New York State Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro Strengthens Property Tax Exemption Programs for Seniors and Disabled

May 11, 2012

Albany, NY – Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro voted in favor of legislation that strengthens the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program and the Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program. These programs offer eligible tenants an exemption for rent increases and provide owners of the apartments with a credit against their real estate taxes.

"Seniors and those with disabilities who live on fixed incomes in my district, cannot afford rent increases," expressed Assemblyman Castro. "Programs like the SCRIE and DRIE will help more New Yorkers stay in their homes. Throughout the years, our seniors and neighbors with disabilities have developed lifelong friendships and connections with their local communities. It is essential for them to remain involved and active in the communities they love."

Included in the package of bills passed by the Assembly are measures that would:

• require municipalities that have the SCRIE program to conduct outreach within the community to increase awareness and require municipal agencies operating the program to respond to applicants within a set time (A.9205 );
• require that forms and assistance be made available in community settings to applicants and participants who are eligible for the SCRIE program (A.9204);
• require municipalities that have the SCRIE program to ensure that individuals who have difficulty speaking or understanding English would have a fair opportunity to participate in the SCRIE program (A.9213

What's New