During the COVID-19 health crisis, TLC and the City are taking steps to support TLC drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses.
TLC licensees can take advantage of the Driver Resource Center, which provides financial counseling, legal services and other useful free City resources such as health care insurance, mental health resources, and more.
For the latest guidance from the Department of Health and more COVID-19 resources from the City, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.
Driver Resource Center
The Driver Resource Center is a space where drivers can feel comfortable seeking financial counseling, legal services, health and mental health resources and public benefit application support free of charge. Schedule an appointment today.
Accepting help for medallion debt now does not prevent medallion owners from receiving additional help in the future. The Driver Resource Center may be able to provide immediate relief. All appointments will be completed over the phone. American Sign Language and other language interpretation services will be available
NYC Free Tax Prep
Let free IRS-certified volunteer preparers help you maximize your refund. New Yorkers who earned $68,000 or less in 2020 may be eligible to file their taxes for free. NYC Free Tax Prep offers services including:
Tax prep sites are available in all five boroughs. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxprep to check the eligibility requirements and choose the best filing option for you. Services are currently available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Russian with others available through phone interpretation. The deadline to file 2020 tax returns is April 15, 2021, so don’t hesitate!
New York State and Federal Unemployment Benefits
As of December 27, 2020, President Trump has signed a new economic stimulus package. Licensees and their families may be eligible for several Federal and State benefits, including:
Extended State Unemployment Payments for Independent Contractors
The U.S. government will extend its COVID-19 emergency unemployment benefits for employees and independent contractors. Unemployment benefits will be extended 11 weeks, through March 2021, for Licensees and their family members who receive or are eligible to receive New York State unemployment benefits, either as an employee or independent contractor. If you are already receiving New York State unemployment benefits, you do not need to reapply for extended benefits - you should receive them automatically.
Additional $300 Federal Unemployment Benefit
If you are receiving New York State unemployment payments, either as an employee or independent contractor/gig worker, you will receive an additional $300 weekly federal unemployment insurance payment. These payments should begin in early 2021 and last for 11 weeks until March 2021.
To apply for unemployment benefits or see if you are eligible, visit NYS Department of Labor or contact the NYS Department of Labor’s Telephone Claims Center (TCC) toll-free at (888) 209-8124.
TLC-licensed Drivers can apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) even if they received some income from a limited number of trips or alternative work such as DeliveryTLC. Drivers should apply only once for either unemployment insurance benefits or pandemic unemployment.
Food Assistance
All New Yorkers can receive free meals through food pantries and meal hubs throughout the City. For more information, visit: NYC COVID-19 Food Assistance.
Food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be increased by 15% for six months starting January 1, 2021. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to do anything. New Yorkers can apply for SNAP benefits at AccessHRA.
Loans for Small Businesses
The U.S. government has extended the Pandemic Payroll Protection (PPP) program. If you are a small business, including a Base or Medallion Owner, you may be eligible for a no-interest PPP loan to help you make payroll and to cover rent, utilities, mortgage or other business expenses. Check your eligibility or apply for a PPP loan.
The Small Business Administration is now offering low-interest loans (3.75%) to assist small business and independent contractors during COVID-19. EIDL loan applicants can also apply for an emergency EIDL grant of $1,000 per employee or independent contractor, up to $10,000. The emergency grant is an advance on the loan, but the applicant will not be required to pay back the EIDL Grant even if they are denied for an EIDL loan. Loan term agreements vary on a case-by-case basis.
To submit your application online, visit the Small Business Administration website or download the Disaster Loan Application and submit via mail.
Questions? View the EIDL Loan Frequently Asked Questions, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Public Benefits Application
The City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) can help you with public benefits applications through AccessHRA, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance, and Medicaid renewal. Click here for more information.
The New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services (HRA) is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance.
You can find these and additional programs on the HRA website. Visit the HRA website and see what assistance you qualify for.
