Back to School Resources

Helpline & Case Assistance: Constituents can call Advocates for Children’s (AFC) Jill Chaifetz Education Helpline with questions about the NYC education system. This helpline, funded in part by the City Council, is staffed by bilingual education specialists who provide information and resources and, in a limited number of cases, assign AFC attorneys to represent low-income families. The helpline phone number is 866-427-6033 (toll free), and i is open from Monday to Thursday, from 10AM to 4 PM. A Helpline flyer is online in English and Spanish.

AFC offers many guides and resources to help you and your constituents navigate NYC’s complex education system. A number of resources are translated into multiple languages.  Constituents can sign up for e-mail updates, including AFC’s Bulletin Board with the latest education updates, here.

Learning Devices: Students who currently have a DOE-issued tablet and need technical support can access the NYC Department Of Education’s Tech Support for Families portal or call the helpline at 718-392-8855. If you need to replace a lost or stolen device, you must file a police report and then contact the DOE’s helpdesk for a replacement device. 718-935-3100, option #5
Note: The DOE is no longer filling requests for new devices from its central office. If you believe you need a device for the 2021-22 school year, please contact your child’s school.               

Health and Safety in Our Schools (Department of Education Homecoming)

Recently, the New York State Education Department issued a Health and Safety Guide for the 2021-2022 School Year. The guide describes a range of strategies that schools and districts should consider, and provides recommendations based on the best health and safety information currently available. Visit schools.nyc.gov/homecoming for the most up-to-date information. 

NYC Public Schools Vaccine Mandate

Mayor de Blasio announced that all DOE employees, including teachers, principals, custodians, substitute teachers and central office personnel, must be fully vaccinated or receive at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 27th, two weeks after the first day of school. 
Have questions/need resources for back to school? View the District 22 Back To School Resource Guide.  
The DOE recently created a COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for all staff to log their vaccination status. Staff can upload proof of vaccination into the portal, which can be an image of their vaccination card, the NYS Excelsior Pass, or other government record. 

PSAL Sports Update

As part of New York City’s gold standard of health and safety in schools, COVID-19 vaccination will be required for students and staff participating in high-risk Public School Athletic League (PSAL) sports this year.   
High-risk sports include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, stunt, and rugby. While not considered a high-risk activity, vaccination will also be required for bowling since it takes place in spaces that require vaccination. For more information, visit PSAL COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.

NYC Family Welcome Centers Are Accepting In-Person Appointments

Family Welcome Centers have been serving NYC families remotely during the pandemic, but they are now opening one center in each borough for in-person. For more information on setting up an appointment visit Family Welcome Centers.

When contacting DOE directly (email or phone) please include:

• Your child’s first name, last name, and date of birth
• If support is needed in another language
• If you (the child’s parent/guardian) are deaf or hard of hearing

Student Access to Testing Accommodations Streamlined for the ACT

Beginning with the 2021-22 testing year, students who already receive accommodations at their school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will automatically be eligible to receive testing accommodations when they register for the ACT (American College Test). Students who do not qualify under the new policy will still have the opportunity to apply for accommodations. You can learn more about the new policy here.

Debt Relief For Students

The CUNY Comeback Program is a sweeping plan to eliminate up to $125 million in unpaid debt for at least 50,000 students who attended CUNY and suffered financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is one of the nation's largest student debt forgiveness plan of its kind. Additionally, students who did not accrue unpaid tuition and fee balances during the period but experienced financial hardship stemming from the pandemic will receive relief in the form of enhanced Student Emergency Grants. The CUNY Comeback Program will be funded through federal stimulus assistance allocated to CUNY. 

NYC Emergency Management 

The City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who were affected by this historic storm. Please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Apply for disaster assistance and report damage to your property:

• Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Call 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 7 days a week  or call  1-800-621-3362 (711 or VRS available), TTY: 1-800-462-7585

FEMA must be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from an unidentified number.

Additional multilingual information from FEMA regarding storm recovery can be found here.

