Updated 6/5/21 - From March 2020 through early June 2021, our veteran volunteers worked tirelessly to check in on veterans and family members in need, get aid and information to them, and find ways to assist during a historic time of urgent need. Volunteers gave hundreds of hours of their time to this endeavor. We regret that we must pause this vital program due to limited resources and reduced volunteer capacity. Thank you to everyone who has supported our work! We are in the process of transitioning our current client load to get the help they need. Please see the information below for ways you can connect with help:
Vaccinations
New York State Vaccination Information
2021 American Rescue Plan Act
Get Your Economic Impact Payment Haven't received your 2021 payment from the IRS yet? Get info on your eligibility and scheduled payment. The IRS's website also includes info if you didn't receive one or both payments from 2020.
Here's Who Qualifies for the New $3,000 Child Tax Credit Most families are now eligible to receive a $3,000 annual benefit per child ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 per child under 6. The credit will also be fully refundable.
F.A.Q. on Stimulus, Unemployment and Tax Rebates Take a look at other provisions in the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act HERE.
Are You Eligible?
New York State MyBenefits If you live anywhere in New York State and need help, use this pre-screening tool to check your eligibility for help with buying food, Temporary Assistance (TA), special tax credits, home energy assistance, weatherization assistance, various health insurance programs, WIC, HIV uninsured care, and services for elders.
Access NYC If you live in NYC and need help, use this pre-screening tool to check your eligibility for more than 30 programs that can help with food, money, housing, work, and more.
Help for Tenants / Housing Instability
Emergency Rental Assistance Program - Governor Cuomo announced an emergency rental assistance program that will help keep low-income families throughout New York in their homes. The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the CARES Act. The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and access to program applications are available here.
COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act places a moratorium on residential evictions until May 1, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship.
NYC Tenant Relief Portal - NYC government has set up a portal where tenants can share what their situation is and get accesses to resources that can help, from eviction notices to being locked out by a landlord, and more.
Send Your Landlord Notice - If you can't pay rent right now, send your landlord notice as soon as possible. In New York and other states, governors have put some rent relief measures in place. In New York, Gov. Cuomo announced an extended moratorium on evictions until August 20th. Our friends at JustFix.NYC have worked with nonprofits across the country to create a new tool to help you for FREE with sending notice to your landlord citing the legal protections that apply to where you live. The tool will also put you in touch with legal and advocacy resources in your area who can help you get the relief you need. Some other resources:
Evictions and Coronavirus FAQs by New York Legal Assistance Group
Tenants Rights Hotline by Met Council - 212-979-0611 (ingles y espanol) for more info
Report attempted evictions - Anyone with knowledge of City marshals attempting to execute on warrants of eviction can report this activity by calling DOI’s Bureau of City Marshals at (212) 825-5953.
Get Help from the NYC Public Advocate - Are you experiencing wrongdoing by a landlord or government agency? The Public Advocate is working during COVID-19 to help New Yorkers resolve complaints.
Sue your Landlord for Repairs and/or Harassment Through an Emergency HP Action Proceeding - Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Housing Courts in New York City are only accepting cases for the following conditions, or others that threaten the health and safety of your household, including: no gas, no heat, no hot water, lead-based paint, vacate order issued, toilet not working, or harassing you.
Affordable Apartment Primer - Housing is a top concern for all New Yorkers, and finding solutions for your specific situation can be very challenging, so we'll cut to the chase--there's no easy answers in NYC right now, and there are hundreds of veterans who are currently homeless (the vast majority in shelters) and unable to find permanent housing. Evictions are suspended for 90 days (see above), but that may not end your worries.
My Brother Vinny - provides furniture and housewares to veterans and assists with transition out of homelessness.
If you have a tough-to-solve situation, reach out to us at [email protected] or 929-265-4549 and we'll do our best to help you find solutions.
Help for Homeowners
Mortgage Relief - New York State has issued guidance to mortgage providers to provide relief to homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Utilities Relief - Utility companies are suspending shutoff of utility services in both New York and New Jersey.
Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure - New York State has made a list of legal and financial housing resources for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. They also have a Foreclosure Relief Unit to visit communities disproportionately impacted by foreclosures.
Help with Unemployment
Unemployment Relief - New York State has waived the 7-day waiting period for anyone needing to file a claim for unemployment insurance as a result of
COVID-19 closures and quarantines. As in, you can file as soon as you find yourself out of work.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act - This program provides support for Americans who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic but do not qualify for traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Job Opportunities - Check out our listing of job resources and opportunities.
Services for the Underserved - This program provides job training, placement, and on-the-job support, emphasizing finding employment solutions for veterans of every service era, recently returning service members, and those interested in training and new careers. Primary client referral sources include local colleges and universities, VA Medical Centers, the NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter system, Veterans Service Organizations, community-based organizations serving veterans, as well as housing providers. For more information please contact [email protected] or call 877-583-5336.
Help for Businesses
Relief for NYC Small Businesses - NYC is providing relief measures for qualifying small businesses.
