March 28, 2020

Dear NY-09,

The Coronavirus continues to impact our community of Brooklyn and beyond. As of 4:00 p.m. on March 26th, there have been 83,356 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, reported to CDC including 5,705 positive cases in Brooklyn, and 1,246 deaths across America. I ask that all my constituents follow the instructions of our public health officials by practicing social distancing, staying home, sanitizing surfaces in your surroundings, avoiding touching your face and continuously washing your hands. Staying home can save lives by stopping the spread of this virus, even if you feel healthy. We must each do our part by staying in so that the heroes going to work each day at essential businesses is not done in vain. I thank each of you for your selfless sacrifice. 

I continue to work with our city and state elected officials as we all fight Coronavirus together. In Congress, I am working tirelessly to ensure that our great state receives the necessary resources to combat this global pandemic. Just yesterday, I voted for the CARES Act, which passed the House of Representatives and will provide some relief to those whose health or well-being is suffering from COVID-19. The bill is not perfect, but it provides action now during a critical time for our country. You can watch my remarks about the bill here.

As many of us are now teleworking, home with kids or home to help with our most vulnerable populations, please, remember the importance of the 2020 Census. Our district is one of the hardest-to-count in the country, so it is vital that everyone in our community is counted. Health care resources (like we are seeing with COVID-19) are tied directly to Census population counts. Census data is collected once every ten years, so, please do your part today so NY-09 has an accurate and complete count for the next decade. You can practice social distancing and fill out the Census online and by phone at 844-330-2020. You can also call my office at 718-287-1142 if you have questions. 

Lastly, my staff are still teleworking. If you have any constituent concerns, contact us Monday-Friday during business hours at -718-287-1142.

Let’s continue to flatten this curve together.

In good health,

Yvette D. Clarke
Member of Congress

General Updates:

• This can be a stressful time for many New Yorkers.  Resources are available for New Yorkers should you or a loved one need mental health assistance, please utilize the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline by calling (844) 863-9314.
• For meditation, relaxing music, breathing exercises, etc., you can utilize the relaxation hotline by calling (718) 920-2256. 
• During this crisis, New Yorkers with disabilities can reach out on Twitter to @NYCDisabilities, call 311 or visit http://nyc.gov/disability for more information. Deaf New Yorkers can also connect via video phone at 646-396-5830. 
• For our furry friends - please visit the NYCEM pets planning page at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/pets.page to plan ahead for your beloved pets in case of a medical emergency. 
• Citibike is offering free 30-day memberships for critical workforce in response to COVID-19. More information here: https://www.citibikenyc.com/critical-workforce-membership-press-release.
• Finally, SBS loan application is up and running! Businesses interested can apply online at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page
• If you believe an employer is violating COVID-19 related labor laws, please call 33 and say “Paid Safe and Sick Leave,” or visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/worker-rights.page for more.
• As a reminder, vulnerable New Yorkers who have symptoms can call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to connect with services and schedule testing from H+H.

Team Clarke Updates:

• On Tuesday, I hosted a telephone townhall with local healthcare experts to give our community in-depth updates on coronavirus.
• This week, my team focused on contacting nursing homes in the district to conduct an assessment of the need for PPE materials with an emphasis on the acute and immediate need for ventilators to help save those in need.
• I’m proud to stand with our labor unions whose jobs are on the line in the face of coronavirus. Thousands of our airport workers are being laid off during this pandemic and are losing their pay and benefits. Many of them are New Yorkers. I am fighting to ensure our workers are protected and receive comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid sick and family medical leave and layoff protection via back pay/wage replacement.

Legislative Action:

