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Driver Resources

During the COVID-19 health crisis, TLC and the City are taking steps to support TLC drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses. TLC licensees can take advantage of the Driver Resource Center, which provides financial counseling and legal services and other useful free City resources such as health care insurance, mental health resources and more.

Use the links below to learn more about the resources available to you.

For the latest guidance from the Department of Health and more COVID-19 resources from the City, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

Click here for TLC updates during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Driver Resources

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TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center

Victim Services

Driver safety is a top priority of the TLC.  TLC provides assistance and advocacy for Drivers who have been the victim of verbal or physical attack.  If you are a victim, please report this to TLC at tlcexternalaffairs@tlc.nyc.gov.  If you ever feel in danger – CALL 911.

TLC staff assist Drivers by providing the following support:

  • connecting victims to the New York State Office of Victim Services, which can help with medical bills and counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance.
  • helping victims file police reports or lodge a Hate Crime complaints with the NYPD.
  • helping victims file discrimination complaints with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
  • assisting the NYPD in gathering evidence in their criminal investigation.

Food Assistance

All New Yorkers can receive free meals through food pantries and meal hubs throughout the City. For more information, visit: GetFoodNYC COVID-19 Food Assistance.

Financial Assistance

Struggling to Pay Bills?

Get FREE, confidential financial counseling at the Driver Resource Center.

Due to the ongoing health concerns regarding COVID-19 and the need for greater social distancing, all Financial Empowerment Centers are now offering remote financial counseling sessions via phone call. To schedule a remote financial counseling appointment click here. For more information about remote financial counseling appointments refer to the FAQ page or click here.


Public Benefits Application

The City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) can help you with public benefits applications through AccessHRA, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance, and Medicaid renewal. Click here for more information.

Work Opportunities during COVID-19

SBS Workforce1

Small Business Services (SBS) Workforce1 program helps New Yorkers prepare for and connect to jobs in every sector across the five boroughs. Through their virtual career center system, you can be connected by web or phone to one-on-one assistance from professionals who can help you:

  • Identify jobs that fit your experience and skills
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Access free job training
All services are free and do not require in-person visits. For more information or to sign up visit Virtual Workforce1 Career Center System.

Health Care and Medical Insurance

NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. Visit NYC CARE or call 1- 646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692- 2273).

MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over half a million New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers dozens of quality health plans, including Child Health Plus; several Medicare Plans; a Medicaid Special Needs Plan (SNP).

On March 13, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT be considered under the public charge rule, even if the services are Medicaid-funded. Learn more from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).

Anyone who needs help during the COVID-19 crisis should seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services.

If you need help finding a health care provider, call 311.

Drivers Benefits paid for by The Black Car Fund

The Black Car Fund (BCF) is a non-profit organization created by New York State to provide workers' compensation insurance to drivers of NY Black Car Services including Lyft, Uber, and the more traditional Black Car bases in the industry.

BCF also provides valuable health and wellness Drivers Benefits at no cost to eligible drivers. These benefits include Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, Telemedicine, and IDG Mental Health & Wellness benefits, as well as discounts on Urgent Care, Diagnostic Imaging and Prescriptions. These benefits are funded entirely by the small surcharge that is paid by passengers on each ride. More details about these benefits can be found here.

If you are not already a Drivers Benefits member, then you can activate your membership for free.

If you are already a Drivers Benefits member, then visit and bookmark the Member Guide for quick access to your benefits, info on how to book your Dental, Vision and Telemedicine appointments, and much more.

For help activating or accessing your benefits, please call (888) 814.8590 and speak with one of our multilingual member services representatives

Mental Health

NYC Well is a free confidential support, crisis intervention, and referral program offered by New York City for anyone seeking help for mental health and substance abuse services. NYC Well counselors are available to listen and help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol misuse. The program is for all New Yorkers, whether that is you or someone you care about.   
 
A counselor can provide short-term counseling, access to other mental health services, and assistance scheduling appointments in more than 200 languages.    
 
To receive free confidential mental health and substance use support:

  • Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
  • Text WELL to 65173
  • Chat

Driver Protection Unit

The Driver Protection Unit protects the rights of all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. The Unit investigates complaints submitted by TLC licensees that allege that they have been subjected to illegal conduct including:

  • failure to pay drivers what they earned by providing a trip
  • failure to return a driver’s security deposit
  • failure to provide drivers copies of documents required under TLC rules, including leases and receipts
  • overcharge of lease or vehicle purchase amounts
  • acts of identity theft
  • retaliation for filing a complaint with the TLC

The Unit also reviews New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rules to improve drivers’ rights and regularly provides Drivers’ Rights trainings throughout New York City. To date, the Unit has helped drivers get back more than $3.2 million.

For more information call (718) 391-5539 or e-mail driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.

Related Information:

Legal Services

Voter Registration

To Register to Vote or Check your Voter Registration Status with the Board of Elections in the City of New York visit the NYC's Board of Election website.