
Community Resources for Queens, New York CIty
Financial Resources Related to COVID-19
Last updated 4/9/20
- There is an indefinite moratorium on evictions in New York State as
ordered by the Governor. A tenant cannot be evicted from a NYC apartment
during this crisis. As of March 17th, NYC Housing Court is closed and no new
case filings will take place as well.
https://www.righttocounselnyc.org/moratorium_faq - All NYS major utility companies have agreed to a no-disconnect policy
as requested by the Governor.
https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/03/national-grid-other-major-
new-york-utilities-suspend-shut-offs-during-coronavirus-outbreak.html - During this crisis, HRA will take no negative case actions on any current
benefits case: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/index.page New Yorkers can also
apply for SNAP, cash assistance, Medicaid, and Fair Fares online: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/ - Undocumented immigrants should not avoid medical care if they require it.
Hospital staff will NOT ask about immigration status and medical
care is NOT a public benefit under the public charge test. If an
undocumented immigrant does not have a doctor or insurance, they can visit a
public hospital safely. - All NYS debt collection has been suspended per order of the Governor.
This is debt owed to New York State only. New Yorkers with student debt,
medical debt & other state-referred debt will have payments frozen for at least 30 days. - Federal Tax Day has been moved to July 15th.
Unemployment Insurance - NYS Department of Labor is waiving the seven-day wait period for
unemployment insurance benefits:
https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm - COVID-19 resources are available for individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs: https://on.nyc.gov/34qzVkF
Cash Relief:
- Due to recently passed federal legislation, adult U.S. residents with Social Security numbers will receive up to $1,200 check if they had an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less in 2018. Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less would receive a total of up to $2,400. Individuals or married couples who fall in these income brackets with children age 16 or under, will receive an additional $500 per child.
- For families or individuals who earn more, the payment decreases gradually until it stops altogether for single people earning $99,000 or married people who have no children and earn $198,000. A family with two children would no longer be eligible for any payments if its income surpassed $218,000.
Consumer Debt
- Credit Karma has a list of some credit card issuers who will accept requests to
defer payments and/or rescind late fees:
https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/coronavirus-credit-card-relief-options/
Debt Collection
- Governor Cuomo and Attorney General James temporarily suspended state debt collection in response to coronavirus. The state will temporarily halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection, for at least a 30-day period. For more information, go here.
Education:
- Advocates for Children of New York’s Education Helplineis continuing to help families during the period of school closure. Anyone with questions about education can speak with an education specialist Monday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm by calling their toll free number at 866-427-6033. For regular education updates, visit https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/covid-19-updates.
Emergency Funds for Artists
- For artists: https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Emergency%20Grants
- For artists, Rauschenberg Emergency Grants for medical emergencies:
https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Rauschenberg-Emergency-Grants - For entertainment professionals: https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help
- For dancers:
https://www.dance.nyc/programs/funds/CoronavirusDanceReliefFund
Emergency Funds for Service Industry Workers
- For freelancers, Councilmember Brad Lander’s campaign has a
comprehensive list of resources: https://www.landerfornyc.com/covid-relief-for-
freelancers - For taxi drivers, the City is hiring to deliver food to seniors:
http://www.nyc.gov/deliverytlc - For domestic workers: https://domesticworkers.org/coronavirus-care-fund
- Restaurant Workers Community Foundation is maintaining a list of emergency
relief for the restaurant industry:
https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-
restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency - One Fair Wage has launched a fund for restaurant workers, delivery drivers and
other tipped workers and service workers: https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help - Bartender Emergency Assistance Program:
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap - Licensed Beauty Professionals: https://www.probeauty.org/pba-charities/covid-
19-relief-fund
Emergency Funds for Veterans
- Gary Sinise Foundation: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/contact/
Emergency Loans
- The Hebrew Free Loan Society Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program
provides interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000: https://hfls.org/loan-
programs/coronavirusfinancialimpactloan/
Eviction and Mortgage Moratorium:
- There is a temporary moratorium on evictions in New York City. Even if you cannot pay rent, you cannot be removed from your home. Please call 311 for more information. The Governor has also urged a moratorium on collection for mortgages in New York State. For more information please call the state’s 24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
Financial:
- Financial Empowerment Guidance: New York City Financial Empowerment Center counselors are available to support those experiencing financial challenges. Book an appointment at http://nyc.gov/TalkMoney.
