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
In addition to full workers’ compensation coverage, The Black Car Fund provides Covered Drivers with several FREE health-related benefits including:
These benefits are administered by Drivers Benefits. In order to access these free benefits, you must first register with Drivers Benefits.
If you have already registered for Driver Benefits, click here to start using your benefits now!
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
The City is providing all hungry New Yorkers with food during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
For a map of free food resources across the city, including food pantries and Grab & Go meals, click here.
To sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or cash assistance click here.
If you’re over 60 years old and are struggling to pay for meals, you should sign-up for free home delivery of meals from CityMeals. You can sign up here by entering your zip code and choosing your closest provider.
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.