Food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be increased by 15% for six months starting January 1, 2021. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to do anything. New Yorkers can apply for SNAP benefits at AccessHRA.
Driver Protection Unit
The Driver Protection Unit protects the rights of all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. The Unit investigates complaints submitted by TLC licensees that allege that they have been subjected to illegal conduct including:
The Unit also reviews New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rules to improve drivers’ rights and regularly provides Drivers’ Rights trainings throughout New York City. To date, the Unit has helped drivers get back more than $3.2 million.
For more information call (718) 391-5539 or e-mail driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.
Related Information:
Legal Services
Foreclosure Prevention
If you are at risk of losing your home, NYLAG’s Foreclosure Prevention Project Attorneys can help you avoid foreclosure.
NYLAG’s Attorneys can provide the following services at no cost:
Foreclosure Prevention information is also available in Spanish / Español, Chinese (Simplified) / 简化字, Russian / Русский язык, French / français, Urdu / اردو, and Bengali / বাংলা.
At no cost to you, NYLAG’s Attorneys can:
For more information on Estate Planning, read the Estate Planning Flyer in English or Folleto de Planificación Patrimonial in Spanish/Español.
To contact NYLAG, call 212-946-0349 or Email: contactfpp@nylag.org.
Schedule a virtual clinic appointment at NYLAG Foreclosure Prevention Project Calendar. Appointments are available Wednesdays 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Housing and Eviction Prevention Assistance
New York City residential renters facing eviction can receive free legal assistance through HRA's Office of Civil Justice and the City's "right-to-counsel" law. The free legal services may include legal advice, assistance with rental assistance applications and other required forms, advocacy with your landlord, or representation in your eviction case in court.
To access these free eviction prevention services:
Know the facts:
The Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants has information available in the following languages:
Spanish/Español, Chinese (Traditional)/繁體中文, Chinese (Simplified)/简体中文, Russian/Русский, Arabic/العربية, Haitian Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen, Korean/한국어, Bengali/ বাংলা, Urdu/اردو, Polish/Polski, French/Français.
Please check the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants COVID-19 Fact Page for more information and updates.
New York City created the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project to resolve housing issues that may have occurred as result of COVID-19. The Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project helps tenants and landlords meet outside of Housing Court to resolve issues such as unpaid rent, lease concerns, or move outs. Mediation is free, confidential, and voluntary. You can participate regardless of immigration status.
You and your landlord may be good candidates for mediation when:
Situations that are likely not appropriate for mediation include:
How do I apply? Call 311 and say, “Tenant Helpline.” A helpline specialist will help determine whether mediation is appropriate for your situation and can refer you to a Community Dispute Resolution Center of NYC (CDRC) in your borough.
New York State Rent Relief
Voter Registration
To Register to Vote or Check your Voter Registration Status with the Board of Elections in the City of New York visit the NYC's Board of Election website.
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COVID-19 Vaccination
The first COVID-19 vaccines are arriving in New York State. Due to limited supply from the federal government, availability is limited. More and more New Yorkers will become eligible as the vaccine supply increases. While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.
As of January 11, 2021, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b are eligible for the vaccines. Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, subway and mass transit employees, grocery store workers and public safety workers.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility.page.
COVID-19 Diagnostic and Antibody Testing
All TLC-Licensed Drivers now have access to a new tool to help locate COVID-19 testing centers. All City COVID-19 testing locations are listed, including testing facilities located JFK and LGA Airports. You can choose between drive-thru or walk-in locations. All listed locations include contact information and link with directions.
Once on the Testing Locations for Drivers page, follow the below steps:
Here you can access Testing Locations for Drivers.
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The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab or saliva sample may be used.
There are over 100 convenient COVID-19 diagnostic testing sites across the city. Click here to find a testing site near you.
Who can get tested?
Get tested if you:
How long do results take?
Most results are returned in about 48 hours.
Do I need insurance?
You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test.
Privacy
Your test results are confidential.
The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test to find antibodies — proteins in your blood that fight infections. The test is taken through your finger. A positive test for antibodies is not necessarily an indication of immunity.
