LIHS Office closed to visitors plus Housing Updates

Our office is closed to visitors, and our services may be modified until further notice.

Governor Cuomo is urging all New Yorkers to stay home as much as possible to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

Our office is closed to visitors, and our services may be modified until further notice.

Please contact us by email at info@lifairhousing.org or by phone at 631-567-5111.

El gobernador del Estado de Nueva York Cuomo, insta a todos los neoyorquinos a quedarse en casa tanto como sea posible para reducir la propagación del coronavirus.

Nuestra oficina está cerrada a los visitantes y nuestros servicios pueden modificarse hasta nuevo aviso.

Por favor contáctese por email a info@lifairhousing.org o al teléfono 631-567-5111

Nassau Suffolk Law Services is Closed

“To protect the health of all staff and our clients, NSLS has closed all offices effective March 16 because of coronavirus.  Most NY court functions will also be closing indefinitely as of March 17, and evictions are suspended.  While this will mitigate the effect of our closing on our clients, we are working to develop procedures to restore at least limited client service. This is a challenging time and NSLS is committed to resuming full service to our vulnerable clients as soon it is safe to do so.  We will keep you updated as the situation develops. In the meantime, advocates may still contact LSCA for assistance. Legal information for the public is also available at LawHelpNY.org.”

We know the following so far about the courts:

  • “Effective Monday, March 16, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders shall be suspended statewide until further notice” The court order can be found here.
  • “N.Y.S. SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF NASSAU,  16 MARCH 2020, : In light of recent developments with respect to COVID-19 and the public health emergency in New York State, effective immediately, ALL FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES, INCLUDING BULK FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED FOR 45 DAYS. Please check e-courts to confirm the adjournment date, as some of the foreclosure conferences were adjourned beyond 45 days.”  This order has limited effect.  It only applies to Nassau County. It does not stop foreclosure auctions or trials.
  • Court updates can be found here.

Utilities:

  • Governor Cuomo stated Friday: “No utility can turn off service if a person cannot pay their bill as a result of responding to this virus situation.” This is not an official order, but all major utilities seem to be complying.
  • Suffolk County Water Authority: “Understanding that some customers may be experiencing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, SCWA is temporarily suspending all shut-offs of water service for delinquent customer accounts until further notice.”
  • “As a result of the outbreak, effective immediately, PSEG Long Island is temporarily suspending residential service disconnections for non-payment. This policy will be in place through the end of April at which time we will evaluate the continued need. During times of hardship, financial assistance and payment programs are available to help you pay your energy bills. For more information, visit www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance”
  • “National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on our customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April. We will evaluate their continued need at that time. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers.”
  • “In an effort to keep our customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, New York American Water will be placing a moratorium and discontinuing service shut offs at this time. We will continue to evaluate this moratorium as more information becomes available. Additionally, New York American Water will begin the restoration of service to previously shut-off customers. The restoration may take some time, but we will work as quickly and safely as possible. If your service has been turned off, prior to March 12, 2020, we will restart your service.”
  • Other creditors may have forbearance policies.