May 19, 2023

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.

As a reminder, sign up here to be added to the list of invitees for our quarterly community call and sign up here be added to our distribution list to receive this weekly communication. The next community call will be held on June 6, 2023, at 4 pm. Invites with the Zoom link will be sent the week prior.

Important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications are on our DSS Community Updates page. I encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered.

PRUCOL Safety Net Assistance Eligibility Changes

On May 12, 2023, OTDA announced new regulations impacting eligibility for Non-citizens Recognized as Permanently Residing Under Color of Law (PRUCOL) for Safety Net Assistance (SNA). The policy, which took effect upon publishing, expanded the pool of non-citizens who are considered PRUCOL for the purposes of Safety Net Cash Assistance (SNCA).

End of Pandemic Related Waivers

Following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 15, 2023, the below waivers will be ending as of June 30:

• Automatic extension of domestic violence waivers;
• Waiver enabling districts with local procedures or other processes that require frequent contact with individuals experiencing homelessness and residing in emergency housing to conduct these contacts via phone, with reduced frequency, as appropriate for the population; and,
• Waiver allowing temporary modifications to previously approved Case Supervisor Review (CSR) plans.

Cash Assistance Application Interviews On-Demand

HRA is rolling out a new on-demand system for Cash Assistance applications. Applicants as well as recipients of Cash Assistance who submit a new application or a recertification will be able to complete the Cash Assistance interview by calling for an interview rather than waiting for a call from HRA. This new on-demand interview model launched on April 17, 2023, and will be rolling out to serve all new and existing clients. During this phase in period, clients who should be using the on-demand interview system will be provided detailed instructions on how to do so. To optimize roll-out, only those clients and applicants who receive instructions with a phone number to call should be utilizing this option. Clients who have questions regarding an existing application or case should call the Infoline One Number line at 718-557-1399 or visit the ACCESS HRA website at nyc.gov/accesshra.

ACCESS HRA Updates

ACCESS HRA is now offering the following new features:

• Medicaid Renewals – most Medicaid only clients with authorizations ending June 30, 2023 or later will now be able to submit their renewal online by logging in to ACCESS HRA. This provides an online alternative to completing the MAP-206F or MAP-909E.
• Submit Medicaid renewal documents through the ACCESS HRA mobile app – after submitting their Medicaid renewal questions, clients will see a list of required documents to complete their renewal in the mobile app and client portal. These required documents can now be uploaded using the mobile app.
• View Medicaid Notices electronically on the ACCESS HRA client portal and ACCESS HRA mobile app.
• Clients can now apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit on ACCESS HRA.

The ACCESS HRA client portal can be found at www.nyc.gov/accesshra. For the ACCESS HRA User Guide, click here.

Trainings on ACCESS HRA are available for community organizations! Sign up here.

Child Support Pay It Off Program Opens in June

The DSS Office of Child Support Services is asking for your help in promoting its Pay It Off (PIO) program being offered again for the month of June 2023 (June 1-30th). This program reduces debt permanently owed to the Department of Social Services (DSS) by doubling the value of the payment when a noncustodial parent makes a minimum payment of $500, up to the total DSS debt owed. As an example, a $500 payment will result in $1,000 reduced in child support debt owed to DSS. NCPs who pay off the principle of a money judgment, will have their DSS interest removed which is often three times the amount of their payment.

We are asking providers, such as yourselves, to help promote the program with the clients you serve. We want noncustodial parents, and friends or relatives of noncustodial parents, to learn about the program as soon as possible so they can begin saving for their PIO payment ($500 minimum).

SNAP & P-EBT Targeted Text Outreach – New Sender Short Code Phone Number

As of April 25, 2023, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is using the new short code phone number “696832” to send all future SNAP and P-EBT related text messages to households.

Since 2020, OTDA has employed largescale text blasts to inform households of P-EBT issuances, as well as the termination of supplemental SNAP Emergency Allotments. The most recent targeted text effort sent messages from 1-877-902-0684. Moving forward, text messages will no longer be sent from 1-877-902-0684, and will instead be sent from the short code “696832”. Messages received from the short code phone number “696832” are legitimate and not a scam or spam.