Visit the COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal for information on where to get the COVID-19 antibody test.
Who can participate?
You should get an antibody test if you:
The benefits
You'll know if you had COVID-19 and help develop research for vaccines and other ways to fight the virus.
How long do results take?
Results take about 48 hours.
Do I need insurance?
You do need insurance for an antibody test.
Privacy
All your information is confidential.
Driver Health – What you need to know about COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus
Novel Coronavirus Outbreak Factsheet
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COVID-19: Prevent the Spread Poster
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Vehicle Cleaning – Guidance for Vehicle Operators
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The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. For updated information, visit NYC Health’s COVID-19: Guidance for Businesses page.
Face Coverings Required
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As of April 17, New York State now requires all TLC drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while riding together. You can use a homemade mask, bandana, or a scarf to cover your mouth and nose. Protect yourself and others.
Health Care and Medical Insurance
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. Visit www.nyccare.nyc or call 1- 646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692- 2273).
MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over half a million New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers dozens of quality health plans, including Child Health Plus; several Medicare Plans; a Medicaid Special Needs Plan (SNP).
On March 13, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT be considered under the public charge rule, even if the services are Medicaid-funded. Learn more from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).
Anyone who needs help during the COVID-19 crisis should seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services.
If you need help finding a health care provider, call 311.
Black Car Fund Telemedicine
Black Car drivers in New York are eligible for telemedicine, paid for by The Black Car Fund.
Drivers and their families can speak to a doctor for free in their language by phone, secure online video, or MDLIVE App for a non-emergency consultation – anytime, anywhere.
Telemedicine doctors can diagnose and treat a number of health issues, including allergies, asthma, the flu, cold, arthritis, backaches, joint pain, and much more. Prescriptions can be phoned to a pharmacy most convenient for you. While the call with the doctor is free, you will be responsible for the cost of any medications you need or for any doctor’s visits you may need for situations an MDLIVE doctor can’t solve over the phone.
To start using your benefits, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name and TLC license number.
Visit http://www.driversbenefits.org/benefits/drivers-telemedicine or call 1-833-814-8590 for more information.
Mental Health
An infectious illness outbreak can be stressful to you and your loved ones. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills.
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
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TLC Driver Food Delivery Program
The City has created the GetFoodNYC Food Delivery Program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs.
We are asking TLC-licensed drivers to participate in this important work by assisting in delivering food to New Yorkers who must stay home.
Drivers will receive $53 per route. Visit the TLC Driver Food Delivery page to learn more.
SBS Workforce1
Small Business Services (SBS) Workforce1 program helps New Yorkers prepare for and connect to jobs in every sector across the five boroughs. Through their virtual career center system, you can be connected by web or phone to one-on-one assistance from professionals who can help you:
All services are free and do not require in-person visits. For more information or to sign up visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/virtual-wf1cc.page
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TLC Operations
TLC Vehicles are Essential Services
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For-hire yellow taxi, green taxi, FHV, paratransit and commuter van service have been designated as essential services and are exempt from restrictions imposed by the Governor’s March 20, 2020 Executive Order. You may continue driving for hire during this period.
TLC will continue to provide regular updates on this State of Emergency as well as resources available to drivers and all TLC licensees.
TLC-Approved Temporary Partitions
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is allowing all vehicles without partitions the opportunity to have temporary partitions installed by approved partition installers.
List of installers for temporary partitions (PDF)
Please be sure to contact the approved installer before showing up for partition prices and availability. We encourage you to keep a copy of your installation paperwork in your vehicle to demonstrate the partition was installed by an approved installer.
For-Hire Vehicle License Storage Option
Effective immediately the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission will allow For-Hire Vehicle Owners to place their TLC Vehicle License “on-hold” for a period of no more than one hundred eighty (180) days. The license will be placed on hold through a “storage” process that is outlined on the For-Hire Vehicle Page.