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** Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you and your families are well and staying home, if possible. During this incredibly difficult time for our city, I wish all who are celebrating this week -- a Happy Pesach and Easter.
I'm writing with three key updates as we head into the weekend:
As always, just a reminder to check our website ([link removed]) regularly. We update it on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through the next few weeks.
1.) Your mail delivery may become less consistent -- U.S. Postal Service carriers have been hard hit by COVID-19, and the Postal Service is reorganizing its delivery routes to make sure all areas are covered. Mail service absolutely remains in effect but you may experience delays because fewer workers are on duty. If you have not received mail that is an absolute necessity --such as medication or a check-- please contact our office. Otherwise, please be patient.
2.) Effective today, the application process for NYS Unemployment Insurance has been updated to better handle the unprecedented number of people in need of assistance.
Learn more here: [link removed]
* The best way to file a new claim for unemployment insurance is through the new online filing system ([link removed]) . This is only for new claims.
* New Yorkers who have filed partial claims under the old UI system and were told to call the call center to finish their application should NOT - instead, the NYS Dept of Labor call center will call you directly.
* If you have an existing claim, go to labor.ny.gov/signin ([link removed]) to make weekly certifications or to view your claim information.
It will take an estimated 2-3 weeks to begin to receive benefits once your application is complete. Calling during this period will only slow the system down. As you await your benefits, please check our website ([link removed]) for information about public and community-based resources that can be of use to you and your family.
Remember -- your unemployment benefits will extend back to the first day you became unemployed, not the day you were successfully able to apply. Those not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance --such as self-employed and gig workers-- may now qualify for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
3.) Free meals are available for ALL New Yorkers at 400+ city schools. Three meals per day are available Monday–Friday, 7:30am – 11:30am for families and children; and 11:39am – 1:30pm for adults. No registration, ID, documentation required. All 3 meals can be picked up at the same time, & caregivers can pick up meals for their children. Click here for locations ([link removed]) .
Upper West Side “Meal Hub” locations:
* Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus, 122 Amsterdam Ave (65th-66th);
* J.H.S. 54 Booker T. Washington, 103 W. 107th St;
* P.S. 9 Sarah Anderson, 100 W. 84th St; and
* P.S. 163 Alfred E. Smith, 163 W. 97th St.
Other items of interest to our community:
* This Monday (4/13) at NOON, join the National Network for Safe Communities and experts from around the country as they discuss intimate partner violence in the context of COVID-19. Sponsored by John Jay College. Register here ([link removed]) .
* There are many ways to donate or volunteer ([link removed]) to support NYC's fight against COVID-19. Click here ([link removed]) if you would like to volunteer on the Upper West Side.
* PLEASE 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. ([link removed])
* Per Governor Cuomo, all New Yorkers will be allowed to absentee vote in the June 23rd Democratic Primary. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here ([link removed]) .
Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.
Warmly,
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .
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Copyright © 2020 Council Member Helen Rosenthal, All rights reserved.
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