COVID-19 Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Issuance for the 2021-22 School Year & Summer 2022

OTDA recently started issuing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits to eligible children for the 2021-22 school year and summer 2022. Automatic payments will begin to be issued in May 2023, with majority of benefit payments being made during the month of May and continuing through September 2023. 

All P-EBT food benefits for the 2021-2022 school year will be issued in the following manner: If an eligible child is still on an existing SNAP case, P-EBT food benefits will be deposited into their household’s existing EBT account. Eligible children who are no longer receiving SNAP will be issued a new P-EBT Food Benefit card with instructions explaining how to activate the card and access the P-EBT food benefits, or they will receive the benefits on an existing P-EBT Food Benefit card if they have already been issued one. 

P-EBT food benefits will remain available and accessible on the EBT or P-EBT food benefit card for 274 days from the date they were issued. 

Households may be notified that benefits have been issued either via text message issued by OTDA (OTDA text message short code 696832) or robocall from the P-EBT Helpline, operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Human Services Call Center. 

P-EBT Summer 2022 Benefits for Kindergarten through Grade 12 Students 

For the Summer 2022 period, students attending and enrolled in an NSLP-participating school in June 2022 and certified eligible for Free/Reduced Price Lunch are eligible for a one-time $391 benefit. Once school enrollment data is received by schools and processed by OTDA, all eligible children will receive the summer 2022 benefit automatically. There is no application for the summer 2022 benefit, except for some Pre-K students who must apply for school year and summer benefits through the application portal. Benefits will be issued in the same manner as the 2021-2022 school year benefit, and in many cases, will be paid at the same time as a 2021-2022 school year benefit. 

P-EBT Food Benefits for SNAP and TA Households with Children Under Age 6 

OTDA also started issuing P-EBT food benefits to children under age 6 who received SNAP during the 2021-2022 school year, including any eligible children who attended pre-kindergarten (Pre-K). Each eligible child will receive $31 per month for each month they received SNAP from September 2021 through June 2022. Eligible children will also receive a Summer 2022 P-EBT food benefit of $391 if they received SNAP for the months of June, July, or August 2022. Most of the benefits for this group were issued in April 2023. 

Households may apply to be considered for additional benefits for any month that a child under age 6: 

• Was in receipt of SNAP, 
• Received $31 automatically as described above, 
• Attended pre-kindergarten, AND 
• Was absent or remote learning for 6 or more days in that month due to COVID-19. 

Parents will be asked to submit additional documentation from the child’s Pre-K school to verify this information. If approved, the child will be issued the difference between the $31 benefit and the school year P-EBT benefit for that month. 

Application Portal 

For any additional absences during the 2021-2022 school year (other than five consecutive days for which benefits will automatically be issued) families will have the option to apply via a newly created online application. The application allows parents to attest to their child’s total number of COVID-19 related absences and remote learning days for each month of the 2021-2022 school year. The child’s school must have submitted attendance data, which OTDA will compare to the parent’s attestation to validate the household’s application for benefits. OTDA will pay the difference between any benefits that have already been issued for the 2021-2022 school year and the tiered monthly benefit amounts based on parent/guardian attestation and the attendance data received from the child's school. 

Because daily attendance records were not available for children attending Pre-K programs, most children who attended Pre-K in the 2021-22 school year will not receive automatic school year or summer payments. The online application will allow parents/guardians to provide documentation validating FRPL eligibility, NSLP school enrollment, and eligible absences. Applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine eligibility for P-EBT food benefits and benefit levels for the 2021-22 school year and the Summer 2022 benefit. 

The application portal is scheduled to open on May 15. Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2023. All approved benefits will be issued by the end of September 2023. Specific instructions to use the portal will be available when the portal website opens. Applicants can receive assistance with applying by calling the P-EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096. The application will be available on the P-EBT FAQ webpage by May 15^th. 2023.  