Food/Grocery Assistance
Grab & Go Meals - As of 4/3/20, the City of New York offers 3 free grab-and-go meals for K-12 students AND adults at the locations that are already serving meals every day for students. You can text FOOD to 877-877 to find the location nearest you. Vegetarian and halal/kosher meals are available.
NYC Emergency Food Delivery Assistance - The City of New York is providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves.
Nutrition Kitchen Free Groceries - NYC's Neighborhood Opportunity Network operates Nutrition Kitchens in all five boroughs, where you can pick up free, nutritious groceries.
FoodHelp.NYC - Apply for food assistance benefits and view a map of food pantries and community kitchens. Or call 866-888-8777 or 311 for information on locations and hours to get immediate help with food in NYC.
Plentiful App - The United Way has developed a free app for any smartphone that will show you food pantries open near you. Just text "FOOD" to PANTRY (726-879) from any phone for the link to download it.
Invisible Hands - If you need grocery delivery--whether you can pay for it or not--you can place a request for delivery from an all-volunteer startup in NYC.
God's Love We Deliver - Apply for you or your loved one to receive meal delivery from a nonprofit serving individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Meals on Wheels - Meals on Wheels focuses on caring for individuals whose diminished mobility makes it hard to shop for food, prepare meals or socialize with others. Generally programs serve adults 60 and over, although age requirements can vary by program and areas served.
Free Baby Formula - WIC members can have baby formula delivered FREE to all New York City boroughs. Dial 718-405-9111
Family Services of Westchester - FSW serves older adults 60+ who need shopping and doorstep delivery of groceries in Westchester and southern Putnam County. Seniors can inquire about receiving grocery or medication deliveries by calling 914-242-7433 or email Karen Ganis at [email protected].
Financial Assistance
What to Do If You Fall Behind - If you are facing falling behind on debts, mortgage payments, car payments, or are otherwise looking at debt collection or potential bankruptcy, you may want to look at credit counseling or debt relief services. Please read this information from the federal government on different ways to approach your situation.
PenFed Foundation - PenFed has reopened its program to provide emergency assistance to qualifying veterans and military members.
VFW Unmet Needs Grants - The VFW offers emergency cash assistance to qualifying veterans, military members, and families.
NYC Cash Assistance - NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) has a program to assist with immediate cash needs.
Wounded Warrior Project Grants - WWP is offering cash grants to veterans who have been previously registered with the organization.
DAV Grants - Disabled American Veterans is offering grants of $250 to disabled veterans who are unemployed as a result of COVID-19. This includes self-employed veterans who are contractors and small business owners.
Operation First Response - Financial assistance is being provided for wounded servicemembers and veterans with a VA rating of 50% or higher.
USA Cares Veteran & Family Support System - Assistance is provided on a case by case basis.
Modest Needs Grants - Modest Needs offers grants designed to promote the self-sufficiency of individuals and families who, because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance. Special consideration to persons living alone (single persons with no dependent children), veterans who have recently returned home from military service, teachers, and first responders.
Veterans Claims, Benefits, and Help
Free Benefits Counseling for New Yorkers - New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs staff are working remotely, but you can still get help with filing a VA claim and free counseling from fellow veterans on VA and New York benefits and services for veterans. Staff are ready to get in touch with you if you send an email to [email protected].
Quick Reaction Force (QRF) - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has a free, 24/7 hotline for veterans of any era, their spouses/partners, or their families to get help with accessing benefits, services, or just to have someone to talk to. This is a nationwide service. Call 1-855-91RAPID or go HERE.
New Jersey Veterans Network is a group of New Jersey veterans and volunteers dedicated to helping our veterans and their families live better lives. Their mission is to identify veterans and connect them with resources and programs designed to meet their unique set of needs. Call 973-332-1556.
VA Financial, Benefits, and Claims Relief - As of 4/3/20, the Department of Veterans' Affairs has announced new relief measures for veterans.
GI Bill Continuity - As of 3/21/20, Congress has passed legislation to make sure student veterans continue to receive educational benefits without interruption even if schools have moved to distance learning. Call the VA's GI Bill hotline at 1-888-442-4551 to resolve any issues or concerns you might have.
If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and range from mild to potentially fatal. This can be a scary illness, which is why we all need to do all we can to halt its spread. See symptom guidelines from the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
If you are in New York, you can call the New York State Department of Health's COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to talk with a healthcare professional about any symptoms you are experiencing and to learn whether you should be tested or seek emergency care.
If you need COVID-19 information and assistance in New Jersey, go to covid19.nj.gov
If you are enrolled in VA Healthcare, see the VA's guidance on COVID-19 , call your nearest VA facility, or call 844-698-2311 (press #3 to be connected), log in to HealtheVet, or use VA telehealth to consult with a VA provider about your symptoms before you plan to visit a VA facility in person.
Mental Health Assistance
Quick Reaction Force - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has a free, 24/7 hotline for veterans of any era, their spouses/partners, or their families to talk with peer-to-peer support specialists. This is a nationwide service. Call 1-855-91RAPID or go HERE.