• I spoke on the House Floor in support of the CARES Act, which was signed into law. I  would not have supported the CARES Act if there was a Democratic President and Democratic Senate, but I had to act promptly to protect my constituents. I'm proud of the positive changes House Democrats secured in this package and now we must do what’s best for all Americans in the face of coronavirus. View my floor speech here. 
• I am a proud co-sponsor of the Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act to force the President to follow through with the Defense Production Act. Our coronavirus frontline responders cannot do their jobs without the supplies they need. This is not the time for profiteering and corporate giveaways  to the 1 percent. We should not have our states competing against one another and against the federal government.  The Defense Production Act is a critical step in ensuring we are equipped to combat this pandemic as a nation, but Presidential Power has turned a global health crisis into a corporate money scheme.
• Grocery shelves across the country are empty and Americans are in fear that due to this pandemic, prices will increase. I led a letter to the CEOs of major food retailers and supermarket chains requesting them to keep their shelves stocked and to not raise prices on key items because food is a human right. Read the letter here. 
• We must put politics aside and address New York’s rapid increase in cases of coronavirus. I signed Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s letter to ensure our communities receive 20,000 more ventilators to keep New Yorkers safe. Read the letter here. 
• I joined Congresswoman Maloney and our NY Congressional colleagues in a letter to House leadership requesting emergency funding for non-profit museums during this pandemic. Non-profit museums not only provide jobs for so many New Yorkers, but are critical to the cultural fabric of over communities. Read the letter here. 
• Congresswoman Maloney, Tri-State Members and I came together to request that House leadership includes critical federal aid for the MTA in the stimulus package. Public transportation and the work of our courageous transit workers are vital in keeping NYC thriving and mobile through the coronavirus pandemic. Without a well-functioning MTA, the tristate area and its workers will not thrive. Read the letter here. 

NYC Updates:

• The federal government has promised 2,500 ventilators currently just over 1,500 have arrived. 
• A total of 375 people who were serving time for minor, non-violent offenses have been released to help stop the spread of COVID-19. With these releases, NYC dropped the jail population below 5,000 for the first time since 1949.
• Community Donation Information:
• Companies who have stock on hand and are offering to DONATE or SELL medical supplies and equipment (e.g. gowns, masks, ventilators, face shields): http://www.nyc.gov/covidsuppliers. Those offers will be vetted and respondents will be contacted if there is interest.
• Local manufacturers and industry sector companies looking to begin producing supplies: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing  
• Food and other non-medical donations should go through DonateNYC:https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/donate/site/DonateFood/About Note: We are not accepting food donations directly to the City but this site provides a platform to connect with organizations in need of food.
• Job & Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Job Opportunities
  • Individual Career Advisement
  • Resume & Interview Preparation
  • Training
• Recruiting Drivers: Please spread the word! We are recruiting TLC-licensed drivers through DeliveryTLC to help with work related to COVID-19, such as delivering food to older adults. This work will be paid $15/hour plus reimbursement for gas and tolls. Drivers will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. The initial need for drivers will be small, but we expect it to increase as we expand our programs.
• Information about space: We are still identifying and standing up new hospital capacity. We are particularly interested in private spaces that may not be yet on our radar. For those you know who have space they want to offer, please have them fill out this space survey here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/share-your-space-survey.page.
• The city's Workforce1 Career Center launched a Virtual Center (or call 718-960-2458) to help New Yorkers prepare for, and connect to, jobs across New York City's five boroughs and in every sector of the economy. The in-person Workforce Career Centers in the Bronx (Fordham Rd), West Farms, and Hunts Point are currently closed. Through the Virtual Workforce1 Career Center system, candidates can be connected via web or phone to one-on-one help from professionals who can help them with:
• Current employment opportunities include Stop & Shop, Fresh Direct & PBM Guardian Industry Services.
• Hundreds of retired or non practicing healthcare professionals have signed up to the City’s medical reserve! Anyone interested can volunteering by signing up at nyc.gov/helpnownyc.

NYC Public Schools Updates:

• Remote learning will continue throughout next week. For remote learning specific updates and information during the Coronavirus, click here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update
• Free Grab-and-Go meals for children are now being given out at 400 sites across the city, Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 1:30pm. Anyone is allowed to pick up meals for their children, and no registration or identification is required. To find a Free Meal Location near you, click here: https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx
• The Department Of Education is lending out free remote learning devices to support remote learning for students who lack a laptop or tablet. Priority will be given to students who are most in need. To apply, parents should fill out this form: Remote Learning Devices - COVID19
• Regional Enrichment Centers are now open in every borough from Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm, for the children of essential workers. These centers are staffed and will provide children with three hot meals a day. For more information please visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/regional-enrichment-centers
• Spectrum and Optimum are offering to install free broadband WiFi for 60 days in any household that has K-12 or College students who are remote learning. To request an installation call: Spectrum: (844) 488-8395 & Optimum: (866) 200-9522. 