Curbside Composting

The City’s Curbside Composting Program, whereby food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste are collected and turned into compost or renewable energy, is coming back this fall. Participation is voluntary. If you're interested in getting compost collection, you must sign up, even if you received the service in the past. After you sign up, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will let you know if you reside in an eligible neighborhood and, if you do, will notify you when service will start in your area. If you do not have a DSNY-issued brown bin, you can request one when you sign up, and it will be delivered before your service begins.
If you don't live in an area where Curbside Composting is offered yet, DSNY will let you know if the service will expand to your area.

Until service begins in your neighborhood, you can:

• Put your food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste in the trash following normal residential trash rules
• Take food waste to a food scrap drop-off site
• Compost at home
• You can sign up for Curbside Composting online or phone by calling 311.
   

Con Edison is aiding in the region’s recovery from COVID by working with customers who are struggling to pay their bills.

Con Edison encourages customers who are behind on their bills to make payment arrangements or seek assistance from government programs such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program or the NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Visit conEd.com/CovidHelp for information. 

All customers are eligible for a payment agreement regardless of prior payment history. Customers can go to conEd.com/PaymentPlans for information. Customers who meet certain conditions below may qualify for special protections. 

Residential Customers

If customers contact Con Edison and can affirm a change in financial circumstances as a result of COVID-19 starting on or after March 7, 2020:

• Con Edison will not disconnect your service for non-payment through Dec. 21, 2021.
• You will be eligible for a payment agreement that requires no down payment, late fees, or penalties. If you are already on a payment agreement, you can request a new one.

To receive these protections, please visit conEd.com/PaymentAgreement, or call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). 

Residential customers can also receive certain low-income discounts if they qualify. 
A customer will be enrolled automatically if an agency notifies Con Edison that the customer receives benefits from an eligible program. Learn more at conEd.com/BillHelp.
A residential customer who is not yet enrolled can submit documentation to verify that they receive benefits from one of these programs. E-mail LowIncomeRate@coned.com, fax to (212) 844-0110, or mail a copy of your documentation to Con Edison, PA Central, 4 Irving Place, 9th Floor, Box 13, New York, N.Y. 10003.

Commercial Customers

Business customers can also set up payment plans at conEd.com/PaymentPlans.
Under state law, a commercial customer’s service will not be disconnected for non-payment through Dec. 21, 2021 if the customer confirms a change in financial circumstances starting on or after March 7, 2020 because of the pandemic, and:

• You are a small business customer with 25 or fewer employees, and
• You are not a publicly held company, or a subsidiary thereof, and
• You are not a seasonal, short-term, or temporary Con Edison customer, and
• You are not a high-energy use customer as defined by the New York State Public Service Commission, and
• You do not have the resources available to pay your bill
•  

Commercial customers who meet these conditions are also eligible for a no-money down payment agreement with no late fees or penalties, regardless of payment history.

Commercial customers who want these protections, must contact Con Edison at conEd.com/PaymentAgreement or 1-800-752-6633.

Learn more about the new law that provides protections for customers at: Help During the Covid-19 Pandemic | Con Edison

As of May 12, 2021, eligible households can sign up for Emergency Broadband Benefit.  

You may also be eligible to receive up to $50 off your monthly broadband bill through the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Please visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit to find out if your household qualifies, and to sign up. Visit the Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information about the program. A full list of New York internet service providers currently offering discounted service is available here. 

Optimum Advantage Internet is available to qualifying customers who participate in or are eligible for the National School Lunch Program, are New York City residents whose household member attends a New York City public school, are eligible for or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are 65 years of age or older, or are US military veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more information on eligibility, click here. 

Community Legal Resource Network (CLRN) – Free legal is up and running in the 48th District. This free service connects constituents with an experienced lawyer for a one-hour phone consultation. CLRN lawyers are experienced in a large variety of legal matters, including landlord-tenant issues, elder planning, real estate and foreclosure proceedings, immigration, health care proxies, living wills, evictions and more. Please email District48@council.nyc.gov or call 718-368-9176 for an appointment.

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) – NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization that provides free civil legal services to New Yorkers who cannot afford a private attorney. They can be reached by phone at 212-613-5000, or via their website here.

Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT) – LIFT offers access to justice for children and families by providing legal information, community education, and compassionate guidance, while promoting system-wide reform of the courts and public agencies. LIFT offers various services, including telephone, email, and live chat hotlines. They can be reached by phone at 212-343-1122, or by their website, linked here.

