I don’t qualify for HASA due to T-cell count. Didn’t they change this?

[Ejt52]

Hello, I’m new to this forum and happy to have found it. I’m hoping someone has some knowledge they can share. I have been homeless for a few months and I am tired of living on the streets. I was encouraged to apply for HASA benefits and, yesterday, I went to the men’s shelter in nyc which is the point of entry for services. I was told that I would not qualify because my t-cell count is above 200. I thought that that qualification was changed in August 2016 to just a HIV diagnosis. I’m hoping that I am right. I will speak to someone else tonight but now I’m scared. Anyone know about HASA? Thanks for any and all advice.

[Jim Allen]

A google  answer for you I admit.
Hope it helps and wishing you all the best

Jim

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/hiv-aids-services.page

HIV/AIDS Services
Notice: Starting August 29, 2016, you no longer need to have HIV-related illness to receive HASA services. All NYC residents with HIV or AIDS who meet financial need requirements are eligible.

Read HASA Frequently Asked Questions

HASA assists individuals living with AIDS or HIV illness to live healthier, more independent lives. The program can help clients with individualized service plans to target necessary benefits and provide support that is specific to their medical situation and that will enhance their well-being. HASA clients receive ongoing case management and are assigned to a caseworker at one of our HASA centers, located in all 5 boroughs.

HASA services include intensive case management and assistance in applying for public benefits and services, including:

Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits
Cash assistance
Emergency transitional housing
Non-emergency housing
Rental assistance
Home care and homemaking services
Mental health and substance abuse screening and treatment referrals
Employment and vocational services
Transportation assistance
SSI or SSD application and appeal

Applying for HASA
ServiceLine is the single entry point for applications, information, and referrals for services. Applicants are typically referred by medical and service organizations though applicants can also directly contact ServiceLine.

To establish eligibility, an applicant must have been diagnosed, at any time, with HIV illness or with AIDS as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ServiceLine is in operation from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The primary contact number is 212-971-0626 or for TTY machine: 212-971-2731. The unit is located at:
400 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001

[Ejt52]

Thanks for the speedy reply, Jim. This was my understanding also. Hopefully I will get to speak to someone who is more current in the qualifications. I’m not one to make waves, but I really need these services. I’m too old for the streets. The only other alternative is to not take meds in order to lower my t-cell count, which is absurd. 
Was just wondering if anyone else had the same experience.

[Ejt52]

UPDATE...I met with a counselor and I have a referral to HASA on Monday. Hoping this will be a game changer in my life.