Food Resources
- NYC is delivering food for those who are home-bound and have no other
alternatives:
https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/#/display/5e7555117ad6750216
160409 - Food resources tracked around the city: https://maps.nyc.gov/foodhelp/
- Available food resources by many neighborhoods, updated every couple of days:
https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/coronavirus-nyc-food-reports/ - Apply for SNAP online: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
- COVID-19 NYC GOV assistance: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml
- Food/Grocery Assistance:You can apply for food assistance benefits and view a map of food pantries and community kitchens here. You can also call 866-888-8777 or 311 for information on locations and hours to get immediate help with food in NYC. The Department of Education is also providing grab & go breakfast and lunch to all those under 18 at its schools. For pick up
- NYC will register seniors in buildings run by NYCHA, HPD and non profits for home delivery food programs.
- Request food for those living in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Woodside, please contact:
Funeral & Burial Guidance:
- COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives, but all New Yorkers still deserve to celebrate, honor and memorialize lost loved ones. For those trying to manage a tragic loss from COVID19, our funeral and burial guidance may be able to help. Visit here for guidance.
- Funeral & Burial Guidance in Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español
- New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Funeral Directing:
Health Resources
- NYS has created a Special Enrollment Period, now through April 15, for
uninsured NYers to seek health insurance coverage:
https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/news/press-release-ny-state-health-and-
new-york-state-department-financial-services-announce-special - Health Care Coverage for Older New Yorkers:
Healthcare:
- To find a health care provider, call 844-692-4692 or 311, regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay.
Help for Small Businesses
- Financial assistance available from the city for small businesses:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page - Start Small Think Big has webinars and other resources available:
https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/covid19 - NYC Department of Small Business Services will help businesses hire new workers and maintain staffing through virtual NYC Workforce1 Career Centers.
Help Running Errands/Mutual Aid
- For those high-risk New Yorkers who cannot leave their homes, there is a
volunteer-led delivery effort for groceries and other goods: - https://www.invisiblehandsdeliver.com/ (Note: only delivery is free, people still
have to pay for their goods.) - Mutual Aid NYC: http://mutualaid.nyc/
- Hub of mutual aid groups all around the country. Search on New York to find
local groups: https://www.mutualaidhub.org/
Immigrant Communities
- https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page?fbclid=IwAR0k0R-pAl8bjv6c8xpCXxuOwnPS4lDndHFzkDLwJ_6ZqOxDSao37-cCnvw&utm_source=Senator+James+Sanders+Jr.+Newsletter&utm_campaign=dc0f484bc9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_18_01_33_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_40b4e122c7-dc0f484bc9-268162601
- Upwardly Global – Immigrant Professionals Employment Program: Upwardly Global supports Immigrant and Refugee New Yorkers to navigate the U.S. professional job search process through a free online Job Search Training Program, customized job coaching, invitations to network and practice interviewing with our employer partners, access to reskilling and training opportunities, and more. Currently all services are provided virtually. More Info can be found here.
Job Opportunities
- NYCHA is hiring temporary maintenance staff at its properties:
https://twitter.com/CMFarahLouis/status/1247579519218835457?s=20 - NYC is hiring taxi drivers to deliver food to seniors:
http://www.nyc.gov/deliverytlc - Temporary job listings are available here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/find-a-job.page
- TLC: The City of New York is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more or Sign up (webpage in English only): https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/#/display/5e7634997ad67502161607c2
- Help Finding a Job: Call the Workforce Career Center at 718-960-2458 to prepare for, and connect to, jobs across New York City’s five boroughs and in every sector of the economy.
- LaGuardia TechHire – Open Code. Jobs for web developers and more:
- Web Development – deadline to apply is April 30. Register for virtual info sessions here.
- CompTIA A+/N+ Training – deadline to apply is April 20. Register for virtual info sessions here.
- Learn more and apply here.
Legal Services
- Legal Services NYC is the nation’s largest provider of free legal services. They help over 110,000 New Yorkers get the services they need each year to thrive. Their staff of nearly 600 advocates are available to help low-income New Yorkers across the city with issues pertaining to housing, immigration, unemployment insurance, access to public benefits, and small business sustainability and more. Their Access Line is up and running; call them at 917-661-4500 for help.
Public Benefits
- Community Service Society is tracking all of the changes to public benefit
programs in NYC: https://bplc.cssny.org/benefit_tools/15
Price Gouging:
- You can report concerns about price gouging to the state here or to the City here or by calling 311. You can also report price gouging to the state at 800-697-1220.