CAMBA Legal Services – CAMBA provides legal assistance (foreclosure, housing, immigration) All services are being offered remotely, by phone or email. Individuals seeking appointments should call 311 and ask to be connected to ActionNYC, which schedules appointments citywide, including CAMA Legal Services (CLS) immigration staff. They can be reached by their phone at 718-287-2600, or their website, linked here.

Legal Services NYC – Legal Services NYC fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. Its Legal Assistance Hotline is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4pm. Call 917-661-4500 to speak to an intake officer in any language, or visit their website here.

Brooklyn Legal Services Corp A – Brooklyn Legal Services Corp A assists with non-criminal issues and income-based referrals. They can be reached by phone at 718-487-2300, or at their website here.

Housing and Family Services of Greater NY – Housing and Family Services of Greater NY provides intervention for various housing issues: eviction, foreclosure and illegal rental practices. They can be reached by phone at 718-435-7585.

CUNY Citizenship Now!  – CUNY Citizenship Now! is continuing to provide free, high quality, and confidential immigration services to help individuals and families on their path to U.S. citizenship. Attorneys and paralegals are offering remote one-on-one consultations to assess participants’ eligibility for legal benefits and assist them in applying when qualified. Attorneys and paralegals are available to help, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (646) 664-9400 or email citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu for assistance. 

SNAP Benefits

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and information can be found here.

Food Pantries

Food Bank For New York City works to end food poverty in our five boroughs. As the City’s largest hunger-relief organization, they employ a multifaceted approach centered on helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence. To find a local food bank click here.

Aldi (instacart) 

Instacart now accepts EBT for same-day delivery and pickup options at Aldi. Aldi shoppers can place online orders via Instacart and enter EBT-card information at checkout for items covered under SNAP. A credit or debit card must be used for non-eligible costs, including delivery and service fees, taxes, tips, and bottle deposit fees in some states. Customers over 60 who may be new to online grocery shopping can take advantage of Instacart's special. Senior Support Service, which offers help with everything from setting up an account to ordering, can be reached at 1-844-981-3433.

P-EBT

Eligible children can receive P-EBT food benefits based on the number of days their school has reported it was closed, or that in-person attendance was reduced due to COVID-19.  If you have questions, you may call the P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at (1-833-452-0096 or visit: P-EBT Information Form to submit a question in writing.

Who Represents Me NYC 

Find up-to-date information on your city, state, and federal representatives. Linked here.

311 Report a Problem

Filing a report with 311 is easy and helps to quickly and efficiently follow up on your concern. Contacting 311 not only ensures that your report will be routed to the right city agency, but it also helps the City to monitor and track complaints over time. File report here. You may want to download the 311 mobile app available for iOS and Android here.

311 Look Up

If you have filed a complaint with 311, you can use your service request number to check your service request status. Look up here.

DFTA My Ride

The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) My Ride application is OPEN! Apply by October 8th!  

DFTA My Ride pilot is an on-demand transportation pilot for older adults (ages 60+) and people with disabilities (18+). If selected to participate, you will receive free on-demand car service. Limited spots available! To find out if you’re eligible to participate, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 or visit nyc.gov/aging/myride.

NYPD Find Your Precinct

New York City is divided into 77 police precincts, with each precinct divided into sectors that correspond, as much as possible, with the boundaries of actual established neighborhoods. You can find your precinct and local sector here as well as the names and email addresses of your local Neighborhood Coordination Officers. 

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts from Notify NYC

Notify NYC is New York City's official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. Download the free Notify NYC mobile app, available for iOS and Android. More information here.

Public Health Training Program

New York State, in partnership with Cornell University, is continuing to offer a free, online Citizen Public Health Training Course. Residents can learn about public health, prevention, and preparedness from top public health experts. Click here for information, including how to register for the course. 

New Grant For Child Care Providers
 
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is currently accepting applications for child care stabilization grants. Eligible recipients include Day Care providers, School Age Child Care providers, Family Day Care Centers, and Group Family Day Care providers. The deadline to apply for funding is Thursday, November 11. Funding from this grant can be used for a variety of operating costs and those related to health and safety practices. For further information regarding this program, we encourage you to visit the Pace SBDC's Child Care Stabilization Grant resource page and connect with a Pace SBDC advisor for further assistance and to have your questions answered.  
You can also review the program FAQs or call the Stabilization Help Line at 844-863-9319.

