Compiled by the CP&PD Staff

Photo by Branimir Balogović on Unsplash

Although we are now working remotely, we are still available to assist you in the job search process via remote one-on-one career counseling sessions. When scheduling an advisement session in GC Connect, simply select “Remote Appointment” as the appointment type and include a note about your preferred mode of connecting. Additionally, we are currently in the process of planning several new online events, and our website features a variety of resources including webinar recordings, blog posts, and alumni interviews.

In light of COVID-19, our office recognizes that many students may be experiencing financial distress, as well as anxiety over their current employment status and more. Please take a moment to fill out our anonymous COVID-19 Job Survey to help us better understand how your career plans, employment status, and working situation have been affected.

In the meantime, we have compiled this list of resources for managing the COVID-19 crisis, which covers everything from how to file for unemployment to where to find free mental health care services.

Comprehensive Resources

NYC COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal

The NYC COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal provides a comprehensive list of resources related to securing food, employment, health insurance, and more. It is also home to more general information about the virus, its spread, and what to do if you’re sick.

Access NYC

Access NYC is a portal for NYC residents to determine their eligibility for over 30 economic opportunity programs and benefits, as well as for information on how COVID-19 has affected these programs. Access NYC also manages a comprehensive resource page, which is updated daily.

Help Now NYC

Established by the City of New York, Help Now NYC provides a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. This website provides information on how to file for unemployment, find jobs through the Workforce1 program, and make use of other resources to help secure food, medical, and financial assistance. 

Categorized Resources

Employment

Virtual Workforce1 Career Center System

Operated by the NYC Department of Small Business Services, Workforce1 helps New Yorkers prepare for (and connect to) jobs across New York City’s five boroughs and in every sector of the economy. Students can register for Workforce1 Services and gain access to jobs boards with lists of currently hiring employers. Registering for services is the only way to access the job boards, but it’s an easy process.

Information on Worker Rights and Sick Leave Law

Created by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), this publication includes
a summary of City labor laws. There are also separate resources that describe worker rights for Fast Food and Retail Workers, Paid Care Workers, Freelance Workers, Grocery Workers, and Building Service Workers.

500 Companies Hiring Students Right Now (via Handshake)

You can sign up for a free account with Handshake to access job opportunities with over 500 companies that are hiring right now.

Who’s Freezing Hiring from Coronavirus & COVID-19 Summer 2020 Internship Status List

These two resources, one from Candor and the other through GitHub, feature live, crowdsourced information about which companies are still hiring (and which aren’t).

Impact of COVID-19 on Jobs

Burning Glass Technologies is using its database of more than a billion current and historical job postings to measure the economic shock of COVID-19 and how it affects the job market.

Financial Assistance

Unemployment Insurance (U.S. Dept. of Labor)

You can file for unemployment insurance benefits to receive temporary income while you search for a job.

Unemployment Benefits and Health Insurance FAQ

This FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions about unemployment benefits and health insurance options for the unemployed.

GC Emergency Fund

The Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund provides quick-response grants (typically up to $2,000) to GC students who are facing current, short-term financial emergencies such as medical and dental bills for uninsured, non-elective procedures or assistance in paying for food, transportation, and basic necessities due to recent financial difficulty.

Economic Impact Payments

These are payments from the government to help people with the financial impact of COVID-19. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began distribution of economic impact payments during the week of April 12^th. Payments will come automatically, with no action required for most people.

Cash Assistance (ACCESS HRA)

If your work schedule was reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance Special Grant.

Free Financial Counseling

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide FREE one-on-one professional, financial counseling and coaching to support you in reaching your goals. Counselors can help you manage your money, contact creditors, access resources, develop a strategy to minimize debt, and more.

Food Access

COVID-19 Food Assistance Resources

New York City is taking steps to make sure every New Yorker has access to the food they need. This webpage links to several food assistance services.

SNAP Food Stamps (ACCESS HRA)

Apply online or by smart phone with the ACCESS HRA app. After you submit your application, complete your eligibility interview by calling SNAP at 718-762-7669, anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. SNAP benefits can also now be used to shop for groceries online.

Food Help NYC

You can get food today from New York City’s food pantries, which provide groceries you can cook at home, and community kitchens, which provide hot meals. Food pantries and community kitchens are located throughout the five boroughs. You can visit this website to find locations near you.

NeON Nutrition Kitchens

One week of free groceries are available to all New Yorkers in five boroughs at the Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI).

Meal Hubs (NYC Dept. of Education)

Starting Monday, March 23, three meals a day will be served to all New York City students at 439 hub sites citywide.

HungerFree NYC

HungerFree NYC publishes Neighborhood Guides to Food and Assistance. These guides covers all neighborhoods in NYC by zip code and are available in multiple languages.

Health Insurance

GetCoveredNYC

GetCoveredNYC helps New Yorkers enroll in health insurance with dedicated specialists who can assist you in your language. Under the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), there are many low- or no-cost health insurance options for New Yorkers.

Mental Health

NYC Well

NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone (1-888-NYC-WELL), text (text “WELL” to 61573), or online chat (NYC Well) and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.

Debt Collection

Federal Student Loan Debt Suspension

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, federal student loan payments are automatically suspended, without interest or penalties, for six months. No action is required by borrowers. This webpage provides an overview of the benefits.

Suspension of Debt Collection Activity (NY State)

This application is for individuals or businesses that owe (non-medical and non-student) debts to the State of New York that have been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection and litigation. Any such person or business, or their dependents, that have been financially impacted by COVID-19, or the international, national, and state responses designed to prevent its spread, may complete and submit this application to be considered for certain forms of relief, including relief from collection activity, interest accrual, and the assessment of collection fees.

Utilities

National Grid

National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on their customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through (at least) the end of April. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers.

Con Edison

Con Edison will not shut off electric, natural gas, or steam service due to payment difficulties resulting from the health crisis. They are waiving new late-payment charges for all customers and suspending the fee usually charged to a customer who is unable to grant access to their property. They will continue to shut off service when there is a safety issue.

Small Business Management

Essential Services (NY State)

Information on which types of services and businesses are considered “essential” can be found in the Governor’s Executive Order 202.6 on the Empire State Development site.

Assistance & Guidance for Businesses (NYC Small Business Services)

If you have concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on your business, the NYC Small Business Services’ website is a good place to start.

Help Now NYC (Organizations)

This page lists assistance options for organizations, including healthcare facilities, small businesses, non-profits and more.

Hiring Assistance for Essential Service Businesses

NYC SBS can help employers hire the right employees at no cost. They can tap into their pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify qualified individuals to meet employers’ needs in essential services, such as food services, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmacy retail, transportation, and warehousing.

Small Business Debt Relief

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of 6 months; The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.

Paycheck Protection Program

The government is offering low-interest loans designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Loans will be forgiven if all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

As part of the $2 trillion federal stimulus bill (CARES Act) passed on March 27, New York State small businesses are eligible for a number of relief benefits from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Apply now; these programs are expected to be in high demand from small businesses across the country. This website will help you understand the programs that best suit your needs and the information needed to apply.

NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund

Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more may be eligible for zero-interest loans of up to $75,000 to help retain employees and ensure business continuity. Businesses interested in this loan program can now complete the pre-application online at the above link.

Additional Resources for Frontline & Essential Workers

Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs; NYC Dept. of Education)

The Department of Education plans to open 93 REC sites across all five boroughs (with the first sites opening starting the week of March 23) for the children of essential workers, including grocery and pharmacy workers..