virtual/ 虛擬資源中心:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/covid-19-services-resources.page

NYC Department of Health Coronavirus Page

We encourage you to visit DOHMH’s website at:

Le recomendamos que visite la página de internet del Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Nueva York al:

我們鼓勵您訪問衛生侷的網站:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page

Stop the Spread of Coronavirus Flyers

*Preventative: Stop the Spread of Coronavirus Flyer (PDF, March 17)

Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español | Русский | Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | Italiano | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو | עברית | فارسى | ελληνικά | हिन्दी | Tagalog |

Tiếng Việt

HOUSING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

With sudden loss of income, many New Yorkers are concerned about their ability to make rent or mortgage payments. Please see below for the new policies created to offer relief and protection, as well as additional housing resources

Evictions:

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo placed a moratorium on evictions. No tenant in New York State, residential or commercial, can be evicted until the moratorium is lifted. Originally starting as a 90-day policy, it is now indefinite. If your landlord serves you eviction papers or locks you out during this time, please contact 311, a legal service provider, or one of the housing resources provided below.

Homeowners:

On Saturday, March 21^st, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an Executive Order urging banks and lenders to allow homeowners in financial distress due to the Coronavirus pandemic a 90-day moratorium on paying their mortgage.

Renters:

No change has been approved, other than landlords not being allowed to evict tenants right now. New York State Senator Michael Ginaris of Queens has proposed a bill that would freeze rent for 3-months for struggling renters—both for personal and small businesses — but it has not yet passed.

NYCHA:

NYCHA has assured that no residents will be evicted during the pandemic, Administrative Hearings are postponed for at least 2 weeks, and anyone who has suffered a loss of income that will last longer than 2 months should complete an Interim Recertification form through the portal NYCHA Self-Service Portal for request a paper form from Property Management.

Section 8: If you are a section 8 voucher holder and having trouble paying rent because of income loss, please email DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov

Rent Assistance for those on Public Assistance: If your work schedule was reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special rent request to get benefits for emergencies:

· If you have an active Cash Assistance case, the fastest way to submit your request is online on ACCESS HRA.

· You can apply in person for a one-time grant at a Job Center.

· Call HRA Info line at 718-557-1399 to learn how to apply by mail

Housing court is currently closed for non-essential hearings including evictions. Still in effect: Landlords are prohibited from illegal lockouts and are accountable for emergency repairs, and housing code violations.

Housing Resources:

Met Council on Housing’s Tenants’ Rights Hotline 212-979-0611 (English and Spanish). Offices are currently closed.

Housing Court Answers’ Hotline 212-962-4795

Immigration Updates

The resources below focus on updates on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), public charge, immigration courts, and legal services during this coronavirus time.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) / La Migra

ICE has said they will not look for immigrants at or near health care facilities, hospitals, health clinics, and other medical care locations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DnISBAmbf/

Will focus enforcement on “only pursuing people who pose public safety risks and individuals subject to mandatory detention on criminal grounds.”

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/18/818095140/ice-halts-most-arrests-amid-coronavirus-crisis

NYC in-person check-ins are cancelled, telephonic check-ins are still happening.

Immigration enforcement continues in communities.

Immigration Courts/Corte de Inmigracion

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has modified its policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit ICE.gov/COVID19

· Visits to people in ICE detention are currently not allowed for family and friends. For attorneys, some legal visitation continues. However, ICE is encouraging video visitation for attorneys where possible and requiring those visiting in person to provide their own personal protective equipment and they may be subject to testing at the facility. Attorneys should contact the individual facilities for details and updates.

· ICE cancelled all in-person check-ins for people who are not detained. Telephonic check-ins are still happening.

· Arrests by ICE continue. ICE has said they will implement some limitations on who they will arrest and that they will not carry out arrests at or near health care facilities except in extraordinary circumstances.

All immigration court hearings are postponed until at least May 1, 2020 for people who are not detained. For people who are detained, hearings are continuing for now. Stay informed about updated by visiting Justice.gov/EOIR, calling the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline at 800-898-7180, and checking EOIR's Facebook page"

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page

If you have an immigration case in immigration court, check on your status:

1-800-898-7180 with A# or https://portal.eoir.justice.gov/InfoSystem/Form?Language=EN

Please be aware that the case status may not be updated until 04/10/2020.

Immigration courts on Broadway, Federal Plaza & Varick Street location in Manhattan have been closed until further notice.

“Due to EOIR’s continuing evaluation of information from local, regional, state, and federal officials regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the agency is postponing non-detained hearings nationwide,” the EOIR announced in a Facebook post. “Detained cases will be heard as scheduled.”

https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/9-us-immigration-courts-2-in-manhattan-close-over-coronavirus/

https://documentedny.com/2020/03/23/calls-for-closure-of-new-yorks-immigration-courts-grow-as-judge-is-tested-for-covid-19/

The DOJ’s Executive Office of Immigration Review ordered the Varick Street immigration court shut on Tuesday — but said Wednesday workers must return to the building. A staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

The EOIR also announced court filing deadlines would remain in place and that some courts would be open for lawyers to turn in the court papers — though EOIR encouraged documents to be mailed in.

https://nypost.com/2020/03/25/judges-outraged-as-immigration-court-re-opens-after-coronavirus-case/

Public Charge

Public charge, a test applied to some Green Card applicants and others seeking a visa, does not consider use of health services for COVID-19.