All P-EBT related inquiries should be directed to the State's P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at 833-452-0096 or to the P-EBT Information Form at otda.ny.gov/PEBT-Info to submit questions in writing. OTDA's SNAP COVID-19 webpage also provides a wealth of information about P-EBT and links to further and more detailed information about P-EBT. P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the OTDA website.  

Information about benefits for the 2022-2023 school year and Summer 2023 period is forthcoming.

Cooling Assistance Benefit

The application period for the 2023 Cooling Assistance benefit opened on May 1, 2023, and will end close of business on August 31, 2023, or until funds are no longer available (whichever comes first). Applications for the Cooling Assistance benefit can be submitted in-person, by phone, over through ACCESS HRA. Please see the link below for further information on how to apply in-person and by phone.

Eligible households receive a cooling benefit of up to $800 for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner. If one cannot be installed safely, a fan will be provided.

Benefits are provided on a first come first served basis to eligible applicants. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance Benefit once every five years.

Visit the HEAP webpage for more information on the Cooling benefit.

Medicaid Renewals

As a reminder, Medicaid easements were lifted as of April 1, 2023. Renewals with authorization end dates in June 2023 and beyond must be fully processed (i.e., clients must return their renewal and provide relevant documentation to continue their coverage). Clients with cases that are due for renewal in June 2023 (authorizations ending in June) have been mailed their renewal packages and should proceed with completion of such. Please help to make sure that clients are aware of these requirements. These cases will undergo a full review with no easements applied. Clients will be required to provide all documentation for application and renewal as was required pre-pandemic.

Expiration of the Temporary Expansion of SNAP Student Eligibility Exemption Criteria

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 created two temporary SNAP eligibility exemptions for students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation expanded SNAP eligibility by providing temporary exemptions from SNAP student eligibility requirements to two groups of college students:

• Students eligible for a work study program (actual participation in a program was not required);
• Students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The temporary student eligibility exemptions are scheduled to end because the federal public health emergency (PHE) expired on May 11th, 2023. Following the PHE expiration on May 11, 2023, the temporary exemptions will remain in effect for an additional 30 days and during this period, SNAP applications and recertifications can continue to be processed using the temporary exemptions. This means that the temporary student exemptions end for initial SNAP applications filed on or after June 10, 2023. For ongoing households, the temporary exemptions end at the household's next recertification, beginning July 1, 2023.

Timeline for Expiration of Temporary Student Exemptions

• For new applications, the temporary student exemptions can be applied to applications submitted on or before June 9, 2023. After that date, only the permanent exemptions can be considered when determining eligibility.
• For students recertifying, the temporary student exemptions can be applied to recertifications submitted by June 30, 2023. Recertification applications  submitted through June 30, 2023, must be processed using the temporary student exemptions, regardless of when the recertification is processed or the household’s expiring certification end date. Recertifications submitted on or after July 1, 2023, must be processed using only the permanent exemption criteria. Students in households that submit their recertification application by June 30, 2023, and are recertified retain their temporary student exemption until their next recertification.

OTDA has developed an End of the Temporary COVID-19 SNAP Student Eligibility Exemptions—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document which outlines important information about the end of the temporary student eligibility exemptions and how some students may remain eligible for SNAP due to at least one of the permanent student eligibility exemptions. The FAQ can be accessed by visiting the OTDA College Student Expanded SNAP Rules.

Employment Opportunities with the City of NY

NYC Government Hiring Hall, May 20th

The City will be holding a Hiring Hall which will provide applicants with an opportunity to meet with representatives from various City agencies. On-the-spot interviews will be conducted for select City government jobs including engineers, inspectors, clerical associates, community coordinators, city research scientists, benefits eligibility specialists, and more!

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: 31 Chambers Street, Surrogate's Court House

Registration: See link here

Applicants should be advised to bring multiple copies of their resume on the day of the event.

To view jobs available with the City at any time, Start at this page, or search for jobs here (to search by agency or area of interest) or here (to search by job ID# or agency). Please find a helpful flyer with more information about applying for HRA open positions which can be shared widely here.

