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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS)
Weekly Newsletter: March 23rd, 2020
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Message from Commissioner Hendon: Protecting Our Senior Veterans
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Dear Veteran Community,
The past week has been a test unlike any other on the people and institutions of New York City. We find ourselves at the epicenter of a crisis involving the novel coronavirus. Though we are all impacted by this scourge, some of our Veteran brothers and sisters are more at risk than others and may require additional help.
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We know, for instance, that New York City’s Veteran population skews older and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), our elderly population is at a higher risk of more serious complications from COVID-19. According to recent statistics, 55 percent of New York City Veterans, an estimated 89,980 people, are over the age of 65, placing them in particular danger.
To assess needs and how we can help, the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services’ staff has spent the past week continuously engaging different organizations with large populations of elderly Veterans. We will continue to do this throughout the outbreak. Among the things that we have learned is that there is a lack of sufficient transportation options for elderly Veterans to the VA Hospital from Staten Island—and to other medical-related appointments on and near Staten Island, for that matter. Access-a-ride is still operating; however, the program has scaled back its services. We are looking into other options that might be available for the Veteran community at this time. We have also heard that there is a need for Citymeals on Wheels services to elderly Veterans who are unable to leave their homes.
I also wanted to share the following information that is important for our senior Veteran population:
- The Saint Albans Community Living Center in Queens has suspended visitation and all VA nursing homes have suspended new admissions. For full details about this, please read the brief below in the newsletter.
- Low-income seniors and Veterans who are over 60 years old can contact the Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) Elderly Project and Veterans Initiative to obtain free help with establishing a will to protect your legal rights and health care decisions. Veterans can call (347) 521-5725 for more information.
- For practical advice about protecting yourself and to learn more about what New York City is doing to respond to COVID-19, please visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.
- For more information about services for NYC’s senior population, including senior meal updates, please visit the New York City Department for the Aging at www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta.
- Lastly, if you are a Veteran and feel like you need to go to a hospital, then please consider visiting one of our New York City-based VA hospitals, which can provide you with healthcare:
Above all, there is one thing that everyone can do. Please check in with any elderly Veterans whom you know. Call them to see how they are doing and engage them in a conversation. Calls can also help to lessen the feelings of social isolation that this population might be experiencing right now.
Thank you and stay safe!
All the best,
Commissioner James Hendon
Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov. For the latest information regarding COVID-19's impact on NYC's Veteran community visit the DVS COVID-19 resource page.
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NEW DVS COVID-19 Resource Page
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We've collected all the information, news, and resources veterans need to stay updated on the COVID-19 crisis. Visit our new COVID-19 webpage for the latest on:
- VA hospitals
- student veteran benefits
- food assistance
- organizations offering financial assistance
- mental health tips
- volunteer opportunities
- and more
We'll make updates to this page as we get the latest news.
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Commissioner Hendon on the 2020 Census
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DVS Commissioner James Hendon encourages all NYC residents to take part in the 2020 Census. Census data determines federal funding for health & emergency services - which we need now more than ever.
We're counting on you to support NYC in this moment of crisis. Fill out the Census TODAY:
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Veterans Benefits Administration
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The Veteran Benefits Association (VBA) Regional Offices are currently closed.
Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting the VA website. If you have questions you can request information via Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) or by telephone at 1-800-827-1000.
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Student Veterans and GI Bill Benefits
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Congress passed emergency legislation to ensure student veterans continue to receive housing and education benefits without interruption despite courses moving online. The legislation has since been signed into law. Read more here.
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Call the VA's GI Bill hotline at 1-888-442-4551 to resolve any issues or concerns you might have.
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NYS Division of Veterans' Services
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Message from the Social Security Administration (SSA):
SSA offices in New York City are temporarily closed. During this time, we will continue to assist with critical cases or dire need situations. Please visit our COVID-19 web page to find out what services we are continuing and which ones we are suspending, how to contact us, and important information about deadlines we are extending. A list of available online services can be found here.
SSA staff from NYC offices will continue to be accessible by phone. SSA local office phone numbers are available on the Social Security Office Locator. To find your local SSA office phone number, go to www.socialsecurity.gov, select Contact Us under Items of Interest, and then Office Locator under Ways to Contact Us. SSA local office staff are accessible by phone from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Some critical services also are available by calling SSA’s national toll-free line at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778. National toll-free line staff is available Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For up-to-date information about SSA office closings and emergencies, please visit www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency.
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Message from HRA the Child Support Services (OCSS):
OCSS Customer Service Walk-In Center in Lower Manhattan is asking customers to please inquire about their child support case by:
- emailing dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us
- calling 888-208-4485, the New York State Child Support Helpline
- or mailing New York City Office of Child Support Services:
P.O. Box 830
Canal Street Station
New York, NY 100013
OCSS is committed to replying to client inquiries as soon as possible. Additionally, no negative case actions are being taken for missing appointments with the Office of Child Support Services.
