New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: March 17,2017 Fraud Alert

Posted on March 28, 2017 by jwatrel

To all the readers of this blog: I wanted to let you know of recent scams put out by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. It is tax season so it is big scam time for people trying to cheat you. This is a posting from our local library.

Alert: Don’t Fall for the Area Code Scam: The “area code” scam is making a comeback, according to a March 15th article on APP. The scam is simple: You may get a phone call from a strange area code. A message might be left or it may be a hang-up call. Curiosity gets the best of you and you call the number back. Then you get socked with a bill for call an international number sometimes up to $20 for the first minute. Experts quoted in the article warned against dialing the number back without recognizing where it came from. If you’re curious, look up the area code on Google, an expert advised. If you see the code is from a foreign country, chances are that it’s a scam.

Alert: IRS Warns of Tax Scams Making the Rounds: A March 2nd article on NJ.com details 12 different scams that the Internal Revenue Services is warning taxpayers to avoid. Those scams include phishing scams, in which taxpayers receive an email, purportedly from the IRS, providing a link to a website that when opened allows a program to be installed on the recipient’s computer. That program can then mine for personal data and financial information., which can be used in identity theft schemes. Similar scam use text messaging or phone call to threaten consumers with arrest if they do not provide personal information. The IRS says it will never demand personal information in such a manner and urges taxpayers to double check all email and phone claims with the IRS office.

Contact the office if you suspect FRAUD: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs

1-800-242-5846

FightingFraud.NJ.gov

*Disclaimer: this information was taken from a recent flyer from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs that is in the Bergen County Libraries and I thought it was something that everyone should know. During tax time, scammers are running rapid and you will get all sorts of phone calls and emails. Please be careful as they have called my house as well so no one is safe. Always double check with your accountant if all else fails.

Posted in AARP Programming, Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Employment Programming, Fraud Programming, Homeless Service Programs, Legal Assistance Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Relationship Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Age Friendly: Ridgewood

Posted on March 25, 2017 by jwatrel

Age Friendly: Ridgewood

Age Friendly Ridgewood is an interesting program that the Village of Ridgewood, NJ has that is being adopted by many towns in New Jersey. The program is where the seniors in the community 55 years old and older were polled on what their needs are and how the town can help meet those needs. It is a constantly evolving program and I attended a showing of the movie “Jackie” the other night that was part of the program through AARP and thought it was something to share with the internet community.

Ridgewood-A great place to Grow Up and Grow Old. A Community for All Ages.

Our Mission:

To bring older adults into the conversation as our community plans for the future. To enrich the community through addressing physical spaces, mobility and healthy lifestyle. To create opportunities for volunteerism and social and civic engagement.

Age Friendly Ridgewood is a collaborative team of grant-funded part-time staff and volunteers whose goal is to promote awareness of the needs of adults 55 and over when designing projects that will ultimately improve the Ridgewood community. Our priorities include housing diversity, pedestrian safety, transportation options, leveraging the expertise of the older population, developing intergenerational neighborhood connections, increasing communication of resources and events and collaborating with the business community.

Age Friendly Ridgewood

(201) 632-1554

agefriendlyridgewood@gmail.com

http://www.agefriendlyridgewood.org

Check out our website to learn more about Age Friendly Ridgewood and the resources available for older adults.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Home Improvement & Care Programs, Legal Assistance Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Social Security Programs, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)

Posted on March 16, 2017 by jwatrel

Program Description:

New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving or JACC for short is a non-Medicaid program that provides a variety of care services and supports to elderly residents that require assistance with their activities of daily living and are at-risk for nursing home placement. Services are provided to program participants in their homes, in the homes of caregivers or in adult day care centers.

Under JACC, family member can be paid to provide caregiving services to their loved ones.

JACC offers program participants the option to choose their own service providers for several approved services. To avoid confusion, it should be mentioned that this model of care delivery is referred to by a variety of names including participant direction, consumer direction, cash and counseling, participant employed provider and client employed provider. For services such as attendant care, chores and transportation assistance, nearly anyone can be hired to provide assistance including family members and friends so long as they meet the program’s requirements. Unlike in many states, in NJ, spouses and the adult children of aging parents are included in the list of relatives that can be paid.