USCIS Updates:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced flexibility for requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny

• In response to the COVID-10 pandemic, USCIS announced that it is adopting a measure to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020.
• For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken.
• Please visit uscis.gov/coronavrius for the latest updates during this time.

USPS Updates:

• The mail continues to operate largely uninterrupted, and there are no plans currently to change that. Customers may see delays in mail and packages destined to China as well as from China, as well as to and from European countries subject to restricted passenger airline travel. 
• According to the World Health Organization and CDC, the risk of spreading and catching the virus that causes COVID-19 through the mail remains low, and there is no current evidence that the virus is spreading through the mail.
• Our office has received reports of certain buildings not having their mail delivered, and we have worked with the Postal Service to ensure service is restored. If you or someone you know is having an issue with receiving your mail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for assistance.
• Post Offices remain open as normal, and extra sanitary wipes have been put out. However, please be sure to practice social distancing when visiting your local Post Office. This means keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and other people as much as possible, in order to avoid spreading the virus.
• For more information: USPS Statement on Coronavirus

Things to consider before travel:

• Is COVID-19 spreading in the area where you’re going?
• If COVID-19 is spreading at your destination, but not where you live, you may be more likely to get infected if you travel there than if you stay home. If you have questions about your destination, you should check your destination’s local health department website for more information.
• Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
• Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like coronavirus may increase in crowded settings, particularly closed-in settings with little air circulation. This may include settings such as conferences, public events (like concerts and sporting events), religious gatherings, public spaces (like movie theatres and shopping malls), and public transportation (like buses, metro, trains).
• Are you or your travel companion(s) more likely to get severe illness if you get COVID-19?
• People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid all cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
• Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you are told to stay home for 14 days for self-monitoring or if you get sick with COVID-19?
• If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. If you become sick with COVID-19, you may be unable to go to work or school until you’re considered noninfectious. You will be asked to avoid contact with others (including being in public places) during this period of infectiousness.
• Do you live with someone who is older or has a serious, chronic medical condition?
• If you get sick with COVID-19 upon your return from travel, your household contacts may be at risk of infection. Household contacts who are older adults or persons of any age with severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Is COVID-19 spreading where I live when I return from travel?
• Consider the risk of passing COVID-19 to others during travel, particularly if you will be in close contact with people who are older adults or have severe chronic health conditions. These people are at higher risk of getting very sick. If your symptoms are mild or you don’t have a fever, you may not realize you are infectious.

State Dept. Info

2020 Rebates: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Congress proposing to pay rebates to individuals? 

The public health and economic consequences of COVID-19 are significant. These rebates help Americans afford what they need during this public health crisis, as many are experiencing a significant cash crunch. 

When will the rebates be distributed?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will work to deliver rebates quickly in the form of advance payments. For people who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, payment processing will be based on payment or address information already on file with the IRS. Electronic distributions will be automatic to an account the payee authorized January 1, 2018 or later.

How large are the rebates?

The amount of the rebate depends on family size. The payment is $1,200 for each adult individual ($2,400 for joint filers), and $500 per qualifying child under age 17. The advance payment of rebates is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income to the extent a taxpayer’s income exceeds $150,000 for a joint filer, $112,500 for a head of household filer, and $75,000 for anyone else (including single filers).

Do rebates need to be repaid?

No, rebates do not need to be repaid. If an individual experienced an income loss in 2020 or if they have an increase in family size, they may be able to claim an additional credit of the difference when the individual files their 2020 tax federal income tax return in 2021.

How will rebates be delivered?

It depends. Rebates will be delivered automatically—by the IRS—to most Americans who file individual federal income tax returns. When available, electronic direct deposit will be used in place of mailing a physical check. 

Many individuals don't need to file a tax return. Are non-filers eligible for rebates?

Yes. There is no earned income requirement to be eligible for a rebate, but non-filers may need to take additional steps to receive their rebates. The Social Security Administration will share information for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) beneficiaries with IRS to help ensure these beneficiaries receive an automatic advance payment. The IRS will conduct a public awareness campaign to reach other non-filers and provide them with information on how they can access rebates.

How will a person who has recently moved access rebates? 