New York State Small Business Pandemic Recovery Grant

Recently changes were made to New York State's $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program that will enable more small businesses to apply for funding. Businesses with revenues up to $2.5 million can apply for grants, up from the previous threshold of $500,000. Additionally, the limitation for businesses that received Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000.  

Empire State Development (ESD) has created and maintains a website - NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov - that highlights the various resources available to support small businesses seeking pandemic relief. The website is continuously updated as more details and funding information becomes available.  

NYC Quick Start

In June, Mayor de Blasio announced a historic concierge service for small businesses across the City. NYC Business Quick Start provides small businesses a sole point of contact to help navigate city regulations as well as a public dashboard. NYC SBS guarantees a 48-hour response to all small business inquiries and is aiming to cut processing time by 50 percent. Visit here or call 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) for more information.

Plans for Pets

Animal Care Centers of New York continues to encourage pet owners to have a plan in place for their pet in the event of COVID-19 hospitalization. For assistance, call the NYC COVID-19 pet hotline, available seven days a week, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 1-877-204-8821.

Resources for NYC Tenants

New Yorkers seeking tenant resources can visit the Tenant Resource Portal through the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. This portal is intended to help tenants navigate public and private resources that can help stabilize their housing situation. The Tenant Resource Portal includes resources from multiple city agencies, legal service providers, and community-based organizations. Additionally, tenants can reach the Tenant Helpline by calling 311 or filling out an online form to be connected with a specialist.

Met Council on Housing

The Met Council on Housing continues to serve tenants through their hotline on Tenants’ Rights. This hotline is free and open to any tenant living in New York City. Click here for additional information, including an FAQ section. For assistance, call (212) 979-0611. 

City University of New York (CUNY)

CUNY students must be vaccinated for all in-person classes beginning fall 2021, CUNY has launched the VAXUpCUNY campaign to educate students and faculty on the COVID-19 vaccine and what to expect.

Expanded SNAP Eligibility for College Students

Thousands of low-income SUNY, CUNY, technical education, and community college students enrolled in specific career and technical education programs are now eligible to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

As of October 16, 2020, income-eligible students who attend an institution of higher education at least half-time and are enrolled in qualifying career and technical education programs of study can now apply for SNAP. Click here for more information from CUNY.

NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA)

For updated information on COVID-19 and changes to social services benefits, including SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), food assistance, cash assistance, eviction protection, and rental assistance, please refer to DSS/HRA’s COVID-19 Community Updates website for the most up-to-date listing of available resources for New Yorkers.

NYS DMV Reopening

The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) continues to offer limited in-person services across New York City. Reservations will be required and offered for critical services that cannot be done online or by mail. Other services, including renewals, address change, paying for fines and fees for suspensions will still be available online. Click here for more information on reopening guidance. 

Resources to Combat Anti-Asian Bias, Discrimination and Hate (Stop Asian Hate) 

The NYC Commission on Human Rights  (CCHR) to educate the public about their rights and protections in light of COVID-19-related stigma and hate crimes. To combat the significant, troubling increase in anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents, the ‘Stop Asian Hate’ initiative provides toolkits and resources to help victims and bystanders report harassment and discrimination.

If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, you may contact the CCHR by filling out their online form, or by calling (212) 416-0197. If you are the victim of or witness a hate crime, call 911. There is language support if you need interpretation services.

Child Tax Credit Update Portal

The Summer 2021 Child Tax Credit Update will continue to help many families across our district and City. To find out if you are already enrolled in the program or to learn more about eligibility requirements and payment schedule, visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal here.

Voting

As a reminder, the general election to fill the 48th City Council District seat will take place on November 2, 2021. Click here for information on how to register to vote, check your registration and more. For assistance over the phone, call 1-866-Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692) or (718-797-8800) to reach Board of Elections Brooklyn office.

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)

BPL offers a variety of services. Learn more about BPL’s current programs and services here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/

For a branch map of hours and locations click here.

NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Applications for the NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are still being accepted. ERAP provides rental arrears, temporary rental assistance, and utility arrears assistance to households at risk of homelessness. Households that qualify under ERAP may receive up to 12 months of rental arrears payment for rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020, up to three months of additional rental assistance, and up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

ERAP/One Shot Deal Update 

The State and the City have decided that tenants/landlords seeking assistance with rental arrears must apply to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) first, before applying for any other assistance, such as One Shot Deals. If an application is denied, tenants can then apply for a One Shot Deal or other local assistance. But all tenants must apply to ERAP FIRST. 

Met Council Resources

The Met Council is a lead provider of ERAP to Brooklyn neighborhoods. This program provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance. 

If you are interested in receiving assistance to help you or your tenants stay in a home, please contact Met Council for eligibility and application assistance.

• MET COUNCIL ERAP HOTLINE: 929-292-9480

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has detailed information on eligibility and the application process on their website here. OTDA has also opened a help line at 844-NY1-RENT (844-691-7368).

Additionally, the NYC Department of Social Services has contracted with community-based organizations in each borough to provide outreach and enrollment assistance to potentially eligible New Yorkers. Information, including a list of the organizations contracted to provide enrollment services, can be found here.

During these uncertain times, it’s important to maintain your emotional and mental wellbeing. Below are some resources to safeguard your mental health.

Seniors

Senior Citizens can call 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469) and ask about the Friendly Visiting Program.

NYS Office of Mental Health 

New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. Click here for more information, including tips for mental wellness and additional mental health resources.

NYC Well

NYC Well is continuing to provide free confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance misuse support, information, and referrals to New Yorkers. Individuals seeking services can text “WELL” to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-WELL, or chat with a representative on their website. Additionally, NYC Well can help you locate services for matters you are seeking help with.

Mental Health Resources for Veterans

ThriveNYC and the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services have collaborated to create Mission: VetCheck. This initiative allows volunteers from the veteran community to make check-in calls to veterans across NYC. Click here for more information, including how to request a check-in or sign-up to volunteer.

Samaritans of NYC

Samaritans' mission – achieved through their 24-hour crisis hotline, public education and suicide survivor programs – is to reduce violent, self-destructive and suicidal behavior by providing support to people in distress and educating caregivers and health providers about how they can be most effective in responding to people in crisis. Their confidential, 24-hour hotline is staffed by professionally trained volunteers and can be reached at 212-673-3000 when you are distressed and need someone to talk to. To learn more, visit https://samaritansnyc.org/about-us/.

Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute, an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders, has a wide range of guides and fact sheets for use. Click here to review their offerings, including clinical evaluations online. 

NAMI Helpline

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is continuing to operate their helpline through the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline can be reached Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST) by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by emailing info@nami.org.

COVID-19 Vaccination Updates

Indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments are requiring proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter. To enter one of these establishments, individuals will need to show proof of vaccination. Valid forms of proof of vaccination include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) card, excelsior pass, NYC COVID Safe App, OR any other vaccine record.
Enforcement of these requirements went into effect on September 13, 2021. This applies to New Yorkers ages 12 and older including customers, workers, patrons. 

The CDC recommends that some who are immunocompromised receive three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, rather than the standard two-dose regimen. This applies to people 12 and older who have a condition or are taking medications or treatments that moderately or severely weaken their immune system, and received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

New Yorkers receiving a third dose will be asked to attest to their qualifying medical condition. No other documentation will be required. Additional vaccine doses are not recommended for any other group at this time.

Local organizations can receive funding and technical assistance to provide free rides to vaccine sites for low-income communities and communities of color through the new Vaccine Access Fund from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Uber, PayPal, and Walgreens. Applications are open through December. Learn more here.

Additionally, the City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here. 

As a reminder, New York City will pay $100 to anyone who goes to a city-run vaccination site for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The money will be issued in pre-paid debit cards that can either be emailed to recipients in digital form or mailed in physical form to them. To learn more go to nyc.gov/vaccineincentives.

NYC continues to offer an incentive to community and faith-based organizations to help get people vaccinated by awarding $100 for each referral for each first dose at a City-run site. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations must sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus.

NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found online here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website. 

As a reminder, New Yorkers ages 12 years and older can continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at select sites across NYC. Sites can be found here. New Yorkers are required to provide proof of age and residency in order to receive the vaccine. Additional information can be found here. 

While walk-up vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites, appointments can still be made by using vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. 

Vaccination and Testing Apps

New Yorkers can meet vaccine and/or testing requirements by carrying their paper vaccination card with them, or scanning and storing it in one of two authorized mobile apps - Excelsior Pass Wallet and NYC Covid Safe.

The Excelsior Pass Wallet, developed for New York State, allows an individual to find and store their proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. The app will only work for people who have been vaccinated in New York, as it confirms the vaccination information against city or state records. The app, called NYS Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.

The NYC COVID Safe app doesn’t connect directly to vaccine records. The app allows a person to upload a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days. The app is also available for download on iPhone and Android phones.

Key to NYC

As the Mayor announced several weeks ago, indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments are now requiring customers/patrons to provide proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter the establishment.
How it works:

• To enter one of these establishments, you'll need to show proof of vaccination via your paper CDC card, excelsior pass, NYC COVID Safe App, OR any other vaccine record
• This applies to NYers 12 and older -- customers, workers, patrons -- with reasonable accommodations for health, disability, and religion
• Executive Order went into effect on August 17; Enforcement began on September 13th

3rd Dose for People Who Are Immunocompromised

• It is recommended that some who are immunocompromised receive three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, rather than the standard two-dose regimen.
• This applies to people 12 and older who have a condition or are taking medications or treatments that moderately or severely weaken their immune system, and received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
• You should discuss getting a third dose with your doctor.
• NYers getting a third dose will be asked to attest to their qualifying medical condition. No other documentation will be required.
• Additional vaccine doses are not recommended for any other group at this time.
• This option will be available at all City-run vaccination sites starting today, except Health + Hospitals facilities, who will have 3rd doses available in the coming days.
• Additional information is available here.

COVID-19 Testing 

Free testing continues to be available throughout the five boroughs. A schedule of mobile testing locations throughout the City as well as detailed information on locations and types of testing offered at regular testing sites (including rapid testing and antibody tests) can be found here. 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. 
All New Yorkers are able to receive a free COVID-19 test.
Individuals can click here to find a testing center. You can find a state-run testing site through NYS DOH’s interactive map. Click here to find a NYC Health + Hospitals  (H + H) testing site.

Additionally, rapid testing is still available through the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Visit DOHMH's rapid testing website for more information and to schedule your test.

At-Home Vaccinations and Testing

All New Yorkers 12 years and older are now eligible to receive a vaccine in their home. For more information and to register, click here. Additionally, individuals can call 877-VAX-4NYC.

Free in-home COVID PCR testing is now available for all immunocompromised New Yorkers and people 65+. Call 929-298-9400 to schedule an appointment.

COVID Alert NY App

New York State's mobile contact tracing app, COVID Alert NY, is a voluntary, anonymous, exposure-notification smartphone app that will send users an alert if they were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The more people who download the app, the more effective it will be. To learn more, click here.
The COVID Alert NY is available to anyone 18 years or older who lives, works, or attends college in New York or New Jersey. The app is also available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Korean, Russian, and Haitian-Creole.

Test and Trace Corps

NYC Test and Trace Corps, through Health and Hospitals is ensuring that all the needs are met of those New Yorkers diagnosed with COVID-19. If you receive a call from “NYC Test + Trace”, “212-540 - ****”, or “212- 242 - ****” please answer those calls as it may be a representative from the Test and Trace Corps.
The Test-and-Trace corps offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
Under the “Take Care” portion of Test and Trace, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will receive help securing all the services they will need in order to comply with the 14-day quarantine. This includes access to a hotel if you are unable to quarantine in your home. Click here for more information on the Test and Trace Corps, including an FAQ section.

FEMA Funeral and Burial Reimbursement 

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to provide financial assistance to individuals with COVID-related funeral expenses. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, through a dedicated COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST.

In order to be eligible for funeral assistance, the following conditions must be met:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
• There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Click here to learn more and apply to FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program.