State Senator Martin J. Golden has begun informing seniors 62 years and older that the new income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program is $29,000.
“We have made available the opportunity so that more seniors of the City of New York can reap the benefits of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program. By increasing the eligibility requirements, more people will be able to have a more affordable apartment as they age. We must continue to work towards enhancing this great program so that the senior citizens of New York City, who have done so much for us, have the best opportunities to grow old with independence, dignity and choice,” Golden said.
The NYC Council passed the necessary legislation to authorize the SCRIE changes, as approved by the state legislature in 2005. The legislation made it so an annual increase in income eligibility of $1,000 occurred annually until July 1, 2009, raising the eligibility from $24,000 to $29,000 over that time.
Furthermore, in 2005, Golden led the passage of legislation signed into law by then−Governor George Pataki in July that makes disabled New Yorkers eligible for SCRIE as well without having to be 62 years or older.
“Over the years the SCRIE program has become a vital tool to help seniors remain in their homes as rents continue to increase. It is appropriate that this program was made available to persons with disabilities who live on the limited income criteria laid out in this legislation. This law is designed to help those most in need while ensuring that future costs of the program do not outpace the City’s ability to fund the costs associated with additional participants,” continued Golden.
SCRIE is a rental assistance program for seniors who are 62 and older, and now for the disabled as well, who are living in a rent−regulated or Mitchell−Lama apartments.