The New York State court system has suspended all nonessential court functions until further notice. Family Court is only addressing emergencies, such as child protection and domestic violence cases. If clients would like to apply for child support services, they can get an application by:
- downloading an application at childsupport.ny.gov or
- calling the helpline at 888-208-4485 to have an application mailed to you
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NYC Family Justice Center
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Message from the NYC Family Justice Center:
All NYC Family Justice Center (FJC) buildings are closed, however, FJC staff remain available via phone to provide vital services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including legal consultations, counseling, immediate safety planning, ongoing case management, and more.
You can call your nearest FJC, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m:
- NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx
- Call 718-508-1220
- NYC Family Justice Center, Brooklyn
- Call 718-250-5113
- NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan
- Call 212-602-2800
- NYC Family Justice Center, Queens
- Call 718-575-4545
- NYC Family Justice Center, Staten Island
- Call 718-697-4300
You can still contact NYC's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-621-4673. The hotline is available 24 hours, 7 days a week to help survivors access the services and resources they need to stay safe. For additional support visit NYC HOPE's Resource Directory.
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COVID-19 Veteran Resource Guide
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Resource Guide:
Benefits Assistance
- Receive reimbursement for essential goods at Exspensify.org (only for families on SNAP Benefits)
- Apply for assistance benefits and find a local food pantry at Food Help NYC
Food Banks and Soup Kitchens
School Breakfast and Lunch
Delivery Services
- Find a local Meals on Wheels program
- Place a request for delivery from an all-volunteer startup at Invisible Hands
- Apply to receive meal delivery from God's Love We Deliver. This nonprofit delivers food to individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
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Financial Assistance
The VFW is offering emergency cash assistance to qualifying veterans, military members, and families. Learn more about the VFW Unmet Needs Grants.
NYC Human Resources Administration's NYC Cash Assistance program offers cash for families in need.
The PENFED Foundation is providing emergency financial assistance for veterans impacted by COVID-19.
Visit Mission 22 for a comprehensive list of organizations that are providing financial assistance to veterans experiencing financial setbacks.
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Unemployment Assistance
US Department of Labor:
NY State Department of Labor:
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Education Services
Spectrum/Charter is offering 60 days of free WiFi for households with K-12 and college students. Learn more here.
The NYC Department of Education is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students. If you would like to request a device for a student in your family click here.
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Legal Services
Veterans, age 60 and older, can contact Volunteers of Legal Services for help with
- obtaining life planning documents that are essential to protecting their legal rights and health care decisions
- Last Will and Testament
- power of attorney
- health care proxy
- landlord-tenant issues
- access to benefits
- general civil legal advice and referrals
To request legal services call 347-521-5725 or email jpenkoff@volsprobono.org. Leave a message with your name, phone number, and the best days and times you can be reached.
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Healthcare
NY State of Health has extended the special enrollment period through April 15th for uninsured individuals. For more information, click here.
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Military Caregivers
Take this survey to help the Elizabeth Dole Foundation understand the impact COVID-19 is having on veteran caregivers and their families.
Read this article from the AARP to learn how coping with anxiety and sacrifice has prepared military caregivers for the COVID-19 crisis.
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Volunteer
The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. Healthy individuals are urged to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Sign up today.
NYC needs retired medical professionals to support hospitals that might soon be at capacity. 1,000 doctors and nurses have already answered the call. Medically trained veterans are encouraged to join. Learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps here.
New York Cares is currently working with city agencies and Community Partners to determine the best way to support those most impacted by COVID-19. Sign up to receive more information on volunteer projects addressing COVID-19 in the coming days and weeks.
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Vietnam Vet Memorial Online Commemoration
WHEN:
Sunday, March 29th | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Intrepid After Hours: Stories from Women Veterans (Virtual)
Join the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for an interactive program and conversation honoring women veterans. The program will highlight women servicemembers from World War II to the Vietnam War.
Register here or fill out the online form. Registrants will then receive the Zoom link and dial-in information by email.
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 31st | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Understaffed Veterans Affairs scrambles to confront COVID-19
Defense One
The VA’s patients are disproportionately elderly and many have war-related health conditions that could make them more vulnerable to the coronavirus.
As virus spreads, VA gets set to back up taxed US hospitals
The Associated Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs is bracing for a potential surge of 1 million veterans infected by the coronavirus and at the same time is preparing for the possibility it may have to absorb overflow civilian patients if private hospitals are overrun by the pandemic.
Unions seek more protection for VA employees after workers test positive for coronavirus
Stars and Stripes
Federal unions that represent the Department of Veterans Affairs health care workers are calling on VA officials to better protect employees following reports that some have tested positive for the coronavirus.
VA eyes $16 billion-plus in emergency funds to help with coronavirus response
Military Times
Department of Veterans Affairs leaders are preparing to request more than $16 billion in new funding to help the sprawling medical system respond to the continued coronavirus threat, according to multiple congressional officials involved in the matter.
VA’s mission to see civilian patients in times of crisis vanished from its website
Washington Post
The Department of Veterans Affairs serves as a backup health system in times of crisis, but its mission statement for this crucial role was deleted from the agency’s website Friday as many in the country grew concerned that the coronavirus could overload civilian hospitals.
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