The JACC program also covers minor home modifications to improve home access or safety. Examples of this are wheelchair ramps or walk in tub replacements for dangerous showers. NJ seniors are eligible for free estimates for bathroom safety modifications such as walk in tubs.

Eligibility Guidelines:

In addition to being New Jersey residents and at least 60 years of age, there are also financial and functionality requirements to be eligible for this program.

Functional: person must need ‘nursing home level care’. However, they must live at home, in a rental property or with family members. They can not live in a residential care facility such as adult foster care, assisted living or a nursing home.

Financial: the income limit is 365% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single, unmarried applicant in 2016, this is $3613.50/month and $4872.75/month. Assets or countable resources (which do not include the value of a home), must be less than $40,000 for an individual or $60,000 for a couple.

Income and assets can not be so low that the applicant is also eligible for Medicaid or a Medicaid HCBS Waiver (approximately $2,199/month in income and $2,000 in assets). Individuals in this situation will qualify for the Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) (/Medicaid-waiver/nj-mltss.html) instead which provides similar services.

Benefits and Services:

A broad array of services and supports are available in the JACC Program. For some individuals, services are provided free of charge. Others will be required to make a co-payment. Rest assured that any co-payments will be well below that market rate for care services in NJ. Co-payments are based on a sliding scale on the participant’s income. The total value of the services provided to a single applicant can not exceed $7200 in one year or $600/month.

Participants and their caregivers can receive any of the following:

*Adult day care and adult day health care

*Caregiving training

*Chore services such as yard work and light home maintenance.

*Durable medical equipment and supplies

*Home modifications to improve accessibility

*Home-delivered meal service

*Homemaker services such as laundry and housecleaning

*Personal care

*Personal emergency response service

*Respite care for the participant’s primary caregiver

*Transportation assistance for medical appointments

How to apply/Learn More:

To apply, call 877-222-3737 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center. A list of locations is available here (/longtermcare/find_aging_agencies_adrc_aaa.html?state=NJ)

One can download a PDF brochure about the program here (http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/news/publications/jacc)

*Disclaimer: all of this information was taken off the New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) website and the website contains more information on things like Costs od Senior Care, Types of Senior Care, Payment of Senior Care, Resource Locater Tool, Compare Benefits & Care, Helping Pay for Care, Help Planning for Care, Find Affordable Senior Care, Lower your cost of Care and Cost Saving Technologies. I have not used the service so I have no opinion of yes or no to the service but please look on the website or call for more information and let this be a step by step guide on what to do next for your loved one. Please check out your opinions.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

NJ Shares: Keeping the lines of Communication open for you & your family: Verizon New Jersey Communications Lifeline

Posted on March 16, 2017 by jwatrel

NJ Shares: Keeping the lines of communication open for you & your family: Verizon New Jersey Communications Lifeline.

Who is eligible for Communications Lifeline:

It’s quick and easy to sign up for Verizon NJ’s Communication Lifeline program and Link Up America.

You must be a Verizon residential phone customer to apply for these programs. If you need residential phone service, contact Verizon NJ first at 1-800-837-4966. You are eligible if you participate in any of these programs:

*Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

*General Assistance (GA)

*Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

*Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

*Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline Assistance

*Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)

*Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Work First New Jersey (TANF/WFNJ)

*Medicaid

or

If you are age 65 or over and are not participating in one of the above programs and your annual income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty income level (Federal poverty guidelines are issued each year in the Federal Register by the US Department of Health and Human Services). Check you income eligibility by calling 1-888-337-3339. Call NJ Shares at 1-888-337-3339 for eligibility and enrollment.

What are the benefits of Link Up America & Communications Lifeline?

Through Link Up America, new, eligible customers receive a 50% discount on their initial residential phone connection charge. The remaining fees can be paid in 12 months.

Under the Communications Lifeline program, Verizon NJ residential telephone customers may be eligible to receive free or discounted local telephone service. Communications Lifeline program participants can receive:

*Discounted flat rate residential phone service including touch-tone service.

*Additional optional features such as caller ID or three-way calling.

How do you apply?