Headstrong - Headstrong is (virtually) open to treating current and new veteran clients during the COVID-19 emergency. Sign up online or contact Sam Dickinson, LCSW, Headstrong Counselor at [email protected]
NY Presbyterian Military Family Wellness Center - Anyone interested in our services can reach out directly to our intake specialist, Sara Such at [email protected] or Matt Ryba at 347-949-1193 or [email protected] to set up new services.
NYU Langone Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center - The stress of the COVID 19 pandemic and feelings of isolation that accompany quarantine can be extremely difficult, especially for military families. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health is able to provide emotional support to the families of veterans, reservists, National Guard, as well as active duty military personnel. These services are available to both their significant others and their children. Services are provided via telehealth, which eliminates the need to leave the house. They are free of cost and completely confidential. To find out more information, contact their intake coordinators at 855-698-4677.
Veterans Crisis Line - Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. 24/7/376 call, text, or chat support is available for all veterans, service members, reserve and National Guard members, and their loved ones. Call 1-800-273-8255, press 1 - or text 838255 to reach a caring professional.
Stop Soldier Suicide - A suicide prevention organization serving the veteran community by offering mental health support, alternative therapies, education, resources, and refferals.
NYC Well - NYC's connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Provides peer support and short-term counseling via telephone, text and web; referrals and warm transfer to other services; follow-up to check that you have connected to care and it is working for you. Call 1-888-692-9355.
Talkspace - This is a paid service, but is a robust online platform that connects you to a therapist for as long as you choose. Currently offering a discount for veterans. Therapists with a competency in serving military and veterans will indicate so in their profile.
PTSD Coach - PTSD Coach is a free app designed for those who have, or may have, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This app provides you with education about PTSD, information about professional care, a self-assessment for PTSD, opportunities to find support, and tools that can help you manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD. PTSD Coach was created by VA’s National Center for PTSD and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology.
NCPTSD Self-Care Mobile App - Mobile mental health apps from the National Center for PTSD were developed for Veterans and Service members with PTSD and related concerns. These apps can be used by anyone to support recovery, including people who are in treatment as well as those who are not. The apps feature coping tools, educational readings, self-assessments, and links to support. There are also companion websites with extra content as noted below; these websites are independent of the apps and offer another way to access the information. All of the apps are free, secure, and easy to use.
RevCore - The premiere center for drug and alcohol addiction treatment services in NYC offering outpatient drug treatment, medication supported recovery, anger management, counseling, referrals to job training, and psychiatric services.
Planning for the Future
Making a Household Plan - Take the time to make a plan for your household to not only contend with the current situation, but for future potential escalation of circumstances. Make a plan for the possibility of you or your household members to seek emergency medical care. Make a plan for how your household, including your pets, will be managed if emergency medical care is needed. Check in with neighbors and make a list of your emergency contacts. Put all of your significant personal documents and records in one place in case they are needed in a hurry. Also see Ready NY for more helpful preparedness tips!
Updating Your Will - Regardless of your age or life expectancy, it's always good to have a plan to leave behind for your loved ones. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has a unique partnership with FreeWill to provide you with a way to create or update your will, advance health care directives, and more at no cost to you.
Planning Your Legacy - All veterans are entitled to benefits at the end of their lives. We've gotten questions from family members of veterans who are near the end of their lives or recently passed who don't know what benefits are available to them, or what their veteran's wishes are/were. Whether you're young or old, please make sure you let your loved ones know this information. Learn more and get started HERE.
NYC Burial Assistance - Families of those who pass away shouldn't have to struggle. If you're a NYC family member struggling to pay for a dignified burial for your loved one, you may qualify for assistance from HRA.
Be Wary of Scams & Misinformation
Be wary of information without verifiable sources--and be ESPECIALLY suspicious of anyone trying to charge you money for information, testing, or anything else related to COVID-19. Bad actors will be out there trying to exploit this situation--let's be vigilant.
If you think you're being scammed or overcharged, call 311 (in NYC) or make a complaint to the New York State Attorney General at 1-800-771-7755.
Ways to Help Others
Donate Blood - Blood reserves are critically low right now. If you can, consider donating now.
Donate Your Bike - Have a bicycle you're not using? Donate it to an essential worker or volunteer helping others.
Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps - New Yorkers certified in healthcare are asked to volunteer their services if available.
Team Rubicon - Sign up to volunteer in your local community during COVID-19 with Team Rubicon USA.
Invisible Hands - Volunteer for a NYC startup that's coordinating home deliveries for New Yorkers in need.
Your NYC Council (or Local Elected) Office - Contact your elected officials to ask if there are safe volunteer opportunities or ways to donate goods in your neighborhood.
Stay Informed & Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Social distancing and washing your hands thoroughly (20 seconds) with soap are important protective measures for you and others. Whether you're old or young, healthy or sick, and regardless of whether you ever have symptoms--we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of this dangerous virus wherever we can. Keep at least 6 feet apart from others if you go outside--but otherwise please stay home no matter who you are to reduce spreading the virus.
Get comprehensive facts, statistics, and tips on the COVID-19 illness and pandemic from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
Have resources to add? Send them to [email protected]- we're in this together!