City Services for Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC

As of May 15, 2023, over 67,000 asylum seekers have gone through the system and been offered a place to rest at night since last spring. As of May 17, 2023, nearly 42,400 asylum seekers are currently in the City's care. The City has opened 150 emergency shelters and 8 HERRCs to meet this unprecedented need. This does not reflect the total number of asylum seekers in New York City, it does not include those who are staying with family, friends, and networks here after being connected.

Additional information on the City’s efforts to support asylum seekers can be found here.

Ride for Half Price – Fair Fares

Fair Fares NYC is a City program that offers eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.

Fair Fares is open to all eligible New Yorkers aged 18-64 at or below the Federal Poverty Level without discounted transportation from the MTA or the City. The program’s NYC residency requirement does not include a minimum timeframe. Many of the Department of Homeland Security documents provided to asylees are accepted as proof of identity.

Many Cash Assistance and SNAP recipients can ride for half price. Each non-elderly adult should log into Access HRA or create an account if they are not the head of their case and click “Enroll Now”.

Encourage everyone to ride for half price with Fair Fares by sharing our Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video. Share and amplify!

Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA! View the “How to Enroll” videos in English and Spanish

If you need assistance applying or have questions, please visit the Fair Fares website to find a location near you. Fair Fares enrollment assistance is also available at the NYC Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center.

Clients who need a replacement card or refund can visit any Fair Fares office or mail their damaged or expired card to:

Fair Fares NYC

P.O. Box 7099

New York, NY 10008-7099

Clients who mail their card must include the following information in the envelope along with the card:

• First and last name
• Date of Birth
• Fair Fares Client ID number

All new and replacement cards are mailed to the address provided by the client. 

Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials

The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that community organizations and others can order. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website after registering on the login page.

Additional Resources and Information

JustFix – Housing Resources Workshop

On Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5pm to 6:30pm, JustFix is having a Housing Resources Workshop at the St. Agnes Library (444 Amsterdam between W 81^st street and 82^nd street). JustFix builds free tools for tenants to exercise their rights to a livable home. They will share resources to assist with a variety of issues relating to housing, including if you are paying too much rent, how to request much needed repairs, and researching your landlord and building.

Light refreshments will be served.

Isaacs Center – Per Scholas IT Training Program

The Isaacs Center is covering 100% of the tuition for the Per Scholas IT Training Program. This experience includes opportunities for paid internships and jobs. The Isaacs Center will accept applications until June 16, 2023. The application process consists of the following criteria and steps:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High School diploma is required
• Must be authorized to work in the USA
• Complete our Interest Form for more information

As of May 9, 2023, information sessions are being conducted on Mondays at 2PM and Tuesdays at 12PM. The information sessions provide an overview of the program. Those interested in the program are encouraged to bring attend.

Contact Jennifer Ochiagha at [email protected] if you have questions or concerns.

[Extended] NYC Department of Environmental Protection – Amnesty Program

The City’s Dept. of Environmental Protection extended the water bill Amnesty Program which is designed to provide much-needed relief to qualified delinquent customers struggling to pay their water and wastewater bills due to the pandemic. This limited one-time amnesty started on January 30, 2023 and was initially scheduled to last 90 days until April 30, 2023. The program will now continue through May 31, 2023. Customer’s accrued interest can be reduced or forgiven by paying the principal balance. Click here to learn more. Contact DEP at (718) 595-7000 Monday–Friday (8 am–7 pm) and Saturday (9 am–2 pm) or [email protected].

Information for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

One-time Payment Account Adjustment

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is providing a “one-time” payment count adjustment to eligible borrowers toward Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This adjustment is in addition to the current payment pause, during which each month counts as a qualifying payment for the IDR and PSLF programs.

ED will count the following past time toward IDR and PSLF forgiveness:

• Any months spent in a repayment status, regardless of the payments made, loan type, or repayment plan;
• 12 or more consecutive months in forbearance or 36 or more cumulative months in forbearance;
• months spent in any deferment (with the exception of in-school deferment) prior to 2013;
• months spent in economic hardship or military deferments after 2013; and
• any time in repayment on earlier loans prior to consolidation of those loans into a consolidation loan.