All you need to do is call NJ SHARES at 1-888-337-3339 or log onto http://www.njshares.org.

Communication Lifeline:

NJ SHARES Inc. is a statewide, non-profit 501c3 organization that provides assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their communications and energy bills.

For more information about NJ SHARES, Communications Lifeline and Link Up America, call or visit us online at: http://www.njshares.org or 1-888-337-3339.

NJ SHARES/Verizon

*Disclaimer: I have not used the service so I do not have an opinion of the service, whether it is good or bad but please call the above number or email them for more information, This information was taken off the pamphlet from Verizon/NJ SHARES and more information is online.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Corporate Programming for the public, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Home Improvement & Care Programs, LineLine Protection, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Game plan for your health: What’s your game plan for Orthopaedic Health?

Posted on March 16, 2017 by jwatrel

Hackensack UMC: The Game Plan for your health-What’s your game plan for Orthopaedic Health?

Let New Jersey’s #1 orthopedic services program keep you in the game.

Keeping your bones healthy is important no matter what game you choose to play. What you need is a GAMEPLAN.

The Orthopaedic Institute at HackensackUMC wants to share its GAMEPLAN for Orthopaedic Health-ten simple steps that will help you take charge of your health and stay in the game.

As the Healthgrades #1 Hospital in New Jersey for Orthopaedic Services and nationally ranked by in orthopaedics by US News & World Report, the Orthopaedic Institute is pushing medicine further than ever before.

To find out how the Orthopaedic Institute at HackensackUMC will help you get back in the game, visit HackensackUMC.org/ortho.

Game Plan for Orthopaedic Health:

  1. Your best offense is a good defense:  unavoidable risk factors affecting bone health include age, gender, race and family history. There’s nothing you can do to change them but knowing their influence can help you plan a good defense.
  2. Know the signs and signals: if you have concerns, speak with you physician about the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis, arthritis or other conditions that affect bone/joint health.
  3. Know you opponent: using tobacco or drinking soda decrease your body’s  ability to absorb calcium and may contribute to weak bones.
  4. Talk to your coach: your doctor will know if you are at risk and can recommend different exercises, medications and/or lifestyle modifications to reduce that danger.
  5. Fuel for performance: strong bones are less injury-prone. However as we age our bones lose strength and mass becoming thinner and more brittle. Follow a calcium-rich diet to maintain bone mass and decrease your risk of fractures. Make sure to get enough Vitamin D.
  6. Maintain a balanced training regimen: your exercise regimen should include exercises that increase flexibility and balance, which are key to fall prevention.
  7. Pump Iron: weight bearing exercises such as walking can help minimize bone loss and prevent fractures. Get clearance from your physician before starting any exercise program.
  8. Wear Protective Gear: make sure to wear the proper protective gear when exercising to help prevent injury.
  9. Stay off the disabled list: know your limits.
  10. Maintain good pre and post game practices: proper warm-up and cool-down routines are important for athletes at any level.

*Disclaimer: this information is taken off a pamphlet from Hackensack University Health Network. I have never used this information before and I have no opinion on the results. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Cancer Programming, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Game Plan for your health: What’s you game plan for a healthy prostate?

Posted on March 16, 2017 by jwatrel

Hackensack UMC Urology: Game Plan for your health: What’s your game plan for a healthy prostate?

Did you that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime? Prostate cancer is not only a serious disease but is also a leading cause of cancer death in men.

The good news? There is no question that testing can help find many prostate cancers early but you should talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be tested. He or she will help you develop a plan that best meets your personalized needs.

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) or a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. According to the American Urological Association, “…when interpreted appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer patients. But not all prostate cancers are life-threatening. The decision to proceed to active treatment or use surveillance for a patient’s prostate cancer is on that men should discuss in detail with their urologists”.

Visit HackensackUMC.org or to find a physician, please call (855) 996-WELL (9355).

To learn more about our GAMEPLAN for prostate Health, visit HackensackUMC.org/Prostate.