The IRS will determine payment delivery systems for everyone entitled to rebates. 

Will the rebates affect my eligibility for federal income-targeted programs?

No, the rebate is considered a tax refund and is not counted towards eligibility for federal programs.

What identification requirements apply to receive rebates?

Taxpayers must have Social Security Numbers for themselves and their qualifying children in order to receive rebates.

Social Security Info

• Will I continue to receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment if I use Direct Deposit?: Yes. You will continue to receive your monthly benefit amount if you use Direct Deposit.
• Will I still receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment by mail? Yes. Please visit the United States Postal Service for their latest statements about COVID-19. You can visit our website to learn how to sign up for Direct Deposit.
• The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. We will not suspend or discontinue benefits because our offices are closed to the public for in-person service. 
• Will SSA provide in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic?: No. Please do not come into one of our local offices. We cannot accept walk-in visitors at this time. On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we suspended face-to-face service to the public in our field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
• How can I get help from SSA? We will provide limited, critical services via phone, mail, and online, while we focus our efforts on serving people most in need. Online at www.SSA.gov – You can conduct most business online without assistance. By Phone you can call your local office’s General Inquiry (GI) line, as well as the National 800 number. 
• What can I do online? You can conduct most business online with our secure and convenient online services available at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices. Our online services are available from anywhere and from any of your devices. You can: Apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits; Check the status of an application or appeal; Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas); Request a replacement Medicare card (You may not need to request a card: Your healthcare provider can verify Medicare eligibility if you know your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number.); Print a benefit verification letter; Print a SSA-1099; Change address; Set up or change direct deposit; and Much more. 
• How will SSA help me by phone? During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are focusing on providing specific critical services to people in dire need. We will accept requests for dire need benefit payments, which include: If you did not receive your monthly payment; If you are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; or If your benefits were suspended and can now be reinstated. For critical payments, we will send payments by mail, or we will schedule an appointment for you to visit the office for pickup.
• We will take applications for benefits and assist people already receiving benefits. We are prioritizing the critical claims first, including: Disability applications for the most severe disabilities including: If you have a terminal illness; If you are a Wounded Warrior; If you may qualify for an immediate Supplemental Security Income payment based certain severe disabilities https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-expedite-ussi.htm; If your disability qualifies for our Compassionate Allowance; https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances, Quick Disability Determination, https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm processes; Medicare and Medicaid applications necessary for health-care coverage; Representative Payee and other changes that ensure you continue to receive benefits; To the extent possible, we will complete all other applications for Retirement, Survivor, Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
• Important Note: If you already have a scheduled appointment, we will attempt to contact you by phone and/or reschedule for a telephone appointment. Our call may come from a PRIVATE number and not from a U.S. Government phone. We know that some bad actors are trying to take advantage of this situation. Please read the information at this link https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-10018 to know it is SSA calling. Please remember that our employees will never threaten you or ask for any form of immediate payment.
• If your offices are closed, will I still have my hearing? Yes. We will contact you prior to your scheduled hearing to offer you a hearing by phone.
• Will SSA extend our deadlines to provide documentation and other information? Yes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending our deadlines wherever possible. If we asked you to contact us by a certain date, please do not come to the office. You can contact us once our offices reopen to the public or you can mail your documents to us. We will follow up with you once the COVID-19 public health emergency subsides. We are providing maximum flexibility in applying our good cause policy. This policy allows us to extend the time limits for submitting appeals and taking other actions during this public health emergency.
• What workloads is SSA not doing during the COVID-19 pandemic? We have suspended the following workloads until further notice: We will not start or complete any current medical continuing disability reviews. If you have a medical continuing disability review pending, please do not request medical information from your doctors at this time. We will follow up with you for any medical evidence once the COVID-19 public health emergency subsides. Where possible, we are suspending our processing and collection of overpayments. We are not conducting organization or individual representative payee accountings. We will not be able to process a third party requests for information, except from appointed representatives and representative payees. We will not process any Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• How can I get a new or replacement Social Security number card? New Card Requests: We will continue to process new card requests through our automated processes for Enumeration at Birth, Enumeration at Entry, and Enumeration beyond Entry. Replacement Card Requests: You may be able to request a replacement card online with your personal my Social Security account. Visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to learn how.