Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption and Disability Rent Increase Exemption programs help seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities by freezing their rent and protecting them from future rent increases.
According to the Office of Council Member Farah N. Louis, the current $50,000 limit puts as many as 90,000 New Yorkers at risk amidst rising housing and living costs.
On Sept. 18, Louis, SCRIE and DRIE tenants, advocates, housing organizations and other elected officials gathered at City Hall calling for the passage of Intro. 978, which would raise the eligibility threshold from $50,000 to $75,000.
“A senior earning just over $50,000 in New York City is not wealthy, and a modest increase in Social Security or a pension should not put housing stability out of reach,” said William Jourdain, Woodside on the Move executive director.
According to Julie Menin, City Council Speaker, too many New Yorkers who rely on relief from SCRIE and DRIE fall “just outside the eligibility line.”
“Aging in place should be an option for every New Yorker who wants it,” Menin said.
Other elected officials, such as State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Council Member Christopher Marte, expressed their support for the increased eligibility at the rally.
Under current rules, SCRIE is available to eligible New Yorkers aged 62 and older, while DRIE is available to qualifying New Yorkers with disabilities.
The rally was followed by a council hearing on Intro. 978. According to the Office of Council Member Louis, Intro. 978 now “moves forward” following the hearing, as advocates and elected officials call on the City Council to further advance the legislation.
Council Member Louis represents the 45th district, including Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington and Canarsie.
