It is highly recommended for older adults to receive a vaccination and booster shot for COVID-19. To find the closest location near you, visit the City’s vaccine finder.

If you have trouble traveling, all NYC homebound residents, or those 65 years of age and older are eligible to receive a vaccination or booster shot where they live. You can fill out a form online or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

For information on COVID-19 testing, including locations of free testing sites, visit: Test & Trace Corps | NYC Health + Hospitals (nychealthandhospitals.org)

Free help for aging New Yorkers:

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Health and Safety

Mental health support: The COVID-19 outbreak has led New Yorkers to feel stressed, overwhelmed, sad, anxious or afraid.

  • For help coping, visit the NYC Well website
  • If your symptoms of stress or anxiety become overwhelming, you can speak with a counselor 24/7 by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or texting “WELL” to 65173

Safety in your home: If you do not feel safe at home, or if you feel pressured, bullied or scared by anyone, call:

  • The NYC Department for the Aging’s Resource Center at 1-212-442-3103 between 9:00am and 5:00pm
  • NYC’s 24-hour hotline operated by Safe Horizon: 1-800-621-4673 at all other times
  • If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911

Medication Delivery: As one option for getting home delivery of prescription medications, you can contact a pharmacy called Capsule, which offers free, same day delivery, 7 days a week. If you choose to call them, Capsule, not the City, will be responsible for these prescription delivery needs moving forward. Capsule is offering free home delivery of prescription medication, but you would be responsible for the costs of the medication not covered by your insurance, just as you would be with any other pharmacy. Capsule can be reached at (646) 362-3092.

Telemedicine: When New Yorkers began isolating, telemedicine became a popular way for them to access healthcare services safely from home. If your healthcare provider does not offer telemedicine services, you can still access telemedicine services through Medicare Part B or other options, listed below.

If you have Medicare Part B, you can contact Rejuvenan, which offers phone and online doctor visits 24/7 through their Telehealth for New Yorkers Program. If you choose to contact them, Rejuvenan, not the City, will be responsible for meeting your medical needs going forward, just like any other doctor’s office you would walk into instead. Rejuvenan can be reached at 800-457-1559 or at www.gethealthy.nyc.

If you do not have Medicare Part B, you can contact CareClix, which offers chat assistance to access your situation and needs, and schedule a meeting with a doctor. They will chat with you, access your situation and needs, and schedule a meeting with a doctor. If you choose to call them, CareClix, not the City, will be responsible for meeting your medical services they provide. If CareClix cannot bill Medicare or your insurance, you will be responsible for the cost of the medical services not covered by your insurance. CareClix can be reached at 833-640-3794 or at www.careclix.com.

To find out more about available telemedicine resources, contact Aging Connect at 212-244-6469.

Medical Supplies: As one option for getting home delivery of medical supplies (such as canes, rollators / walkers, catheters, adult diapers/briefs, wound care supplies, CPAP and other respiratory supplies, etc.), you can contact an organization called Tomorrow Health. Tomorrow Health is offering free home delivery of medical supplies, but you would be responsible for the costs of the medical supplies not covered by your insurance. If you choose to call them, Tomorrow Health, not the City, will be responsible for these medical supply needs moving forward. You can call them at 844-402-4344.

Help with Medicare: Confused about which plan is right for you? The Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program can provide free support.

Stay connected: During this difficult time, volunteers are available to call and check-in on you. If you are interested in this service:

  • Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 for more information

Finances and Consumer Protection

Free Tax Prep: Get help filing your taxes for free. Services include virtual tax preparations by an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer and assisted self-preparation online.

The due date to file your income taxes was April, 18th 2022. Taxpayers that request an extension have until October 17, 2022.

Eligible New Yorkers can receive free tax preparation either online or in person. For more information visit NYC’s Consumer and Worker Protection website. If you are seeking help with late rent or utility bills because of COVID-19, visit access.nyc.gov for assistance.

Free financial counseling by phone: Worried about money? You’re not alone. You can book an appointment for free confidential financial counseling over the phone. A counselor can help you open a bank account so you can set up direct deposit; manage sudden changes to your household budget or income; contact creditors, and more.

Avoid scams: Consumer Protection Tips for Older Adults provides tips about common frauds and financial issues and where to turn for help.


Benefits Enrollment

If you would like to better understand and get help enrolling in the benefit programs that you are eligible for, including SNAP (previously known as food stamps), Cash Assistance, HEAP, IDNYC, and more, you can get help through our trusted City partner, Benefits Data Trust. Visit nyc.gov/accesshra or call 718-557-1399 to learn more.

You can now apply to receive benefits while staying home.


Additional Support for Aging New Yorkers

The Department for the Aging works with local organizations to provide legal support to qualified older adults. Visit our Legal Help page to learn more.

If you have received an electric, gas, or heating disconnect notice, the Human Resources Administration can help you apply for financial help.

The Human Resources Administration also has increased the burial allowance for eligible New Yorkers to $1,700 and capped the burial costs at $3,400. All applications will be considered regardless of immigration status.



Testing, Prevention, When You Are Sick

Get the latest information from the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on staying safe and protected from COVID-19.

  • Testing: Learn when and how you can get tested.
  • Express Testing: Schedule an appointment at one of the Health Department's free Express Testing sites, which can provide results of PCR tests within 24 hours.
  • Prevention and Groups at Higher Risk: Follow our prevention tips and check if you are at a higher risk for illness.
  • When You Are Sick: If you have COVID-19, learn about available treatments and what steps you can take to get better while keeping those around you safe.
  • Pregnancy: Learn about the different risks of COVID-19 to pregnant people and available assistance.