COVID-19: What New Yorkers Need to Know

Erin Riker, Esq.
Coordinator, CELJ Legal Advice Helpline

This blog entry contains information about changes in laws, emergency declarations, and other government actions that affect your life in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.  This is a rapidly developing situation, so this article will be updated regularly as conditions change.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY?

WHAT IS IN THE NEW FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE (CARES ACT)?

MY CHILD’S SCHOOL IS CLOSED, AND THEY RECEIVE FREE/REDUCED PRICE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. HOW WILL THEY BE ABLE TO ACCESS THESE MEALS?

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE, AND HOW ARE BUSINESSES DEEMED ESSENTIAL?

I’M EMPLOYED BY AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS.  DO I NEED TO COME TO WORK?

ARE THE COURTS CONTINUING TO FUNCTION?

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK, OR IF MY FAMILY MEMBER GETS SICK?

WHAT CAN I DO IF MY LOVED ONE IS IN A NURSING HOME?

WHAT CAN I DO IF MY LOVED ONE IS IN PRISON OR JAIL?

WHAT IF I LOSE MY JOB, OR HAVE TROUBLE PAYING MY BILLS?

• See the Expanded Unemployment Insurance Infographic
• See the Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Infographic

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN’T PAY MY STUDENT LOANS?

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN’T FILE OR PAY MY TAXES? 

WHAT IF I HAVE A PENDING CASE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OR NEED ASSISTANCE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?

WHAT IF I RECEIVE MEALS ON WHEELS OR MEALS THROUGH A SENIOR CONGREGATE MEAL SITE?

WHAT ARE THE STATUSES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES?

IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STILL AVAILABLE?

WHAT IS “MATILDA’S LAW?”  HOW CAN SENIORS COPE WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION?

WHAT STORES ARE OFFERING SPECIAL HOURS FOR SENIORS OR DELIVERY SERVICES?

HOW DO I REPORT PRICE GOUGING FOR ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES?

I’M A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, FIRST RESPONDER, OR OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKER.  HOW CAN I FIND CHILD CARE SO I CAN GO TO WORK?

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Call us!  The Center for Elder Law and Justice operates a Legal Advice Helpline to answer your legal questions, and provide referrals to services when you need more in-depth information.  Although the Helpline normally serves people aged 60 and over, during the COVID-19 outbreak the Helpline will accept phone calls from individuals regardless of age.  The Helpline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 11:00am, and will allow you to reach an attorney right away to assist you.  To contact the Helpline attorneys, please call toll-free 1-844-481-0973.

This information is current as of 3:00pm on April 2, 2020.