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.  This entry is current as of 1:00pm on July 9, 2020.  This article is for general informational purposes only, is not meant to create an attorney client relationship, and should not be construed as specific legal advice.

WHAT IS IN THE 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 IS NEW YORK’S PLAN FOR REOPENING?

CAN I TRAVEL OUT OF STATE, OR HAVE OUT-OF-STATE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES VISIT ME?

I’M EMPLOYED BY A BUSINESS THAT WAS DEEMED ESSENTIAL DURING PAUSE, OR IS INCLUDED IN MY REGION’S CURRENT REOPENING PHASE.  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?

I’M IN RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION, BUT SOCIAL DISTANCING MEANS I CAN’T GO TO MEETINGS.  WHAT CAN I DO?
CAN I VISIT MY LOVED ONES IN THE HOSPITAL, OR GO FORWARD WITH MY ELECTIVE SURGERY?

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

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

WHAT IF I LOSE MY JOB?

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

WHAT IF I HAVE TROUBLE PAYING MY BILLS?

WHAT IF I HAVE TROUBLE PAYING FOR MY INSULIN OR OTHER PRESCRIPTIONS?

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?

HOW DO I GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE, AND WHAT DO I DO IF MINE IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE?

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?

HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING UPCOMING ELECTIONS?

HOW CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST?

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM COVID-19 RELATED SCAMS?

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.  Helpline calls are free of charge!

The Helpline is staffed by attorneys Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 11:00am to take live calls.  You can also call outside of these hours and leave a voicemail to get a callback from an attorney, or send an email to Helpline@elderjusticeny.org.  Please leave a working phone number at which you can be reached so that an attorney can contact you.  To contact the Helpline attorneys by phone, please call toll-free 1-844-481-0973.