***LAST UPDATED: June 3, 2020***
To read this email in Punjabi, please click here.
March 31, 2020 (New York, NY) – In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Sikh Coalition wants to ensure that New York City taxi, for-hire vehicles (FHV), and rideshare drivers are aware of the benefits and relief opportunities that exist.
The North American Medical and Dental Association has created a COVID-19-specific driver safety checklist available in English here and in Punjabi here. Additionally, please review updates from New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), available in both English and Punjabi, as well as updates from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA).
TLC has created a Driver Resources page, which includes information on unemployment benefits, the Black Car Fund’s telemedicine program, food assistance, mental health resources, and more. You can also read more information below.
TLC is also allowing all vehicles without partitions the opportunity to have temporary partitions installed by approved partition installers. Traditionally, partitions have had to meet the technical requirements contained in the TLC’s rules. However, the TLC is temporarily easing restrictions to allow non-bulletproof partitions to be installed by approved installers. For a list of approved partition installers, click here.
Unemployment Benefits for Uber, Lyft, and Other FHV
Uber, Lyft, and other FHV drivers should start applying for unemployment now. For yellow cab lease and owner-drivers, your benefits will not begin until the state sets up a special program for independent contractors called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) recently passed by the U.S Congress. PUA grants an additional $600 above the weekly New York State unemployment rate, and you are eligible to receive it every week until July 31st.
For more information on unemployment benefits, including when and how to apply, see the NYTWA resources here. If you live out of state but work in New York, you should apply for unemployment in New York state. All rideshare and taxi drivers–even those outside New York–should look into unemployment benefits for whichever state they work in.
Applying for unemployment does not disqualify you from the stimulus check. More information on the federal stimulus package is available here.
Licenses and Medallions for FHV in New York City
According to the TLC, FHV owners in New York City have the option to put their vehicle license in storage for a 90-day period. During the storage period, owners do not require a current insurance policy or DMV registration. The storage option may help drivers put their vehicle license on hold to avoid any TLC fees such as renewals and inspections. To put your TLC FHV license in storage, follow these steps:
- Download and print the TLC FHV storage form (Vehicle License Storage Form) from TLC’s website, and complete sections one and two.
- Scan and send the TLC FHV storage form to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov. Please do not attempt to submit documentation in person, as documents will only be accepted via email.
- Your vehicle license status will no longer be active, and the status will be changed to “in storage.” You will not be allowed to operate your vehicle for hire while the vehicle license is in storage. After 90 days, you will be notified to remove your vehicle license from storage or the license will be closed.
For updates and more information on the FHV storage process and to find out if you qualify, please continue to check TLC’s resource page.
Similarly, medallion owners and green taxi owners also have the option to put their medallion/green taxi permit in storage. For more information, or to set up an appointment, click here.
Healthcare and Medical Insurance
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. Visit www.nyccare.nyc or call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692- 2273).
Black Car drivers in New York are eligible for telemedicine, paid for by The Black Car Fund. Drivers and their families can speak to a doctor for free in their language by phone, secure online video, or MDLIVE App for a non-emergency consultation anytime, anywhere.
Telemedicine doctors can diagnose and treat a number of health issues. Prescriptions can be phoned to a pharmacy most convenient for you. While the call with the doctor is free, you will be responsible for the cost of any medications you need or for any doctor’s visits you may need for situations an MDLIVE doctor can’t solve over the phone.
To start using your benefits, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name and TLC license number. Visit http://www.driversbenefits.org/benefits/drivers-telemedicine or call 1-833-814-8590 for more information.
Work Opportunities during COVID-19
Delivery TLC: TLC and other sister agencies have launched a program called Delivery TLC, where licensed drivers can sign-up to work delivering meals to elderly and other high risk people throughout the city.
- Beginning April 26th, all drivers who deliver meals for NYC Get food will be paid $53 for each route sheet that they are assigned (plus gas mileage and reimbursement for tolls). Each route sheet will contain no more than six addresses. Drivers have the option to take multiple route sheets per trip or the option to take multiple trips in a day if routes are available.
- Most routes will be within the same borough they are assigned, but any routes that cross from Brooklyn or Queens into the Bronx will be reimbursed for Triboro Bridge tolls and routes that cross the Verrazzano bridge will be compensated for that toll as well.
- Driver’s can also use their personal vehicles.
To sign up for this employment opportunity:
- Visit www.nyc.gov/DeliveryTLC
- Register by providing some simple information, such as your name, phone number, email, TLC license number, and details on getting paid.
- Drivers will be notified the day prior if their shift is confirmed.
For detailed information on the program, including how to sign-up, click here.
SBS Workforce 1: Small Business Services (SBS) Workforce1 program helps all New Yorkers prepare for and connect to jobs in every sector across the five boroughs. Through their virtual career center system, you can be connected by web or phone to one-on-one assistance from professionals who can help you Identify jobs that fit your experience and skills, prepare for interviews, and access free job training.
All services are free and do not require in-person visits. For more information or to sign up click here.
Financial Counseling
The TLC also encourages drivers to take advantage of free confidential financial counseling at NYC Financial Empowerment Center. Counselors will work one-on-one with people to reduce debt, balance budgets, separate personal and business finances, and more.
Financial counseling and legal services appointments are available virtually. Click here for more information or email driversupport@tlc.nyc.gov to set up an appointment.
For more information on Sikh Coalition COVID-19 resources, please visit this page. The Sikh Coalition recognizes that millions of American families are being impacted by COVID-19, including many Sikh American families. As a civil rights organization, we are in the process of shifting some of our organizational priorities, and working with partners, as quickly as possible to better meet some of the unique challenges that we are facing as a community and as a nation.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.