Tomorrow at 6pm: Resources for Parents and Students to Manage Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

COVID Rent Relief Program –  New York State is offering rent relief for some households. To qualify, your household must earn less than 80% of the area median income, spend over 30% of monthly income on rent, and must have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic. You must apply before Thursday, July 30th. More information is available at the following links:

• General Overview
• Direct Link to Application (English); Application Documents in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Bengali
• Translated FAQs: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Bengali

If you would like assistance with the application, you can book an appointment with Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens on this link or click here contact the New York Legal Assistance Group – NYLAG Hotline.

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) – NYCHA has simplified its Rent Hardship Policy to make it easier than ever for you to reduce your rent during the COVID-19 crisis. You can access frequently asked questions here for more information. You may also contact NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center (CCC) at 718-707-7771 (and select menu option 5 when prompted).

Emergency Cash Assistance – This can aid with helping pay for rent or mortgage you owe, utilities, burial allowance, and other needs. 

• Cash Assistance Overview Page 
• Cash Assistance Application FAQ 
• Documents required to apply for Cash Assistance (PDF)

Money for Food (Pandemic EBT) – Every NYC public school student will receive $420 in P-EBT benefits that can be used to purchase food. You will receive this benefit automatically, there is no need to apply or sign up. If you are enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid, the money will be loaded onto your existing benefits card. SNAP families should have received the $420 in two payments, one in May and one in June. Medicaid families will receive one $420 payment this month with instructions mailed. All other families will receive a card in the mail containing their P-EBT benefits, beginning in late July/early August.  For more information on P-EBT:

• Website with general information
• FAQs (English); FAQs (Spanish)
• Flyers: English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Chinese, and Korean
• Call the State P-EBT Helpline: 1-833-452-0096
• Or email: [email protected]

The latest 2020-21 school year information for the NYC Department of Education (DOE) schools  schools is available at schools.nyc.gov/ReturnToSchool2020. 

• Current plans for September involve a blended learning model, in which students spend some time attending school with additional social distancing and cleaning requirements, and some time learning remotely from home. Contact your school parent coordinator for any school specific details. 
• Every family has the option to learn 100% remotely if they prefer. If you haven’t already, you should complete the Learning Preference Survey by Friday, August 7th in order to help the DOE plan for the fall. If you do not complete the survey, your child will be included in plans for in-person blended learning at their school, however you may choose to switch to 100% remote learning at any time. 

Charter school families should contact their school directly to discuss remote learning options. Here are the phone numbers and links to pages where information was shared: 

• • Academy of the City Charter School (718-487-9857);
  • Growing up Green Charter School (347-642-4306); 
  • Our World Neighborhood Charter School (718-392-3405);  
  • The Renaissance Charter School (718-803-0060); and 
  • VOICE (718-361-1694).

Tune in Thursday at 6pm ET

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In Case You Missed It

During this town hall, we shared an overview of the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program – the scholarship and savings components, how students are enrolled, and what students automatically receive. We also shared the importance of completing the program’s Building Blocks as a way to support children’s future especially during these unprecedented times. If you missed it, click here to watch. The first part is English and the second part is in Spanish.

Save for College Program Flashback

• Your child’s accounts – We continue to be available by phone and email to support you with your family’s scholarship and savings accounts. Please contact us for support with completing the 3 Building Blocks or other support with your accounts. We are invested for the long term in your child’s college and career training future.
• Remote Learning Support – Need support with setting up your child’s remote learning or information about resources in your neighborhood? Our team can help. Call (833) 543-7473 or email [email protected]

Important Resources Across the Community