Beyond Care… Support & Services
COVID-19 Support & Services
Vaccines
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Where Can I Get the Vaccine?
For NYC, Westchester county, and Long Island residents, use one of these three resources to schedule a vaccine appointment:
Vaccine Together NY
NYC Vaccine List
Am I Eligible? App
For all New York State residents, use the Am I Eligible? App.
What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- The COVID-19 vaccine will help keep you from getting COVID-19. All vaccines in the U.S. have shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is a safer way to help build immunity protection than getting COVID-19.
- The combination of getting the COVID-19 vaccine and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will give you the best protection from COVID-19.
The vaccine can help protect you, your patient, your family, and your community.
How many shots of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?
If you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, the vaccine comes in 2 shots. Make sure you schedule a follow-up appointment to get the second shot several weeks after the first shot. If you receive the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, you just need 1 shot.
You can now receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if you have certain serious medical conditions or receive treatments that weaken your immune system.
To find out if you’re eligible and to schedule an appointment, click here. You do not need to get your third dose at the same site where you got your first two doses.
If I already had COVID-19, do I need to get the vaccine?
If you already had COVID-19, it is still recommended that you get the vaccine.
Should I still wear a mask after I get the vaccine?
In certain cases, yes. Up-to-date guidance from the CDC can be found here. Individual establishments may have their own guidelines.
My patient is homebound. Can they still get the vaccine?
Yes. If your patient is physically unable to travel to a vaccination clinic, they can receive an in-home vaccination through the In-Home Vaccination program.
If you’re a New York City resident, register here to be contacted by the City about the program.
If you’re a New York state resident, you can find your county contact for the program here.
COVID-19 Tests
- New York State has COVID-19 testing centers all across the state. You can be tested for COVID-19 at no cost as long as the testing center is run by New York State. To find a testing center near you, click here.
- You can schedule a free, at-home COVID-19 test through Beeper MD. Beeper MD offers PCR and Rapid Antigen testing. Learn more here.
- You can now receive up to 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests per residential address. Visit COVIDtests.gov to have the tests delivered to you by the U.S. Postal Service.
- If you have questions regarding your eligibility to be tested for COVID-19, click here or call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and NYC Department of Health
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
To learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how to stay safe, and what to do if you get sick, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 info page here.
To learn about caring for someone who is sick at home or in a non-healthcare setting during the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the CDC’s guidance here.
NYC Department of Health Face Covering FAQ
To learn about proper face coverings for helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, click here.
FreedomCare
Speak to a Doctor
Feeling sick and need to speak with a doctor? Just tap on the Speak To a Doctor Now button on the home screen of the FreedomCare app to talk with a medical professional for free 24/7. If you don’t have the app, click here to speak with a doctor.
Talk with a Therapist
Feeling down or stressed? If you would like a listening ear or emotional support, you can call a licensed therapist at 1-(800)-433-2320, or text a therapist at (503)-980-1777. This is a free service for FreedomCare caregivers and anyone who lives with you.
COVID-19 Guide
Click here to read FreedomCare’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guide for Caregivers and Patients.
New York City Food Assistance
Free Meals
The NYC Department of Education is giving out three free meals a day to any New Yorkers who need them. Meal Hubs are open from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday. Vegetarian and Halal meals are also available. No one will be turned away, and no registration or ID is required. Click here to find your closest location.
Food Deliveries and Emergency Meals
NYC will provide food deliveries and emergency meals if you are having trouble getting food. Click here for a list of emergency food distribution options. Click here to apply for emergency food delivery assistance.
Grocery and Supply Delivery
Invisible Hands is a group of volunteers, who work to bring groceries and supplies to those in NYC who are at high risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. For more info and to sign up for grocery delivery, click here.
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit
The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit is designed to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To find out if you’re eligible, click here or call (833)-511-0311.
Mental Health Support during COVID-19
NYS COVID-19 Helpline
New York State is offering an Emotional Support Helpline to aid with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and grief. It is free and confidential. Call 1-844-863-9314 from 8:00 am - 10:00 pm, 7 days a week.
