Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are well and staying home, if possible. Our profound thanks to all the front-line workers across the city who continue to serve and care for the rest of us.
If you have questions about government services, please visit our website where we post up-to-date information. We've added a section on local grocery and drug store hours for the coming weekend, noting when they've set aside specific times for seniors.
While you may never have needed help before, there are resources for those newly in need. Most importantly, with April 1st approaching, if you can't pay your rent for three months, you cannot be evicted.
Rules and regulations are updated regularly. As you are no doubt aware, the U.S. Senate has just passed a COVID-19 relief package, which includes over $40 billion for New York State (as summarized by NYS Senator Schumer). NYS Senator Gillibrand has offered to help people who are trying to file claims for unemployment insurance (call 212-688-6262).
Unemployment Benefits
A key component of the most recent federal stimulus package is a significant expansion and reform of our unemployment insurance program. In broad terms, the package:
- Increases the maximum unemployment benefit amount by $600 per week above one’s base unemployment benefit;
- Ensures that workers who are laid-off or out of work, on average, will receive their full pay for four months;
- Covers all workers -- whether they work for small, medium or large businesses, as well as self-employed and gig economy workers;
To apply for NYS unemployment benefits, click here.
One-Time Relief Payments
Also part of the package -- single U.S. adult residents with social security numbers with an income of $75,000 or less will receive one-time payments of $1,200, and each child will receive a one-time payment of $500. Persons receiving monthly Social Security retirement and disability payments will be eligible.
(Adults with incomes between $75,000 and $99,000 will receive a modified payment.)
The New York Times has put together a very helpful F.A.Q. section about these one-time payments and the changes to unemployment insurance.
RESOURCES & UPDATES
We encourage you to visit our website to connect with the most up-to-date information for City government services, as well as a wide variety of local resources which you or a loved one may find helpful. These include everything from local food pantries and emergency financial assistance, to domestic violence hotlines, to legal assistance with housing issues.
If you do not see what you need, don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at (212) 873-0282 and leave a message with your contact information. Other updates include:
- NYS has ordered that all non-essential construction projects must shut down. Construction that is needed to protect the health and safety of building occupants, or projects that would be unsafe if they were unfinished, can be completed. Read more.
- Essential construction may continue -- roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals / health care facilities, affordable housing, and homeless shelters. "Essential" construction sites that cannot maintain social distancing and safety best practices must also close.
- The ASPCA is establishing regional pet food distribution centers across the U.S., with the first one in New York City. The centers will give dog and cat owners free access to critical food supplies during COVID-19. Learn more here.
- Be alert for scams. Scammers are calling NYers to set up COVID-19 testing. This is NOT the City. Directly contact your healthcare provider or call 311 for real info. Along the same lines: don’t click on internet links from sources you don’t know; watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) or other "experts"; ignore online offers for vaccinations; and do your homework when it comes to donations.
- MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED. Households across the country have received mailed invitations, asking them to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. Every household has the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Your response is essential. Learn more here.
As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here.
Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.
Warmly,
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