The following information has been gathered specifically to inform people with disabilities on the resources available to the population during NYC's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Select a topic to display its information and resources.
For the most up to date information on prevention and treatment practices of COVID-19 in multiple languages please visit nyc.gov/Coronavirus, text "COVID" to 392-392, call 311 or text 311 at 311-692.
If you have any specific questions or concerns please contact the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities directly:
Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.
Food and Supplies
For people with disabilities that are at higher risk for COVID-19 transmission as well as those that are unable to get out of their homes, below is a list of local service providers that can deliver groceries to directly to individual's homes.
Older adults (60 years or older) who need to sign up for meal deliveries can sign up through GetFoodNYC
To apply you can call 311, Text 311-692 or visit nyc.gov/getfood
In addition to the services listed above, NYC has provided a number of free meal opportunities for various vulnerable populations including seniors and people with disabilities.
Social Services/ Medicaid Benefits
Home Health Care Providers
Per the Governor's Executive Order 202.6, "Essential Businesses" that would be allowed to continue operation after Sunday, March 22nd at 9PM include Home Health Care Workers and Aides (including Personal Care Attendants).
If you require a Home Health Care Worker or Aid your service should continue without issue.
If you require a new or replacement Home Care Attendant, the following agencies are still taking on new clients.
VNSNY offers a wide range of home health care services, including medical nursing services, management of chronic conditions, and care to meet the needs of every generation, from at-risk infants to those at the end of life.
ComForCare in NYC provides personalized home care plans through an evaluation and interviews between the client, family and the ComForCare team to help determine the best plan of action based on unique needs. ComForCare Home Care can help individuals with daily activities.
Your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information and assistance. They can help you link to long term services and supports, such as home care, transportation and meals. Their goal is to help individuals remain in their homes as long as possible. NY Connects serves older individuals and individuals with disabilities of all ages.
If you are in need of emergency food assistance dial 866–888–8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
Covid-19 Testing
Transportation
The NYS Department of Health has issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
If you have an issue with MTA service regarding accessibility, you can reach out to the Systemwide Accessibility Team at accessibility@nyct.com or fill out the MTA Customer Feedback Form.
Additional Information on Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service and Phone Directory
Additional Information on MTA's Response to COVID-19
Additional Information on COVID-19 from the Taxi & Limousine Commission
Please visit the Staten Island Ferry Website for more details.
The NYC Ferry is operating on a modified schedule. Please visit Ferry.nyc for more details.
NYC Department Of Transportation is extending the permit expiration for all City Parking Permits or Temporary Permits for People with Disabilities that expired, or will expire in 2020.
Additional information on Parking Permits for People with Disabilities on DOT's Website
Citi Bike associates are disinfecting high-contact surfaces on bikes each time they arrive in our depot. At the start of each shift, associates disinfect high-contact surfaces on vans used to transport vehicles. In addition, associates will wear gloves when handling bikes both in the depot and at valets.
Additional information on Citi Bike's Response to COVID-19
Housing
Utilities
At this time, all utility shut offs are suspended and there are no major utility service reductions at this time.
Phone and Internet Services
List of Providers Offering Free Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations
Lifeline Assistance Program - Discounted/Free Phones or Internet Service
Federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. You may qualify based on household income or if you or a member of your household participates in certain public assistance programs like Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Food Stamps/SNAP/CalFresh or SSI.
List of Qualifying Factors for Lifeline
In order to assist people with various disabilities with using computers to obtain information, MOPD has a list put together a list of free software that users can utilize.
List of Accessibility Plugins
Education
Employment
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on New York City's workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance.
COVID-19 Services and Resources
Governor Cuomo signed the bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of COVID. Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Impacted New Yorkers
New York State is waiving the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines
Unemployment Insurance Update on the NYS Department of Labor Website
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). The law is effective 15 days after being signed by the president. While this act has extensive provisions in response to COVID-19, the following areas are important for employers to note: Expanded FMLA; Paid Sick Leave; Health Insurance; and Tax Credits.
H.R. 6201 – Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Businesses
As NYC re-opens post-COVID19 and restaurants expand outdoor seating to accommodate social distancing, we cannot forget about accessibility. The following guidance provides requirements for maintaining physical accessibility for outdoor dining.
NYC MOPD Open Restaurants Accessibility GuidelinesBusinesses that are seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19 may qualify for relief.
Resources for Businesses on NYC Small Business Services Website
Finance
Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
Check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment
New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments
Bank On is a safe and secure bank account to get unemployment money and other benefits faster and safer than a check.
Learn More about BankOn
The NYC SafeStart Account is a savings account for all New Yorkers. Each Safe Start Account Features:
More Information on NYC SafeStart
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced that the 2019 tax return filing deadline for individuals and businesses will be moved from April 15 to July 15 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
IRS Notice on Tax Deadline Extension
The City Department of Finance is now allowing for a waiver of penalties for DOF-administered business and excise taxes between March 16, 2020 and April 25, 2020. Taxpayers may request to have the penalties waived on a late-filed extension or return.
Business Tax Filing Extensions Notice on Department of Finance Website
Pets and Service Animals
NYC Emergency Management has announced a NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline to Provide Support for Animals of People Affected by Coronavirus
Pet Hotline (Open 8am - 8pm daily) - 1 - 877 - 204 - 8821
Read Emergency Management Pet Hotline Press Release Here
Domestic Violence Resources
During this time of social isolation and staying at home, many individuals feel trapped with their abusers. Below are some organizations that can provide assistance and resources.