NYC WELL
If you live in NYC and want to talk to a Counselor or Peer Support Specialist, click here, text “WELL” to 65173, or call (888)-692-9355.
Find more information about NYC WELL here.
Headspace
Headspace is offering free meditations for New Yorkers. All meditation exercises and mindfulness resources are science-backed and designed to help reduce stress and negative emotions during this trying time. Learn more here.
Caregiver Support
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Alzheimer’s Association
- Connect with a live person at Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 for support: (800)-272-3900
- Connect with others who care for loved ones with Alzheimer's through free support groups, online message boards and forums, education programs, and blog posts. Find out more here.
- As Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia progress, your loved one's behaviors may change. Behavior change can be hard to handle, but here are some resources to guide you through each stage of the disease.
Caring Kind
Connect with NYC’s dementia experts 24/7/365 in 200 languages. Specialists can provide you with the most up-to-date information, education, and support.
Call their 24-hour Helpline: (646)-744-2900
Email helpline@caringkindnyc.org
Visit https://www.caringkindnyc.org/caregivertips/
Autism
Autism Speaks
If you need support, you can connect with a live person at Autism Speaks from 9 am - 5 pm. Call 1-(888)-288-4762.
Cancer
American Cancer Society
Cancer Information Specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions about:
Specific cancers and coping with cancer
Treatment options and side effects
Medicines and pain control
Clinical trials
Prevention and screening
Quitting tobacco
The ACS can also refer you to local and national resources including:
Patient services
Support groups
Social services
Medical equipment
Wigs and prostheses
Transportation
Lodging
Financial programs
To learn more, click here or call (800)-227-2345.
Cancer Support Community
English- and Spanish-speaking counselors and resource specialists are available to support you Monday-Friday 9 am - 9 pm. To connect, click here or Call (888)-793-9355.
Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
- If you need support, click here or call (800)-342-2383 to connect with a live person at the American Diabetes Association Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
- Check out these stress-free recipes, prep tips, and shopping lists to make and enjoy making healthy food that tastes great.
- Learn more about the Living with Type 2 Diabetes Program for patients and caregivers here.
Mental Health (Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and more)
NYC WELL
If you live in NYC and want to talk to a Counselor or Peer Support Specialist, click here, text “WELL” to 65173, or call (888)-692-9355.
Find more information about NYC WELL here.
SAMHSA
National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for people and families facing mental or substance use disorders. SAMHSA provides referrals to local treatment centers, support groups, and community organizations. Call 1-(800)-662-4357 (4357).
AARP Caregiver Resources
Find New York-based health, financial, legal, workplace, housing, LGBTQ, and community & mutual aid resources from AARP here.
Local Services
Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance
Affordable Housing Information
Click here to learn more about affordable housing for NYC residents.
Click here to learn more about SILO’s housing guidance services in Suffolk county.
New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
ELAP provides rent financial assistance. You are eligible if you
- Fell behind in rent since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 AND
- Qualified for unemployment benefits or have lost income and/or have an increase in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic; AND
- Have a monthly gross (before tax) household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
To learn more, click here.
To apply, click here.
Housing Counselors
Click here to find a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselor in your area. Housing counselors can give advice on renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues.
Financial Assistance
New York City
Access HRA
Access HRA offers one-time financial assistance to help with rent, utilities, medical bills, and more. The program requires paying money back, which can be done with a payment plan.
To access services, click here or call (718)-557-1399.
New York City 311
NYC 311 connects people to resources for rent and utility assistance, emergency shelter, cash assistance, food, child support services, disability access, and more. 311 serves the following counties: Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond.
Click here, call 311, or call (212)-639-9675 to get connected.
Long Island
Society of St. Vincent de Paul -- Long Island
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Long Island has an Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) that offers rent financial assistance when funds are available. The program serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. To learn more, call (516)-822-3132 or email info@svdpli.org.
To apply, click here.