The Game Plan for a Healthy Prostate:

  1. Know the Fundamentals: The prostate is a gland involved with make sexual function and urination. It is the size of a walnut and is located directly under the bladder, in front of the rectum.
  2. Know the Stats: One in six men in the United States will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.
  3. Know the Score: It is very important to have a regular prostate check with your doctor to make sure there are no abnormal lumps or bumps, possibility indicating the first sign of prostate cancer. In addition, a PSA blood test may detect the presence of prostate cancer. An increase in PSA levels may also be caused by an enlarged or inflamed prostate.
  4. Know the Opponent: There are 3 major health problems associated with the prostate:

*Prostate enlargement-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

*Prostatitis-inflammation of the prostate.

*Prostate cancer

5. Know your team history: Men with a history of prostate cancer in their family are at higher risk of developing for prostate cancer themselves. Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 40 but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. In addition, race plays a role in prostate cancer with some men having a higher risk of prostate cancer.

6. Fuel for Performance: Evidence suggests that choosing a healthy diet, low in fat and full of fruits and vegetables, may reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

7. Stay in peak form: Men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Being obese increases your risk or prostate cancer.

8. Prepare a training regimen: Studies of exercise and prostate cancer risk have mostly shown that men who exercise may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

9. Talk to your coach: Some men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. For men with a higher risk of prostate cancer. For men with a higher risk of prostate cancer, there may be other options for risk reduction. If you think you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer discuss it with your doctor.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Hackensack University Health Network pamphlet. Please email the website or call the number as mentioned above. I have never used the service so I have no opinion of the service. Please call them for more information.

 

 

Posted in Cancer Programming, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Consumer Protection Tips for Immigrants: Immigration Assistance Services

Posted on March 11, 2017 by jwatrel

Consumer Protection Tips for Immigrants: Immigration Assistance Services:

Before you read on…

Get free help. The City of New York offers safe, free immigration legal screenings. Visit nyc.gov/actionnyc or call 311 and say ‘ActionNYC’. See Free HELP and OTHER RESOURCES.

If you work with an Immigration Assistance Service Provider, here are tips to help you.

Immigration Assistance Service Providers are people or businesses that charge fees for any kind of immigration-related services. They are not lawyers. They do not have permission from the government to give immigration advice.

These providers are allowed to:

*translate and notarize documents.

*help you gather documents (like a birth certification or school records).

*type up application forms (but not give advice on how to answer questions).

*arrange for photographs or medical tests.

*help you prepare for English language or civics tests.

These providers are not allowed to:

*select which immigration forms you should submit.

*give legal advice about documents to submit.

*explain your immigration options.

*discuss your case with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Tips:

*know which applications forms you need to file when you go to a provider.

*only go to providers that have physical locations. Never use one you can reach only by phone or email.

*do not believe any provider that claims to have special influence with immigration authorities.

*Providers must sign a written contract with you before providing services. Read the contract before signing. Keep a copy for your records.

*do not give original documents (like a marriage certificate). Give copies instead.

*get a written receipt. Make sure the receipt contains the name and address of the provider.

*do not sign any blank or incomplete forms. Insist that the provider sign any form it prepares for you.

*Providers must maintain a bond for your protection. Write down the name and contact information of the bond company or bank. If you are harmed, you can go to court to recover money from the provider or its bond company.

*file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)  online at nyc.gov/dca or contact 311 to file a complaint in your language. You do not have to give your name or your immigration status to make a complaint. Note: If you would like DCA to contact you, you must provide your name and address.

*call 311 or visit nycourts.gov and search “Attorney Disciplinary/Grievance Committee” to file a complaint about an attorney.

Beware of ….

In New York State, a notary public or notario pulicio, is not an attorney. A notary public cannot give legal advice, draft legal papers or review documents for legality.

Never pay for blank government forms. Forms are available for free on the USCIS website uscis.gov. Providers do not have give out free forms.

Free Help:

*ActionNYC provides safe, free immigration legal screenings in your community in you own language. Visit nyc.gov/actionnyc or call 311 and say “ActionNYC”.

Important:

*City agencies that provide direct social services must arrange for interpretation and translation in your first language.

*City agencies cannot ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to determine eligibility for a benefit or service.

*call the New York State Immigration Hotlines at 1-800-566-7636 or 1-212-419-3737 for information on free immigration advice or help.