For emergencies dial 911
If you are in need of immediate safety planning or shelter assistance, call now:
NYC's 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 - 800 - 621 - 4673 (HOPE)
NYC HOPE Resource
The Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) develops policies and programs, provides training and prevention education, conducts research and evaluations, performs community outreach, and operates the New York City Family Justice Centers.
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in NYC, Family Justice Center Buildings are temporarily closed. They are still available by phone with guidance on immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and community resources.
NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx Phone: 718-508-1220
NYC Family Justice Center, Brooklyn Phone: 718-250-5113
NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan Phone: 212-602-2800
NYC Family Justice Center, Queens Phone: 718-575-4545
NYC Family Justice Center, Staten Island Phone: 718-697-4300
Additional Information on Family Justice Centers during COVID-19
Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Website
Barrier Free Living (BFL) offers comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities at its fully accessible BFL Freedom House domestic violence shelter, award-winning BFL Secret Garden domestic violence counseling program, and BFL Apartments that offers permanent homes with support services to survivors with disabilities and their families. BFL is based in New York City.
Barrier Free Living Hotline: 212 – 533 – 4358
Direct Shelter Line: 212 – 400 – 6470
Video Phone: 646 – 807 – 4013
Barrier Free Living Website
Mental Health Resources
Below are a few resources to assist you in taking care of your mental health during this time.
Free 24/7 Confidential Mental Health Counseling, you can call, text or chat online.
The Emotional Support Helpline provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Helpline is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. Voice Phone 844-863-9314
As COVID-19 continues its rapid spread, Lighthouse Guild reaffirms its commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of those that they serve. The Behavioral Health specialists at Lighthouse Guild understand the distress you may be feeling and offer a range of services to support your emotional needs.
Lighthouse Guild's Behavioral Healthcare is now available via telehealth (telephone and video calling), especially to individuals with or at risk of vision loss. Those seeking behavioral healthcare via telemental health service may call 212-769-7800. They are already accepting most insurances and are working to develop support groups, too.
Information needed:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Phone
- Insurance (primary and, where relevant, secondary)
- How would the patient like to work – telephone or Video call?
- Caseworker contact
- Emergency contact
Phone: 212-769-7800
Additional Information on Lighthouse Guild's Behavioral Healthcare
The Mental Health Services team provides individual counseling, therapeutic groups and support services to help students SOAR as members of the Lexington School community.
Voice Phone: 718-350-3143
Video Phone: 917-832-1682
Email: mentalhealth@lexnyc.org
An eTherapy program solution to provide increased access to Deaf (DDBDDLDHH) therapists for Deaf clients.
National Deaf Therapy
A Deaf-owned and operated counseling and consulting practice staffed by Deaf licensed professional therapists. They specialize in working with Deaf people and their families.
Deaf Counseling Center Website
As a result of COVID-19 the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance hav shifted their care platform to video visits in an effort to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access specialized cognitive and behavioral health care during these stressful times.
Together with their colleagues in the Spinal Cord Injury program and their physician colleagues in Physical Medicine, the Mount Sinai Brain Injury Program is currently offering a range of services via video visit for individuals with disabilities. Services include psychotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, virtual support groups, and medical management including prescription refills and pain management. Most insurances are accepted.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact them below:
Phone: 212-241-4706,
Toll Free: 888-241-5152
Email: rehabneuropsychFPA@mountsinai.org
Brain Injury Research Center Website
The American Red Cross across the regions of New York State have developed a program in response to COVID-19 to support individuals and families who have lost family members to death as a result of COVID-19.
The program will link crisis counselors with families to provide emotional and spiritual support, as well as targeted short-term casework to assist with navigating through the challenging processes they might be faced with as a result of the death.
This might include challenges with moving the family member’s body through the hospital, nursing home, medical examiner and funeral home systems in this time when those systems may be overwhelmed and their processes may be different than they normally are. They may also include linkage to legal resources for estate, custody, immigration or other issues related to the death.
There is an online intake form can be submitted by a family member, a friend who thinks someone needs help, or an agency on behalf of the family. For those without access to the needed online technology, the phone number submitted within the form will link the caller to an intake person who will assist with the initial steps for getting assistance.
Red Cross Intake Form (English)
Red Cross Intake Form (Spanish)
Voice Phone: 585-957-8187
The program is expected to operate for as long as families will benefit from the service or through the month of September.
Accessible Virtual Activities
Our office has created and launched a Virtual Activities Toolkit. This is a guide for people with disabilities on accessible things to do from home.
Updated HRA Policies During COVID-19
For clients in need of public benefits, the Department of Social Services has made changes to how they provide service during COVID-19 response.
Important Information about COVID-19 and your HRA Benefits
You can apply for SNAP and Cash Assistance, manage you case, and more online with ACCESS HRA.
Prescription Recommendations and Resources
For Emergency Preparedness, the NYC Health Department is recommending individuals request 90 days worth of prescription medicine ahead of time.
To do this you may need to request a release from current policies and regulations to allow for a 60 or 90 day supply. Some pharmacies have been making exceptions under disaster relief overrides that allow for ordering prescriptions in bulk.
Individual who are on Medicaid can also call the HRA Medicaid Helpline.
HRA Medicaid Helpline Phone: 888-692-6116.
Additional Medicaid Pharmacy Guidance Regarding the Declared Disaster Emergency in the State of New York over COVID-19
New York State Medicaid Update - March 2020 Special Edition - COVID-19
Public Health Emergency Response Network Pharmacy Program An easy-to-use application that allows NYC pharmacies to provide the Health Department with their contact and service information. This information will help the City better communicate with pharmacies during emergencies to ensure the public has access to critical medications.