Mental Healthcare:
- If you’re feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, you can also connect with the NYC WELL’s confidential helpline: Call 888-692-9355, text “WELL” to 65173 or chat online at gov/nycwell. NYS Mental Health Hotline: 1-844-863-9314 (to schedule a free appointment)”
- NYC Well Hotline 1-888-692-9355: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-
help-now/
Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): Call 1-800-985-5990 and text talk with us
to 66746 for crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing
distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-
caused disaster, including public health emergencies. - Safety planning for domestic violence survivors:
https://sanctuaryforfamilies.org/safety-planning-covid19/
Mortgage Help
- All NYS mortgage lenders are being urged — but not required — to defer mortgage
payments for 90 days. People should check with their lender to confirm specific
bank policies: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2029-continuing-
temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency
Pet Owners
- ASPCA is offering free dog and cat food to those affected by the virus. Call for 1-
800-738-9437 to set-up a required appointment:
https://1010wins.radio.com/articles/feature-article/aspca-launches-pet-food-
pantry-during-coronavirus-crisis
Small Businesses:
- The City is offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible to apply for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help ensure business continuity. Disaster loans are also available through the Small Business Administration. For more information and to apply for relief, please go here.
Sick Leave:
- Under New York City law, all private sector workplaces with 5 or more employees must provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year. All full-time and part-time workers are covered. Immigration status is irrelevant. If you are not receiving paid sick leave from your employer, call 311 or go here.
- If you have already used your paid sick leave, you may be eligible for more under recently passed federal legislation. If you work for a private company with fewer than 500 people, then you likely qualify for this paid sick leave program, starting April 1. If you believe your employer should be providing sick leave under this new law (full criteria outlined here), but they do not provide it starting April 1, you can call 202-693-4600. Frequently asked questions and answers about this limited paid sick leave program are available here.
Specific Utility Resources
- National Grid has suspended collections services including gas
disconnections. Residential and commercial heat and cooking gas cannot be shut
off through the end of April. https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19
Con Edison has suspended service shut-offs during this crisis
https://www.coned.com/en/about-us/media-center/news/coronavirus/updates
Undocumented Workers
- Undocumented workers who have lost their jobs: https://raise-
nyc.squarespace.com/events/2020/3/17/undocu-workers-fund
Unemployment Insurance:
- Due to recent Congressional action, Americans laid off due to COVID-19 can now receive up to $600/week for four months in addition to their state’s regular unemployment insurance payments. You can file for unemployment insurance here. The Treasury estimates you will receive a check within 3 weeks, once your claim is processed. If you filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not need to prove you are searching for employment to make a claim.
- Unsafe Working Conditions:If you believe an employer is in violation of either existing labor laws or recently issued executive orders you can contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8700 or Bureau@ag.ny.gov
- The nonprofit news site The City has released a guide to navigating unemployment benefits, with explanations on federal aid eligibility, tips for part time and freelance workers as well as instructions on how to obtain state unemployment benefits.
Utility Payments:
- The Governor directed the New York State Department of Public Service to suspend public utilities from cutting off service – including power and heat – to customers affected by COVID-19. For more information, please call the state’s 24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
Tax Payment:
- The Internal Revenue Service has extended its payment period for 90 days. You now have until July 15, 2020 to pay federal income taxes if you owe less than 1 million dollars. This extension also applies to businesses that owe less than 10 million dollars. Everyone must still file with the IRS by Wednesday, April 15, 2020. If you need further guidance please follow this link https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-17.pdf
Volunteer Services:
- NYC staff have been deployed to 14 pantries that are short on volunteers. To volunteer, visit NYC Service.
- HELP NOW NYC – Latest COVID-19 Resources and Services: The City of New York has developed the Help Now NYC website for New Yorkers who want to give help and those who need help.
- SAGE has a volunteer program that connects volunteers with LGBTQ+ seniors to help combat social isolation. Click here for more information.
MORE RESOURCE DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
- Resource During COVID-19 Document created by Ana Ladino MSW Candidate at Columbia School of Social Work
- Senator Jessica Ramos’ Resource Manual: Please click on the below image to go to the linked resource list document.
SPANISH - Resources
Haga clic en la imagen de abajo para ir al documento de recursos vinculado.
Comida:
- Pueden textear FOOD al 726879.
- Luego, escoge su idioma y le explicará los próximos pasos.
- Le hará una serie de preguntas, por ejemplo, sobre el número de personas en su hogar. Después de poner su código postal, se le dará una lista de despensas de alimentos cercanas, y de horas en las que puede ir a recoger los alimentos.
- Simplemente tiene que hacer cita y confirmar que va a ir a recogerlos en su despensa local. Solo hacen falta unos minutos para apuntarse en Chatbox
- Ya puede ir caminando a recoger una bolsa de comestibles en una despensa cerca de su casa, sin tener que dar más información.
Mas recursos en español aqui.
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