COVID-19 Resources

Your Benefit Fund is here to support you. Check this page regularly for COVID-19 updates, information about your benefits and what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Have questions about the vaccines?
We have answers.

Find a COVID-19 booster location near you at www.Vaccines.gov. UPDATED

COBRA Assistance Available for Eligible Members

The American Rescue Plan Act supports COBRA payments for workers who have lost health coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to involuntary loss of work. If you have lost employment due to involuntary termination or reduction of hours, you or your dependents may be eligible for COBRA assistance retroactive to April 1, 2021.

How to Contact Your Outreach Coordinator

If you need assistance with your benefits, please contact your Outreach Coordinator. His or her contact information is available on the bulletin board at your worksite. If you do not have access to that information, please send your question or concern, along with your name, phone number and institution/facility, to [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

When You Go on Leave

If you need to go on leave–whether it’s disability, paid family leave, family medical leave or Workers Compensation–it’s important to make sure that your Benefit Fund health coverage remains active.

For National Benefit Fund Members

For GNY Benefit Fund Members

For Home Care Benefit Fund Members

Financial Assistance Available for Families Who’ve Lost a Loved One

Survivors’ Benefits for Family Members

FEMA Offers COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

You May Be Entitled to Workers’ Compensation for COVID-19

If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 on the job, or you cannot work because you test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) or you show symptoms of COVID-19, we encourage you to file a Workers’ Compensation claim with your employer’s Human Resources department at the same time you apply for disability benefits through the Benefit Fund. In order to protect your rights, be sure to tell healthcare providers that you were exposed to the virus at work. Your claim should contain as much detail as possible about your exposure.

Having a claim started is vital: Workers’ Compensation benefits include cash benefits, medical coverage and supplemental benefits. In addition, in the unfortunate event that you pass away due to the coronavirus, Workers’ Compensation law provides for substantial benefits for your surviving spouse or children. (This death benefit would be in addition to the life insurance benefit available to beneficiaries through the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund, the 1199SEIU Greater New York Benefit Fund and the 1199SEIU Home Care Benefit Fund.)

Get Help to File a Claim

For free assistance filing your Workers’ Compensation claim, contact Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano, LLP at (718) 222-9800. You should inform them that you are calling on behalf of an 1199SEIU member.

If you have questions regarding Workers’ Compensation rights and benefits, please contact the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) at (800) 877-1373 or www.wcb.ny.gov.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim will not affect your eligibility for disability benefits. You should apply for disability at the same time you file for Workers’ Compensation. If your Workers’ Compensation case is denied or delayed, please contact the Disability Department at (646) 473-6710.

Resources for Home Care Members