Long Island 211
Long Island 211 connects people to resources for rent and utility assistance, emergency shelter, food, disability services, health care, transportation, mental health/substance abuse, and more. 211 serves Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Click here, call 211, or call (888)-774-7633 to get connected.
Clothing and Home Items
For a list of thrift stores in your area, enter your zip code here.
Food Assistance
SNAP Benefits and Food Program
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the new name for Food Stamps.
To find out if you or your patient is eligible for SNAP benefits, click here. Then click on Eligibility.
To apply for SNAP benefits, click here
Health Bucks
If you’re on SNAP, Health Bucks is a seasonal program that lets you earn $2 coupons for every $5 spent on your EBT cards at farmer's markets. Learn more here.
Emergency Food Assistance
You may be able to get free food from your local food pantry and hot meals from local community kitchens. For more information, call (866)-888-8777.
If you live in Suffolk county, click here to submit a request and schedule an appointment with SILO’s food pantry.
Food Pantry Search Tools
If you live in NYC, click here to find a food pantry near you. For site type, select “food provider”.
If you live on Long Island, click here to find a food pantry near you.
Immigration Services
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
DYCD contracts with community-based organizations to provide services and support to people living in NYC. Learn more here.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library helps NYC’s most recent immigrants find their way in the city through ESOL classes, legal assistance, and financial counseling. For more information, click here or email outreach@nypl.org.
Heating/Cooling & Utility Bills Assistance
Keep Cool NYC
Use this tool to find a cooling center near you.
Learn how to stay cool in extreme heat here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating and cooling utility bills. You are eligible if
- Your household received a HEAP benefit during the current HEAP program year OR
- You are currently receiving Temporary Assistance (TA) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- For cooling assistance, a household member must have a medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.
To learn more, click here or call (800) 342-3009. You can apply for the program here.
Empower. Assist. Care. (EAC) Network
If you live in Nassau county, the Empower. Assist. Care. (EAC) Network can help you access the following programs:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Provides heating and utility financial assistance for low-income residents.
- Weatherization Referral and Packaging program (WRAP ) - Provides weatherization services to reduce heating costs and make homes more energy efficient.
To learn more, click here. To apply, call (516) 539-0150 or (516)-546-6121.
Low-Cost Phone and Internet Services
Lifeline
Lifeline helps low-income consumers find affordable communication services. Subscribers receive a discount on monthly telephone services, broadband internet access, and voice-broadband bundled services, which are purchased from participating providers. To find out more, click here.
SafeLink Wireless
Eligible caregivers and patients can receive a free Smartphone or SIM Card with free minutes, texts, and data through SafeLink Wireless. You must be enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8, HEAP, TANF or another NYS assistance program to qualify. To find out more, click here.
Low Cost Internet For Seniors
For a list of resources that offer low-cost internet to seniors, click here.
Assistance for Older Adults in NYC
LiveOn NY
LiveOn NY can help you figure out which benefits you qualify for and help you complete any applications for benefits. This program is only for older New Yorkers living in NYC. For more information, click here or call (212)-398-5045.
NYC Department For The Aging
- For assistance in finding senior centers, services, programs, and more, click here.
- For information and help regarding elder abuse, click here.
- Aging Connect is part of the Department for the Aging. They can help connect older adults with home-delivered meals, nearby senior centers, and community-based caregiver programs that may help with information and referrals, respite care, senior support groups, and other services. You can reach Aging Connect at (212)-244-6469 or send them a message here.
NY Connects
The NY Connects Friendship Line is a 24-hour, toll-free crisis line for disabled adults and people ages 60 and older. If you’re feeling lonely, depressed, or isolated, call 1-(800)-971-0016 to get connected to a Friendship Line volunteer.
Fall Prevention in the Elderly
For helpful guidance on how to prevent elderly loved ones from falling and information about fall risks, click here.
Life Alert Fall Bracelets & Transportation Services
Contact your patient’s Health Insurance Case Manager for more information on Life Alert fall bracelets and transportation services.