Other resources:

*Read other Consumer Protection Tips for Immigrants: EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, FINANCES AND TAX PREPARTION.

*Visit nyc.gov/dca for information, including a sample immigration assistance service contract.

*Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA): Visit nyc.gov/immigrants for information about legal and City Services.

*U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Visit uscis.gov or call 1-800-870-3676 for USCIS forms.

*New York Attorney General’s Office: Visit ag.ny.gov and search “Immigrant Fraud” for additional information and resources. Read “Don’t be a victim of Immigration Fraud”.

*Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit ftc.gov and search ‘immigrant scams’ for additional information and resources. Read:

-Scams against immigrants

-Spotting avoiding & reporting scams: a fraud handbook for recent refugees and immigrants.

*New York City Bar Association: Call 1-212-626-7373 for an attorney referral.

*Disclaimer: this information has been provided by a pamphlet from the NYC Office of the Mayor, Department of Consumer Affairs/Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Small Business Services. I have never used these services before so I have no opinion on the m yes or no that they are good or not. Please call the above number or check their website for further information.

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Benefits Guide 2017 ID NYC

Posted on March 11, 2017 by jwatrel

Benefits Guide 2017 ID NYC: 8 million New Yorkers and 1 card for all of us. In English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. For more benefits information please call 311 or visit http://www.nyc.gov/IDNYC.

IDNYC is the card you need to prove that you are a New Yorker!

IDNYC provides exclusive Benefits. For instructions and up to date information on how to access your IDNYC benefits call 311 or visit http://www.nyc.gov/idnyc/benefits.

IDNYC is accepted as your proof of identity:

*By NYC agencies when applying for City services including marriage licenses, birth certificates and benefits like SNAP, Cash Assistance and Section 8.

*By NYPD police officers as valid identification

*For entering public buildings like schools.

*For taking the high school equivalency exam in New York State.

IDNYC can be used:

*As a library card at the Brooklyn, New York and Queens Public Library System. Take your IDNYC card to a librarian to make it your library card.

*As BigAppleRx, the City of New York’s official prescription discount card, which has saved users an average of 50% on prescription medications. Simply show your pharmacist the BIN and GRP on the back of your care to save.

Free Cultural Institution Memberships: Receive free one-year memberships at leading museums, zoos, concert halls and botanical gardens. See the back cover for a listing of institutions and visit http://www.nyc.gov/idnyc for each institutions complete membership terms and eligibility.

The IDNYC card does not authorize cardholders to drive, buy alcohol or tobacco or travel by plane. IDNYC does not confer immigration status or work authorization.

Entertainment Discounts:

IDNYC Entertainment Deals: Exclusive discounts on movie tickets, Broadway shows, sporting events, theme parks and more. This program is powered by Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG).

New York City Football Club: $3.00 off individual tickets for select seats at all 2016 regular season games.

New York Theatre Ballet and Ballet School NY: 10% off adult tickets to all performances; 10% off the adult class card; $2 off adult drop-in ballet classes.

The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York:

Discounts on tickets to performances at member theatres including Roundabout Theatre Company. Second Stage Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience.

Health & Fitness Discounts:

NYC Parks Department: 10% off annual Recreation Center Membership for adults ages 25-61 at 35 neighborhood recreation centers and 10% off NYC Parks Department tennis permits.

YMCA: Access to Y roads young adults centers and New American Welcome Centers; 20% off family and adult memberships at 22 YMCA centers citywide.

Citi Bike: 15% off annual membership for new Citi Bike Members.

Supermarket Discounts:

Food Bazaar: 5% off purchases at all Food Bazaar supermarkets in NYC. Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm. Some exclusions apply.

Banking Benefits:

You can use IDNYC as your primary ID to open a bank or credit union account at select financial institutions. For more details, visit http://www.nyc.gov/idnyc/benefits.

Animal Care Centers of New York:

$25 off adoption fees for cats, dogs and rabbits.

To inquire about membership to local cultural site, please check the website for details as more are being added.

http://www.nyc.gov/idnyc

*Disclaimer: this information was provided by social workers from Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and is meant for New York City residents. Please check the website for more details as I have never used this service before. I have no opinion on the program. Please call the above phone number or use the website for more information.

