As you are aware, the City is currently responding to the novel Coronavirus, and we want to make sure that you are provided with the most up-to-date information.
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection:
Price Gouging: Please be advised that effective March 16th, DCWP has issued an emergency rule regarding price gouging of products that are used to treat, prevent, or limit the spread of COVID-19. Learn more: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/media/Face-Masks-in-Short-Supply-Due-to-COVID-19.page
Workplace Guidance: NYC Workplace laws are still in effect. Learn more about employee rights and employer responsibilities here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/workers/Complying-with-NYC-Workplace-Laws-During-COVID-19.pdf
NYC Free Tax Prep: The tax filing deadline is July 15th. While all NYC free tax prep providers have suspended in-person services, we are now providing virtual and assisted self-prep free tax prep services.
- New Yorkers who earned $64,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for Virtual Free Tax Preparation with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) certified preparer.
- New Yorkers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for free Assisted Self-Preparation.
Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection. Learn more: www.nyc.gov/taxprep
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: For the health and safety of our providers and clients, all Financial Counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Our counselors can help New Yorkers manage their bills amidst the coronavirus crisis, understand student loans, and more. Book an appointment at www.nyc.gov/talkmoney
Have a Student Loan?: Important information about payments and resources can be found at www.nyc.gov/studentloans
Expecting an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS?: Check out everything you need to know here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/What-You-Need-to-Know-about-Economic-Impact-Payments-English.pdf
Debt Collection: DCWP has created a joint letter template that you can fill out and mail (required by federal law) so debt collectors can’t contact you until the State of Emergency in New York City has ended. More information found at https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/DCA-Template-Cease-Debt-Collection-Communication-Letter-for-Consumers.pdf
Questions about Funeral Planning During COVID-19? : Important Information for New Yorkers who have lost loved ones can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/Funeral-Planning-During-COVID-19-English.pdf
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
Recent Guidelines and Tools: All the latest guidance from face masks to how to properly document your eligibility for NYS Emergency Paid Sick Leave can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page
NYC Human Resources Administration:
Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call HRA’s Infoline at 718-557-1399.
Funeral and Burial Guidance and Assistance: HRA will provide financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to meet qualifying funeral expenses. For more information e-mail burialservices@hra.nyc.gov
NYC Department of Education:
Regional Enrichment Centers: Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs) are places where the children of first responders, health care providers, transit workers and other key personnel can be safely cared for while their parents continue to serve NYC in this time of need. If your child is a New York City resident and you would like to enroll in one of these centers, please complete the REC Enrollment Form online at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5518161/REC-Enrollment-Form
Taxi and Limousine Commission:
TLC Food Delivery Program : TLC drivers can sign-up to deliver meals to elderly and high-risk people around the City. As of, Sunday, April 26, drivers will receive $53 per route, on all routes citywide, including $40 per route in base pay and $13 per route to cover gas and mileage. TLC drivers can also use non-TLC vehicles. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/tlc-driver-food-delivery.page
TLC licensees can take advantage of the Driver Resource Center, which provides financial counseling and legal services and other useful free City resources such as health care insurance, mental health resources and more. https://portal.driverresourcecenter.tlc.nyc.gov/
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs:
Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/legal-services/public-charge.page
Resources for Immigrant Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page
NYC Commission on Human Rights:
NYC Human Rights Law: Harassment and discrimination based on race, national origin, age, and disability (including having COVID-19 or another serious illness) is illegal. If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, contact the Commission by filling out our online form or by calling 311 and asking for “human rights.” Please visit: www.nyc.gov/cchr
Stay safe and well.