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 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. We will be sharing more information on the latest federal stimulus package in the coming days.
Licenses and Medallions for FHV in New York City
According to 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 are not required to have a current insurance policy or DMV registration. The storage option helps drivers put their vehicle license on hold, and may help drivers avoid any TLC fees such as renewals and inspections. For updates and more information on the FHV storage process 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.
Other Options for Licensed TLC Drivers: Delivery TLC
Additionally, TLC and other sister agencies have launched a program called
Delivery TLC, where drivers can sign-up to work delivering meals to elderly and other high risk people throughout the city. Drivers will make a flat rate of $15 per hour (plus gas mileage and reimbursement for tolls), and thousands of New Yorkers most vulnerable to COVID-19 will receive meals.
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.
TLC is working with multiple city agencies to implement the Delivery TLC program and will provide updates on their website as the program is finalized.
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.
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.
