Driver Resources


We are committed to sharing financial resources, relevant news, as well as health and wellness tips to Covered Drivers during this COVID-19 outbreak. We understand and share in the concern that this pandemic has increased hardships across the State. Our goal is to continue to educate and inform Covered Drivers of the benefits we offer, as well as other outlets where pertinent information may be accessed. Be sure to visit this page as well as our social media sites often for up-to-date information, as it becomes available.

Please note: The Black Car Fund is providing this publicly available information for the purposes of awareness and education. This information is not meant to constitute legal or professional advice. Please consult a lawyer for any legal advice. Additionally, The Black Car Fund cannot look into or expedite any claims filed with the New York State Department of Labor. Any concerns or requests regarding unemployment benefits should be directed to the New York State Department of Labor.

Additional Health & Wellness Related Benefits

Local and State Government

  • NYC is providing relief to individuals during this time. NYC provides employment resources, food assistance, emotional and spiritual support, rent arrears and public assistance, and more.

  • Learn about each program and apply at NYC Assistance

  • New York State is also providing many assistance programs and benefits. You can complete a screening questionnaire that provides a quick and easy way for those who live in New York State to find out what they may be eligible for. Fill it out here.

  • If you earned less than $72,000 in 2021, you can file your taxes for free through NYC Free Tax Prep. Learn more here.

Workers Compensation


  • The Black Car Fund adheres to regulations set by New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Therefore, if you file a claim with us, your claim will be vetted through the standard workers’ compensation.

  • The Black Car Fund is an essential service and thus, never stopped operating during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Telemedicine for Covered Drivers

  • Due to the nature of this pandemic, we encourage Covered’ Drivers and their families to utilize our free telemedicine benefit.

  • All drivers can speak to a doctor in their language by phone or secure online video for a non-emergency consultation – anytime, anywhere. Medication costs are not covered.

  • Free 24/7 calls and video conferencing with board-certified doctors

  • Translators available in 150 languages

  • Doctors can call in your prescriptions (no controlled substances)

  • Doctors can diagnose and treat non-emergency conditions including:

    • Allergies

    • Cough and sore throat

    • Cold/Flu

    • Fever

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Rash

    • And more!

  • On top of telemedicine we offer a host of additional benefits. We partner with Drivers Benefits to bring you free access to counseling via video chat or phone with a licensed professional. We also provide dental discounts, vision services, discounted drug prescriptions, education classes, and of course Workers’ Compensation in the event of being injured while working.

  • Click this link to learn more about and access all the benefits available to our Covered Drivers

Food Assistance Resources


Get Free Financial Counseling


  • NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free, one-on-one professional, financial counseling and coaching to support you in reaching your goals. You can work with counselors to:

    • Manage your money and set up a spending plan

    • Contact creditors about existing loans, including student loans

    • Draft letters to creditors to lower payments or temporarily suspend payments due to hardship

    • Develop a strategy to minimize debt

    • Access local, state and federal emergency resources

    • Open a bank account

    • Separate personal and business finances

    • And much more

    • To create an account and schedule an appointment, click here!

  • New York City is also offering free personal Financial Counseling. Learn more and sign up here.

  • Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City is also offering free financial counseling as well as foreclosure prevention counseling. Learn more here

  • New York State Small Business Development Center is also offering counseling for professional/business finances. Learn more here

Health Insurance

  • If you don’t have health insurance, we encourage you to reach out to Drivers Benefits at 833.814.8590.

  • They will work with you to try and obtain free or low-cost health insurance for you and your family.

  • Many drivers who didn’t qualify before the current health crisis may now qualify.

  • They are available from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Friday.


Mental Health


  • First and foremost, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255

  • Our telemedicine benefit has been expanded to allow you to speak with a professional about the stress and anxiety you are feeling. Find out more about your telemedicine benefits here.

  • NYC Well is also offering free confidential counseling in more than 200 languages. You can find out more on this website. You can also text “WELL” to 65173 or call 1.888.692.9355.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19


What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person. There are many strands of coronavirus, some of which have been seen to cause mild respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 is a new strand of the coronavirus that has not been previously seen in humans. The first diagnosis of the virus was found in Wuhan, China. As of April 2021, there have been over 134 million cases reported worldwide, with over 30 million in the US alone and nearly 2 million in NYS.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Warning signs could include trouble breathing, persistent pain/pressure in chest, confusion, inability to arouse or bluish lips/face.

Who is most at risk?

People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19. Individuals over the age off 55 and those with pre-existing medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. However, people of all ages should take the appropriate steps to protect themselves, their families and those around them from the virus.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs or salivates. It can also be spread through discharge from the nose. These droplets can then be inhaled by mouth or nose and spread to the lungs. It can easily be spread between people who are in close contact, as close as even 6 feet apart from one another. Social distancing is important to avoid said droplets from the infected landing on people around them.

Can someone spread COVID-19 without being ‘sick’?

Many people are considered carriers because they are asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any side effects or symptoms of having Coronavirus. Additionally, it can take anywhere between 2 to 21 days before an individual may show any symptoms at all. The virus can also live on surfaces and paper products. If an infected individual touches something, the virus can be spread to anyone else who touches the surface.

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best way to prevent this illness is to try your best to avoid being exposed as much as possible. You should avoid close contact with people, especially anyone who is infected or is feeling symptomatic. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as much as possible and before you eat. Always wear a mask whenever you’re around others or in public places.

If you do not have access to soap and water, at the time, use antibacterial sanitizer. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow to avoid any germs from going on your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily using cleaning spray or wipes. Most importantly, if you are not feeling well, stay home and quarantine yourself to avoid any spread or increased ailment.

As a Covered Driver, what should I do if I feel sick?

We are deeply sympathetic to the increased hardships that Drivers are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The necessary steps listed above are essential to help prevent the spread. Drivers should disinfect their cars before and after each passenger.

Additionally, if you or your family are feeling ill, take advantage of your Telemedicine benefit through Drivers Benefits. Get free 24/7 access to call or video chat with a doctor who can help diagnose you, as well as call in any necessary prescriptions. Activate your benefits