Borrowers that have accumulated at least 20 or 25 years worth of payments or have accumulated 10 years of repayment under PSLF employment and have already certified that employment with ED, will see automatic forgiveness in Spring 2023. All other borrowers will see their accounts updated in 2024. To receive PSLF, a borrower must certify all eligible employment, which can be done at any point, even after the account adjustment.

If you have commercially held FFEL, Perkins, or Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) loans, you should apply for a Direct Consolidation loan by December 31, 2023 to benefit from this program.

Fresh Start for Student Loan Borrowers Who Were in Default Before the COVID-19 Pandemic

The ED “Fresh Start” initiative helps eligible defaulted borrowers get their loans in good standing. Fresh Start will continue for one year after the end of the COVID-19 payment pause. 

Protecting Borrowers from Scams!

Scammers are contacting New Yorkers promising they will help them get loan discharge, forgiveness, cancellation, or debt relief for a fee. Student loan borrowers never have to pay for help with federal student aid. Learn how to avoid scams.

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers

New Yorkers can get FREE one-on-one professional financial counseling, including assistance with student loans. Income and immigration status do not matter. Learn more and book an appointment today at nyc.gov/TalkMoney.

Navigating the System Virtual Training for People with Developmental Disabilities

On Wednesday May 24, 2023, from YAI will be offering a training for families, caregivers, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and professionals to learn how to apply for eligibility and services through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This training is sponsored by YAI.org, which provides innovative services for the intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) community, supporting over 20,000 people.

Click here to register.

The Partnership for Public Service – Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program

The Partnership for Public Service sponsors the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program which helps bring diverse young talent to government and offers students the opportunity to apply their educational training to work at a federal agency.

The Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program is actively recruiting its Fall 2023 cohort to join the National Science Foundation and the Small Business Administration as paid interns—which this year includes a public interest technology track. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from across all academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Fully remote and in-person opportunities are available.

Applications are due by 6/2. Click here to apply. For more information and FAQs, visit their website.

The NYC Public Engagement Unit GetCoveredNYC Event Round-Up



GetCoveredNYC continues to connect New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. Our weekly social media roundup of GetCoveredNYC events helps people find free health care support in-person. This week’s round-up is posted here. Please share widely.

Resources/Links

• DSS Quarterly Community Call: Members of the Department of Social Services' (DSS/HRA/DHS) leadership team will provide important agency updates followed by time for Q&A.
• ACCESS HRA Help Desk/Online Support: Resolves ACCESS HRA technical issues and answers benefit/site-related questions.
• ACCESS HRA Trainings: The Office of Community Outreach offers trainings and presentations to community-based organizations, elected officials and their staff, and other municipal agencies. These trainings are conducted multiple times per month and allow for flexible scheduling. Click here to view our current offerings and register for an upcoming session.
• ACCESS HRA Client Portal: New Yorkers can apply and recertify online for SNAP and Cash Assistance, view benefits, and more.
• DSS OneNumber (formerly Infoline): 718-557-1399
• Find a Partner Organization: Community-Based Organizations can help complete applications and screen applicants for eligibility to the various programs. Some locations also assist with submitting documents to DSS electronically. Contact the organization for more information.
• DSS Disability Access: If you have a disability, HRA can help by providing supports or accommodations to make getting the services clients need easier. This type of help is called a reasonable accommodation.
• Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Guide to Resources: The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has crafted a guide to resources for immigrants, in over a dozen languages.
• Action NYC: 1-800-354-0365
• Food Help NYC: Free food locations, including food pantries & soup kitchens. Call 311 to find the nearest locations.
• NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.
• Mental Health For All: A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.
• Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
• COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses: Resources, including test kits, treatment, vaccines, and masks available to New Yorkers as New York City experiences high levels of COVID-19, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses.
• Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.
• NYC 311: Non-emergency municipal services are available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115

Community-wide Conference Call

We look forward to your continued participation on our quarterly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our quarterly 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 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 calls, or if you would like to be added to our distribution or community call invitation list, please reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at [email protected].

In partnership,

Molly Wasow Park

DSS Commissioner