[Fredslist] List of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance

[Corey Bearak]

Looking to share some resources to folks who reached out over the weekend, I found this page with links for folks (families and individuals) who need aid

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

COVID-19 Services & Resources
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on New York City's workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The list below will be updated frequently.

For more information on the City's response to COVID-19, please visit NYC.gov/coronavirus <http://www.nyc.gov/coronavirus> or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). You can also text "COVID" to 692-692 for updates and information, or text "COVIDESP" to 692-692 for updates in Spanish.

If you are interested in helping those affected by COVID-19, visit the Help Now NYC website <http://www.nyc.gov/helpnow>.

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Employment Resources
Unemployment Assistance
New York State is waiving the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Visit the New York State Department of Labor website <https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm> for more information.

NYS DOL is implementing a new filing system based on the first letter of the applicants last name (alphabetical order). If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. Visit the New York State Department of Labor website <https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm> for more information.
Worker Layoffs ("WARN Notice")
The New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires businesses to give early warning of closing and layoffs.

Information is available on the New York State Department of Labor website <https://labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/warn/warnportal.shtm>.
The NYC Workforce Development Board can help businesses understand their reporting requirements. Individuals also can contact Chris Neale, Director of the NYC Workforce Development Board, at 212-676-3009.
Alternative to Worker Layoffs
Shared Work is a program employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours.

Visit the New York State Department of Labor website <https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/employerinfo/shared-work-program.shtm> for more information.
Find Employment
Use the Small Business Services website to find additional employment opportunities. <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/find-a-job.page>
NYC Opportunity
ACCESSNYC <https://access.nyc.gov/> is a portal for NYC residents to determine their eligibility for over 30 economic opportunity programs and benefits. It also includes a regularly updated list of COVID-19 response resources.

Office of Nightlife
The Office of Nightlife is gathering information on lost income from COVID-19-related business closures and event cancellations in bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, and other social and cultural spaces. If you are a worker, performer, contractor, or business owner in New York City nightlife, please provide details for your lost income in this survey <http://bit.ly/nycnightlifecovidsurvey>. The survey will be used to collect data for citywide legislation on the impact of closures.

Food Assistance
Visit ACCESS HRA <https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/> to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
NYC Department for the Aging <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/in-home-services.page> provides home-delivered meals are available for seniors ages 60 years and older who may have disabilities, access, or functional needs.
Foodbank NYC <https://www.foodbanknyc.org/get-help/> has a interactive map with providers who have switched to “grab and go” meals and pantry bags to minimize the risk of exposure. 
HungerFree NYC <https://www.hungerfreeamerica.org/neighborhood-guides-food-assistance> publishes Neighborhood Guides to Food and Assistance”. These guides covers all neighborhoods in NYC by zip code and are available in multiple languages. 
Health & Medical Assistance
Visit ACCESS HRA <https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/> to apply for Medicaid
Visit the Department for the Aging website <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/health-insurance-assistance.page> for counseling on Medicare MSP, LIS, and other Medicare low-income programs.
Unemployment Benefits and Health Insurance FAQ <https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/downloads/pdf/coronavirus/covid-19-unemployment-health-insurance.pdf> (PDF, March 19)
Financial Assistance
Visit ACCESS HRA <https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/> to apply for cash assistance
Visit HRA Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page> to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant
Call New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS)at 212-669-6100, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Emergency “life safety” financial assistance for under-resourced households with a direct impact.
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
The City will offer financial assistance to small businesses to help lessen the economic effect of the coronavirus. Businesses may qualify for low-interest loans and employee retention grants.

You can get more information and sign up for email updates at NYC.gov/sbs <http://www.nyc.gov/sbs>. Information about the new loan and grant program for impacted small businesses, including application links, will be sent to the email you provide.

Visit the Small Business Services website for loan and grant information and to sign up for email notifications. <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page>
Paid Sick Leave
Under the law, covered employees have the right to use safe and sick leave for the care and treatment of themselves or a family member. To learn more, visit the Paid Safe and Sick Leave <https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02909>page.

Rent Arrears and 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 grant request to get benefits for emergencies.

If you have an active Cash Assistance case, visit ACCESS HRA <https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/>
New York City Housing Authority
NYCHA residents that experience a loss of income may qualify for a rent reduction. Households that have experienced a complete income loss may qualify for the Zero Income Policy <https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/nycha/downloads/pdf/Rent-Hardship-03.16.20-with-links.pdf>.

Agency: Human Resources Administration
Phone Number: 718-557-1399
Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.
Emotional Support & Spiritual Care
NYC Well
An infectious illness outbreak such as this one can be stressful to you, your loved ones, and your friends. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills. NYC Well's website offers a number of well-being and emotional support applications (apps) that can help you cope.

If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well <http://www.nyc.gov/nycwell>, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.

Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
Text "WELL" to 65173
Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell <http://www.nyc.gov/nycwell>
Supporting Others
Support for those caring for someone 60 and over can visit the NYC Department for the Aging's website for caregiver support information <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/caregivers/caregiver-support.page>
Those looking to support seniors by volunteering, including friendly visiting via telephone, can be found on the NYC Department for the Aging's website for volunteer opportunities <https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/volunteering/volunteer-resources.page>
Visit Help Now NYC <http://www.nyc.gov/helpnow> for information on how you can help those affected by emergencies. 
Other Assistance
Access to Free Internet at Home
Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
To enroll, call Spectrum at 844-488-8395.
Nonprofit Organizations
Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York Helpline at 1-888-744-7900 – food resources and support for seniors.
Immigrant and Refugee Services – Email immigration.services at archny.org <mailto:immigration.services at archny.org> or call 212-419-3700.
NYC Department of Education
The NYC Department of Education will assist families that may need remote learning devices. Please fill out the surveys below if you need assistance.

Online <http://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices> (available in English Español 中文 বাংলা Русский العربية اردو বাংলা 한국어 Français)
Phone: 718-935-5100 (press 5)
Corey B. Bearak, Esq.
Government & Public Affairs Counsel
Networker of the Year-2012| co-chair, GOtham GREEN® | Gotham Towers | LI Legal | Gotham Power Breakfast Chair | Gotham Sponsorships Chair |  Gotham Sundays Blogger | Moderator, Fredslist & Gotham Promos
P.O. Box 135, Glen Oaks, NY 11004
(718) 343-6779 ♦ facsimile (888) 379-3492
Corey at CoreyBearak.com <mailto:Corey at CoreyBearak.com> ♦ StrategicPublicPolicy.com <http://strategicpublicpolicy.com/> ♦ Bearak on Twitter <http://twitter.com/Bearak>
Author, The Public Ought To Know <https://intelligentarts.net/the-public-ought-to-know/>, available on Kindle <https://amzn.to/36ByeQJ> and Nook <http://bit.ly/2O7HRjB> and Apple <https://apple.co/2tPxday> devices
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