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** Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you and your families are well and staying home, if possible. To all who are celebrating this week -- a Happy Pesach.

I'm writing with some important updates as the week begins:

As always, just a reminder to check our website ([link removed]) regularly. We update it on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through the next few weeks.

1.) FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECKS
Starting next week, COVID-19 Economic Impact payments will be distributed across the country. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 will receive the payments automatically. More information on payment delivery is coming shortly.

Persons who don’t normally file a tax return, including those with too little income to file, must register here ([link removed]) for their Economic Impact payment.

IMPORTANT: If you receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), AND did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, AND have qualifying children under age 17, please register here ([link removed]) as soon as possible. This is necessary for you to receive the $500 impact benefit allocated per child; along with your $1,200 benefit.
* Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries who do NOT have qualifying children under age 17: you do NOT need to take any action as long as you received an SSA-1099 for 2019.

* New Social Security or SSI beneficiaries (since January 1, 2020): if you did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you should also register here ([link removed]) as soon as possible.

2.) UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
The application process for NYS Unemployment Insurance has been updated to better handle the unprecedented number of people in need of assistance. Learn more here. ([link removed])
* The best way to file a new claim for unemployment insurance is through the new online filing system ([link removed]) . This is only for new claims.

* New Yorkers who have filed partial claims under the old UI system and were told to call the call center to finish their application should NOT - instead, the NYS Dept of Labor call center will call you directly.
Most NYS DOL staff are working from home, and their caller IDs may show up as "private" or "restricted." To prevent scams and fraud, anyone calling from NYS DOL can and will verify their identity by providing the date you filed your application and the type of claim submitted.

* If you have an existing claim, go to labor.ny.gov/signin ([link removed]) to make weekly certifications or to view your claim information.

It will take an estimated 2-3 weeks to begin to receive benefits once your application is complete. Calling during this period will only slow the system down. As you await your benefits, please check our website ([link removed]) for information about public and community-based resources that can be of use to you and your family.

Remember -- your unemployment benefits will extend back to the first day you became unemployed. Those not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance --such as self-employed and gig workers-- may now qualify.

3.) SMALL BUSINESSES & NON-PROFITS
The new Federal Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help small businesses and non-profits (with fewer than 500 employees) keep their workers on the payroll.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will forgive these loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for 8 weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Available through June 30, 2020 - first come, first served. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Visit the SBA website ([link removed]) to learn about other Federal COVID-19 relief programs.

* NYC Business Solutions Center experts ([link removed]) are available to help you identify additional assistance, including local philanthropic financing ([link removed]) for non-profits.

Sidewalk Cafes: The Dept of Consumer Affairs is extending certain license expiration dates and renewal application deadlines -- including for Sidewalk Cafes. Read the notice here ([link removed]) .

4.) MEAL DELIVERY FOR SENIORS: ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS?
The NYC Dept for the Aging (DFTA) has phased out “Grab and Go” meals at all NYC senior centers. Seniors who signed up through a senior center, or with DFTA, should be receiving a 5-meal package delivered directly to their homes once per week.

If you are having problems receiving your meal delivery, please call my office and leave a message at (212) 873-0282, x206.

5.) HAVE YOU RECOVERED FROM COVID-19?
The New York Blood Center is collecting blood plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat other patients with advanced illness. Convalescent plasma treatment provides patients with a donor’s antibodies, with the goal of clearing the virus more rapidly. Donations are urgently needed. ([link removed])

General blood donations are also needed. Donate through the NY Blood Center ([link removed]) or the American Red Cross ([link removed]) .

Other items of interest to our community:
* PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED. Households across the country have received mailed invitations, asking them to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. Every household has the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Your response is essential. Learn more here. ([link removed])

* Per Governor Cuomo, all New Yorkers will be allowed to absentee vote in the June 23rd Democratic Primary. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

* Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended citywide through April 28th.

As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here ([link removed]) .


Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.

Warmly,
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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