DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis

DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis

The following information has been compiled by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—as we continue to protect and enhance the daily economic lives of New Yorkers.

Click on the tabs below for translated materials in Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

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DCWP Services Online and Limited In-Person Assistance

In-Person Licensing and Collections Services Available By Appointment Only. DCWP is accepting in-person visits from customers with appointments only at our Manhattan and Queens locations. You must schedule an appointment to meet with a DCWP representative. For health and safety reasons, DCWP cannot serve walk-ins. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Download the Services Available Online Only* Flyer as a PDF in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 中文 (Chinese) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Price Gouging

Price Gouging is ILLEGAL for ANY Item or Service Needed to Limit the Spread of COVID-19. Your business cannot excessively increase the price you charge customers for any personal or household good or any service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Learn more about price gouging.

Download Flyer for Consumers: Have you tried to buy any good or service needed to limit the spread of COVID-19? in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Download Flyer for Businesses: Do you sell any good or service needed to limit the spread of COVID-19? in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Complaints about COVID-19 Tests

Did a COVID-19 test site misrepresent its turnaround times?
File a complaint with DCWP.

Did a store overcharge you for at-home COVID-19 test kits?
File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General’s Frauds and Protection Bureau:
File complaint online
• Call 800-771-7755

Note: Testing remains an important part of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Learn about FREE at-home COVID-19 tests or find a test location near you by visiting the NYC Department of Health website.

Workplace Safety and City Labor Laws

COVID-19 and Paid Sick Leave.

  • If you, your child, or a close family member test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for paid leave under New York State labor laws. Contact the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) to learn more.
  • You may be eligible for a separate bank of paid leave to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots, under New York State labor laws. Contact NYS DOL to learn more.

These rights under New York State law are in addition to your rights under NYC’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. If you are eligible for leave under State law, consider using NYS leave before using your accrued sick leave under City law. Note: Your employer cannot require you to use your accrued NYC sick leave first. Employers cannot mistreat or punish workers for using or asking for sick leave. If you have questions about NYC’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, contact the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Call 311 and say “Paid Safe and Sick Leave” or e-mail OLPS@dcwp.nyc.gov

Monitor nyc.gov/workers for the latest information about worker rights.

DCWP Licenses and General Business Information

September 2022: For certain licenses, if your license expired during the period from March 12, 2020 through August 14, 2021, you may renew your license on or before October 21, 2022, as long as your license has not been suspended, revoked or surrendered. Learn more about Extension of Renewal Times for Certain Licenses.

On March 7, 2022, Key to NYC rules were suspended. Businesses previously covered by Key to NYC rules will still have the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose. Read mayoral press release.

As of August 17, 2021, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO for indoor dining, indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment. This new requirement — called the Key to NYC — also means staff at these locations must be vaccinated. If your business is covered by this requirement, you are required to check the vaccination status of all staff and customers 12 and older. This policy is in effect as of August 17, and enforcement will begin on September 13. Businesses that do not comply with this policy will be subject to fines. Learn more at nyc.gov/keytonyc.

Starting August 14, 2021, DCWP will review potentially abandoned newsstands to determine if they are not in use for two consecutive months and may take action on their licenses.

On June 24, 2021, New York’s COVID-19 State of Emergency expired and many New York Forward industry reopening guidance documents are no longer mandatory.

On May 19, 2021, the State lifted indoor dining capacity in New York City, meaning restaurants can operate indoors at full capacity. As a result, starting August 17, 2021, restaurants cannot require customers to pay the COVID-19 Recovery Charge. DCWP will be updating materials to reflect the changes. Please check back soon. Read Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 Recovery Charge at Restaurants in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

June 18, 2020: Per the Mayor’s Executive Order, certain laws and rules relating to sidewalk cafés have been suspended to administer the Open Restaurants Program. If you own a restaurant or bar, you must apply for Open Restaurants certification to offer outdoor dining service, even if you already have a license for an unenclosed sidewalk café or a small sidewalk café. Learn more including guidance on heating elements for outdoor dining setups at nyc.gov/openrestaurants.

