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** Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you and your families are well and staying home, if possible. I'm writing with some important updates as the week draws to a close:
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 this crisis.
1.) FACE MASKS
Effective today, all New Yorkers must wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation. Read the Governor's Executive Order ([link removed]) . The New York Times provides helpful tips ([link removed]) about making and using face masks.
2.) ON-LINE HOUSING CLINIC NEXT WEDNESDAY (4/22)
Together with attorneys from Take Root Justice and Goddard Riverside Law Project, my office will be holding our monthly housing clinic on-line next Wednesday (4/22), from 6 to 7pm. Key topics of discussion will include the closure of housing court and what this means for tenants, the current moratorium on evictions, and what to do if you can't pay your rent.
IMPORTANT: Click here to register for the Housing Clinic and submit questions for the attorneys ([link removed]) . We will email log-in information for the clinic to everyone who has registered on Wednesday afternoon.
Also, please note that the NYC Rent Guidelines Board is hosting virtual meetings. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 9:30 AM. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
3.) FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECKS
Distribution of COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) ([link removed]) has begun. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 will receive the payments automatically. You're likely eligible for an EIP if you meet all these requirements:
* Are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident alien;
* Have a Social Security number that is valid for employment;
* Could not be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer; and
* Had adjusted gross income under certain limits.
Persons who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Railroad Retirement benefits, will also receive their payment automatically.
(If you receive any of these benefits and have qualifying children under age 17, register here ([link removed]) . This will expedite the $500 impact payment for each child, in addition to your payment.)
TIPS FOR RECEIVING YOUR STIMULUS PAYMENT:
***Persons who don’t normally file a tax return, including those with too little income to file, click here to learn how to receive your payment ([link removed]) . (This includes persons who began receiving Social Security or SSI in 2020 and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019.)
***Read the IRS' FAQs page ([link removed]) for more information about eligibility and how payments are being made. Additional helpful information is available from the Legal Aid Society ([link removed]) .
***You can check the status of your payment here ([link removed]) . The IRS says it will also mail a letter to each taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days after the payment is released.
***If the IRS' website states that your payment status is "Need More Information," this means that they need your direct deposit information. You will be prompted to provide your bank information after your identity has been verified.
***If you choose not to provide your bank information or prefer to receive your payment by mail, your payment will be sent to the address the IRS has on file for you.
4.) MEAL DELIVERY FOR SENIORS: ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS?
Seniors who signed up through a senior center, or with the City's Dept for the Aging (DFTA), should be receiving a 5-meal package once per week, delivered directly to their homes.
If you are having problems receiving your meal delivery, please call my office and leave a message at (212) 873-0282, x206.
5.)
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
The application process for NYS Unemployment Insurance has been updated to better handle the unprecedented number of people in need of assistance. Apply and learn more here ([link removed]) .
Read detailed guidance from my office about how to receive your benefits ([link removed]) .
6.) CENSUS TEXT-A-THON THIS MONDAY
It is absolutely essential --for fair representation in government, equitable public funding, and much more-- that all New Yorkers participate in the 2020 Census. To increase participation, the City Council and NYC Census 2020 are hosting a City-wide Census Text-a-thon on Monday, April 20th. Please click here to sign up! ([link removed]) You will be given access to a texting platform and phone numbers to text.
7.) 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:
* Goddard Riverside Community Center has set up a relief fund to support local families with emergency needs at Goddard’s Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center. Contributions will be directed towards families in need of food, medical supplies, transportation, etc. due to COVID-19. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ([link removed]) .
* 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])
* 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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