This means that for applicants subject to a public charge test, seeking healthcare services for the coronavirus will not impact their immigration case.

In addition, financial hardship caused by the coronavirus will not negatively impact your immigration application if you are subject to a public charge test.

ICE has said they will not look for immigrants at or near health care facilities, hospitals, health clinics, and other medical care locations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DnISBAmbf/

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

USCIS has cancelled all face-to-face services including interviews and naturalization ceremonies until at least May 3, 2020 unless closure is extended further. Visit USCIS.gov/Coronavirus (for Spanish, visit the Respuesta de USCIS al Coronavirus 2019 webpage) or call the USCIS hotline 800-375-5283.

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page

ALERT: As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center.

Effective March 18 through at least April 1^st, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is suspending in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices and Application Support Centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act and Immigration Status:

The $2 Trillion relief package passed by the U.S. Senate includes cash assistance in the form of direct checks that will be issued by mid-April. Importantly, taxpaying immigrants who are undocumented and use an ITIN and or those who live in a mixed-status household in which one member paid taxes with a Social Security Number and another paid with an ITIN are not eligible for this relief.

Employment Opportunities during COVID-19

The City of New York: NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Click the following link to learn more and to apply:

https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/#/display/5e7634997ad67502161607c2

Resources for NYC Workers during COVID-19

Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation, All Boroughs: Resources for restaurant workers coping with the impact of COVID-19, including Relief Funds; Unemployment information; Immigrant-Specific Concerns and Resources and more. Click the following link to learn more or email questions to: info@restaurantworkerscf.org

https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency)

La Colmena, Staten Island: La Colmena provides support to Staten Island immigrant workers affected by COVID-19.For help, please call (718) 442-7700 or visit their website: www.lacolmenanyc.org

Internet Access & Devices

The resources below focus on technology such as free internet hotspots information, free broadband internet access for students, and updates on unlimited data by cellphone providers during this coronavirus time. In addition, please see information on how to make a device request from the NYC DOE for online learning.

Devices

Request device for NYC Department of Education:

Remote learning device request/ Solicitud de dispositivo para el aprendizaje a distancia/ 遠程學習設備要求:

https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices

OR

Simply call 718-935-5100 and choose Option 5 on the menu

For more information:

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update

Note:

Please reach out directly to teachers if you need support related to IEP or ENL services.

Hotspots

Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/Xfinity-offering-temporary-free-service-for-low-income-families-during-coronavirus-outbreak-568889071.html

Workers' Rights and Protections during COVID-19

The sudden spread of coronavirus has led to significant impacts on jobs and income. Please see the below information for resources related to income loss, paid leave, other workers’ rights and resources

Workers’ Rights and Protections: Make the Road New York has published the following information regarding Paid Sick Leave (City and State); Job Loss; Paid Time Off (PTO); Quarantine-Related Sick Leave; and other worker’s rights and protection during COVID-19.

Please note:

· All City, State and Federal sick leave now also applies to individuals who need to stay home to care for children due to school closures

· The 40 hours of NYC paid sick leave and the fair work week extends to retail and fast food workers. Employers still must provide work schedules in the required time and get consent from their employee for any change in less time, as well as offer premium pay during the adjusted time

· Worker protection applies to all workers including those who are undocumented immigrants

https://maketheroadny.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FAQ-workers-rights-other-resources-3.22.20ENGLISH.pdf

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)- Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS): Please call with questions or concerns regarding your leave, PTO, to file a complaint against your employer, or to report price gouging of essential items. To reach them, please call 311, (212) 639-9675 for outside NYC or email: OLPS@dca.nyc.gov. The Office is currently prioritizing any questions or concerns that are COVID 19-related.

Harassment or Discrimination: The Mayor's Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, and NYPD are monitoring and responding to reported hate and bias incidents resulting from fear and stigma related to COVID-19.

Hate and discrimination against anyone on the basis of their race, national origin, or other status is not tolerated in New York City. The New York City Commission on Human Rights

· To report harassment or discrimination, please call 311

· Please call 911 if you are the victim of a hate crime or witness what you believe to be a hate crime. NYPD officers will not ask about the immigration status of anyone seeking help and language assistance is available.

Tax Preparation: NYC continues to offer free tax preparation services to individuals who earn less than $64,000. These services are now available online only.

Despite the extended tax deadline to July 15^th, 2020, individuals eligible to receive economic relief through the federal government’s stimulus package, must have completed their 2019 tax return. Delaying filing taxes will delay receiving economic relief.

Please visit to learn about how to file online for free: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-free-tax-prep/