Managing Money

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers. Worried about money? You’re not alone. Get FREE financial counseling in person or by phone. Sessions are secure and confidential. Learn more about financial counseling at nyc.gov/TalkMoney. Download Financial Empowerment Center flyer in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਦੇ ( Punjabi) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

NYC Free Tax Prep. Changes to tax credits mean more money for you when you file. Learn more about tax prep at nyc.gov/taxprep. Download Tax Time flyer in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | עברית (Hebrew) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu) | ײִדיש (Yiddish)

Advance Child Tax Credit. To help families during COVID, the U.S. government made changes to the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Families can get half of the fully refundable credit—worth up to $3,600 per child—as monthly payments in 2021 and the other half as a refund in 2022. Child Tax Credit payments began July 15, 2021. Learn more about the Child Tax Credit at nyc.gov/ChildTaxCredit.

Download Claim Advance Child Tax Credit payments by November 15, 2021 Flyer in: English | Español (Spanish) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | 한국어 (Korean)

Download Child Tax Credit payments begin July 15, 2021 Flyer in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Economic Impact Payments. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, eligible individuals and families will receive a third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP or stimulus payments) by mail (paper check or prepaid debit card) or by direct deposit to your bank account. No action is required by most eligible recipients. Download What You Need to Know about the Third Round of Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

If you did not receive a first or second stimulus payment and think you may be eligible, or did not receive the full payment amount, you may be eligible to obtain a stimulus payment by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2020 federal tax return. You can learn about NYC Free Tax Prep services to file your taxes and receive a stimulus payment(s) for free. Download What You Need to Know about the Second Round of Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Information about First Round Stimulus Payments in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Student Loans. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, federal student loan payments are automatically suspended, without interest or penalties, until December 31, 2022. Read Important Information for Student Loan Holders: Automatic Payment Suspension and Other Relief During COVID-19.

If you are experiencing a loss of income - including due to COVID - or your family size has changed, learn about Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans that can lower your monthly student loan payments. Get free, one-on-one financial counseling to find an IDR that works for you. Book an appointment at nyc.gov/TalkMoney.

Learn more about Biden Administration's student loan debt plan that cancels up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for eligible borrowers and the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver at nyc.gov/StudentLoans.

Scams and Safety Tips

Scammers often take advantage of vulnerable people during times of crisis and distress. It is important that you be aware of any potential scams in order to protect yourself and your money. This publication describes common COVID-19-related scams and tips to stay safe.

DCWP issued tips for National Consumer Protection Week 2021
Download National Consumer Protection Week Tips 2021 in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Download COVID-19 Scams and Safety Tips in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Funeral Planning

Read Important Information for New Yorkers Who Have Lost Loved Ones: Funeral Planning During COVID-19 in:
English (Updated October 13, 2021)
Other Languages (May 14, 2021): Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Additional City Resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Get the latest guidance from NYC Health Department

COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal. Learn about resources for New Yorkers, businesses, and non-profits at nyc.gov/coronavirus

Archived Reopening Guidance

On June 24, 2021, New York’s COVID-19 State of Emergency expired and many New York Forward industry reopening guidance documents are no longer mandatory. Below are materials DCWP created during the State of Emergency and are archived for reference only. Visit forward.ny.gov for active guidance.

Download Additional Industries Permitted to Reopen in NYC: What Workers Need to Know in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Download PHASE 4 of Reopening NYC: What Workers Need to Know in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Note: For detailed industry-specific guidance, available in additional languages, visit forward.ny.gov.

Download PHASE 3 of Reopening NYC: What Workers Need to Know in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | नेपाली (Nepali) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Note: For detailed industry-specific guidance, available in additional languages, visit forward.ny.gov.

Download PHASE 2 of Reopening NYC: What Workers Need to Know in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Note: For detailed industry-specific guidance, available in additional languages, visit forward.ny.gov.

Download PHASE 1 of Reopening NYC: What Workers Need to Know in:
English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Note: For detailed industry-specific guidance, available in additional languages, visit forward.ny.gov.

Download Reopening NYC: Frequently Asked Questions for NYC Workers.

Download NYC Means Business: Reopen & Stay Safe at Work outreach flyer in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)