Posted in Men's Programming, New York City Caregiver Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Resources for New York City Immigrants: The City of New York Supports all its residents

Posted on March 11, 2017 by jwatrel

From the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: Message to Immigrant New Yorkers from Mayor de Blasio and Speaker mark-Viverito:

“During these uncertain times we must remind ourselves of who we are as a city and hold steadfast to our values. Hard work, respect and unity during times of adversity define us as New Yorkers and that will not change, no matter who is president. Our commitment to standing with and protecting our immigrant communities is stronger then ever. As always, the City of New York is prepared to defend and protect our immigrant brothers and sisters. We will never turn our back on you.”

This resource guide serves as a quick and easy road map of City services currently available to all New Yorkers.

Resources for New York City Immigrants:

The City of New York supports all its residents: most city services are available to everyone, including undocumented immigrants, like going to school or using the health care system or other services. City employees will not ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to do their jobs. They must keep immigration status information confidential.

*IDNYC: IDNYC is the City’s identification card for all New Yorkers. IDNYC does not collect immigration status information and we keep applications information confidential. The City will protect IDNYC information to the full extent of the law.

*Education: Children age 4 or turning 4 are eligible for Pre-K. All residents have the right to attend public school from age 5 until graduation or until the end of the school year when they turn 21. Classes are available for English learners.

*Healthcare:

-Low Cost emergency and non-emergency health care is available to all at public hospitals and clinics and at other affordable clinics.

-NYC Well is a free, confidential connection mental health care in more than 200 languages, any time of the day. Call 1-888-NYC-Well, text WELL to 65173 or go to nyc.gov/nycwell.

Childcare: low income families with children age 6 weeks through 12 years old can get free or low cost child care.

Emergency food and shelter:

-Locations across NYC provide free food to people in need.

-The Homebase program can help residents avoid entering the shelter system.

*Public Safety:

-The City does not conduct immigration enforcement. The NYPD does not ask about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses or other people who ask for help.

-Anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime or is not sure should contact the NYPD. To contact the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force directly call (646) 610-5267.

*Immigration legal help:

-Free, safe immigration legal help is available through ActionNYC. Call the ActionNYC hotline at 1-800-354-0365 during business hours Monday to Friday.

-Beware of unlicensed immigration service providers who take advantage of their customers. Get help only from a trusted, licensed attorney or accredited representative. For questions about this, call the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 between 9am-8pm on Monday through Friday.

*Protection from Discrimination:

-New Yorkers also have the right to free from unlawful discrimination, retaliation and harassment in the workplace, housing and public places.

-To file a complaint or learn more, call 311 or call the NYC Commission on Human Rights at (718) 722-3131.

Do you have questions or concerns? Call 311 for more information about these resources or call the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs directly during work hours at (212) 788-7654. Translation is available.

*Disclaimer: This information was provided to me by the social workers from Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. I don’t know much about their programs but please call the above numbers for more information. I can’t say yes or no to how effective it is but ask them for details.

Posted in Child Program Services, Immigrant Programming, Legal Assistance Programs, Men's Programming, New York Children's Program, New York City Caregiver Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ActionNYC

Posted on March 11, 2017 by jwatrel

 

ActionNYC

ActionNYC provides: Free, comprehensive and confidential legal screenings to determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Free, safe, immigration legal help from an experienced attorney or accredited representative for a range of cases, including:

*Citizenship

*Green Card applications and renewals

*Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

*Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and more!

ActionNYC is located in select community-based organizations, schools and healthcare facilities throughout the five boroughs.

To make an appointment, call 1-800-354-0365 between 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday or call 311 and say “ActionNYC.”

For more information and for a list of ActionNYC partners, go to: http://www.nyc.gov/actionnyc.

*this information was provided for me by social workers I work with at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in NYC and who wanted the public in NYC to know of this program. This information is taken directly from their pamphlet through the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

*Disclaimer: I have not used this program so I have no opinion either yes or no to how it works but please call the above number or use the website for more information.

Posted in Immigrant Programming, Legal Assistance Programs, Men's Programming, New York City Caregiver Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment