Click on these links to see this in: Spanish (español), Chinese (中文)

As we all know, COVID-19 has made a severe impact on our communities, leading to immense physical, mental, and socioeconomic stress. All of which may lead to feelings of fear and helplessness. However, we wanted to make this a space for our communities to be aware that you are not alone and to share the resources that our city provides to all communities–especially in a city as diverse as New York.

On June 2nd and June 3rd, we held a special workshop through Zoom and Facebook Live with presenters from Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs — Violeta Uribe-Gomez, David Sosa, Ayyad Algabyali, Lydia Li, and from MetroPlus Health Plan: Richard Taylor, Houaria Aouadj,Christopher Lai, and Heyda Restituyo, also Jazmin Perez from Mixteca to discuss health and city resources that can help our community members during this difficult time.

To view our Facebook sessions in English, Chinese, Spanish and Arabic, click here

The following are highlights of important resources available to New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a full list of resources, please view our Resources List.

Health

  • Anyone who does not have a health care provider can call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311 to discuss COVID-19 symptoms and receive medical advice and assistance, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay.
    • Getting care, treatment, or testing for COVID-19 will NOT make you a “public charge” or hurt your ability to apply for a green card. Getting free or discounted medical care will not hurt your ability to apply for a green card. Seek care without fear.
  • NYC Health + Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, no matter what your immigration status or insurance status is and cannot pay for health care. This is true for all types of health care services, including emergency care, doctor’s visits, medications, long-term care, and hospital stays. For a list of public hospitals visit: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/hospitals 
  • For information about face coverings distributed by the city of NY visit: http://nyc.gov/facecoverings 
  • If you are a New Yorker who has COVID-19 or lives with someone who has COVID-19, you may be eligible for a temporary hotel stay for up to 14 days. Call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692) and press “0”.
  • Contact NYC Well for free mental health services, such as crisis counseling, peer support, short-term counseling, connection to ongoing mental health and substance misuse services
    • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages
    • Call: 1-888-692-9355
    • Text: “Well” to 65173
    • Website: nyc.gov/nycwell

Health Insurance

  • The special enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers is open until June 15, 2020. Apply for coverage through NY State of Health by phone at 855-355-5777, directly to insurers, or by calling 311.
  • If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or Child Health Plus.
  • Medicaid, Medicare, Child Health Plus, and essential worker plan members will not lose their coverage with the new 4 month grace period implemented by the state—you will be required to pay, but may qualify for low or no cost insurance.
  • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, identity proofing requirements are relaxed—attestations can be verbal over the phone without extra documentation. 
  • Undocumented immigrants can access the following insurance and health care options: 
  • NYC Health + Hospitals Options Program: A sliding scale co-payment based on income and family size. This program allows you to have access to medical care, providers, mental health services and pharmacy benefits.
  • Child Health Plus: This insurance program is available to children living in NY who are under 19 years of age, regardless of documentation status. You must meet certain income requirements based on the size of the household.
  • NYC Care: An option available under the Mayor’s initiative to guarantee health care for all and is NOT included under the public charge rule. This provides low cost or no cost services offered through NYC Health + Hospitals for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. Services covered under NYC Care include: primary care providers, medical services, and pharmacy benefits. NYC Care is provided at the individual Health + Hospital facilities. This plan is currently available only in Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Visit https://www.nyccare.nyc/ for additional information.
  • Metro Plus is a subsidiary of NYC Health + Hospitals. Metro Plus plan options include: Medicaid, Medicare, essential plans, NYC city employees, child plus (including undocumented), qualified health, special needs, HIV, managed care

Legal:

  • For any questions or concerns you have regarding immigration status, including COVID-19-related changes, call 1-800-354-0365 Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, or call 311 and say “ActionNYC.”ActionNYC offers free, safe immigration legal help across New York City. 
  • USCIS has cancelled all face-to-face services including interviews and naturalization ceremonies until further notice.

Tenants:

All COVID-related eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders have been suspended until August 20, 2020. Call 311 to receive guidance on pressing issues like harassment, eviction, and benefits access. Additional resources from the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants resources can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/content/tenantprotection/pages/resources

Cash Assistance:

If your work schedule was reduced as a result of COVID-19 and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for Emergency Cash Assistance. Apply for benefits through ACCESS HRA. Some immigration restrictions apply. 

Food Assistance:

  • Three meals a day are available for all New York residents at 400 meal hubs citywide. Meals Hubs operate Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for children and families, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for adults. Visit the Department of Education’s free meal location finder website or call 311. You can also text FOOD to 877-877.
  • SNAP is a federal program that helps millions of people put food on the table. More info on SNAP benefits and eligibility, visit the Human Resources Administration (HRA)’s webpage on SNAP or call HRA’s Infoline at 718-557-1399.
  • If you cannot leave your home, do not have anyone who can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options, you may be eligible to get free meals delivered directly to your home. Households that qualify can order food delivery for up to a month. Visit the NYC COVID-19 Food Assistance Resources website or call 311 and say “Get Food.”

NYC Small Business Resources:

For a full list of upcoming webinars, visit: https://bit.ly/SBSWebinars 

English Language Learners:

We Speak NYC is a 17-episode Emmy Award-winning educational television series, to help English language learners practice English. In response to COVID-19, WSNYC is offering free, weekly online classes. Visit http://www.nyc.gov/wespeaknyc for more information.

Additional Resources:

We invite you to join our next Zoom workshop on June 16th, 2020, which will focus on Understanding the CARE Act, specifically the economic impact payments, food assistance, and more!

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