New York City will explain who can freeze their rent and how: visit events with experts

New Yorkers 62 years of age or older or persons with disabilities may qualify for a rent freeze, and persons 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities may qualify for a tax exemption if they own a home. The City of New York City, in its press release, spoke in more detail about the program.

Currently, thousands of New Yorkers are eligible for, but not participating in, these money saving programs. Largely due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants in the Rent Freeze program has decreased in 2020.

In addition, the March 15 deadline for filing or renewing many homeowner tax credits, including Senior Homeowner Allowance (SCHE), Disabled Homeowner Allowance (DHE), and several others. As part of efforts to increase enrollment in the program, staff from the Mayor's Office of Public Affairs (PEU), Department of Finance (DOF) will be located at senior centers providing one-to-one support. This effort has been called a "week of action," but the aid will last much longer than a week.

The sooner New Yorkers enroll in these programs, the more money they can save. The City has many resources to help New York City tenants and landlords through this process, including helplines and face-to-face opportunities.

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Eligible New Yorkers can receive free, one-on-one support to enroll in New York's Rent Freeze and Tax Exemption Programs in the following ways:

• call 929-252-7242 for the Public Relations Helpline New York;
• call 311 and tell Rent Freeze to contact the Department of Finance.
• call NYC Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NY (212-244-6469) or contact one of over 300 NYC Aging affiliated senior centers. You can find the center closest to you by link.

"The Department of Finance is offering a range of financial benefits to eligible New Yorkers in the form of tax credits, rebates, and money saving programs to help renters and property owners save on taxes, pay less rent, and continue to live in their homes," said the Commissioner. DOF Preston Niblack.

“Affordable housing is critical to helping older people age within their communities, among friends and family. Rent freeze programs such as SCRIE and DRIE help eligible New Yorkers stay in their homes and avoid being evicted due to rent increases. Unfortunately, many people who qualify for these programs don't apply, said Department of Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortez-Vazquez. “The city authorities want to help and make sure everyone who is eligible applies. There are more than 300 centers throughout the city where senior New Yorkers can receive guidance and support in the process of applying for a rent freeze.”

The City of New York will also conduct targeted text messaging to thousands of senior New Yorkers to inform them of the possibility of a rent freeze and tax exemption. The PEU Rent Freeze Team will screen New Yorkers for eligibility, provide program information, and schedule follow-up consultations for in-person and telephone assistance with applications and documents at senior centers.

PEU and DOF staff will also be present in person at the following senior centers to help understand the program and apply:

• 20 декабря, 10:30–15:30: Arturo Schomburg Older Adult Center, 1315 Franklin Ave, Bronx 10456
• December 22, 10:30-15:30: JASA Starret City Older Adult Center, 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn 11239
• December 27, 10:30-15:30: Leon Older Adult Center, 735 East 152nd Street, Bronx 10455
• December 29, 10:30-15:30: Rosetta Gaston Older Adult Center, 460 Dumont Avenue, Brooklyn 11212
• January 1, 10:30-15:30: Arturo Schomburg Older Adult Center, 1315 Franklin Ave, Bronx 10456
• January 5, 10:30-15:30: JASA Brookdale Village Older Adult Center, 131 Beach 19th Street, Queens 11691
• January 10, 10:30-15:30: Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y, 54 Nagle Ave, New York, 10040
• January 12, 10:30-15:30: RAIN Eastchester Senior Adult Centre, 1246 Burke Avenue, Bronx 10469.
• January 17, 10:30-15:30: Stuyvesant Heights NSC, 574 Madison St, Brooklyn, 11221
• January 19, 10:30-15:30: JASA Brookdale Village Older Adult Center, 131 Beach 19th Street, Queens 11691
• January 24, 10:30-15:30: Carver Older Adult Center, 55 East 102nd Street, Harlem 10029
• January 26, 10:30-15:30: JASA Starret City Older Adult Center, 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn 11239

The Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Seniors Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, helps eligible individuals stay in affordable housing through a rent freeze. fees, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars a month.

According to the 2022 Rent Freeze Report, on average, SCRIE and DRIE recipients who participate in the five to ten year rent freeze program save between $176 and $191 per month. For recipients in the program over ten to fifteen years, these savings increase to an average of $307 for SCRIE recipients and $340 per month for DRIE recipients.

About the Rent Freeze Program

Eligible New Yorkers with a disability or older than 62 can prevent increases in their regulated rent through New York City's Rent Freeze program.

There are two types of rent-freezing benefits provided by the City: the Senior Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for New Yorkers over 62 and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) for New Yorkers. Yorkies with disabilities over 18 years of age.

If your family's annual income is $50 or less and you pay more than 000/1 of your income in rent and live in a rent regulated apartment, you may be eligible for a rent freeze.

There are several requirements that you must meet to be eligible and you can use this online toolto check your eligibility.

New Yorkers can call the PEU Helpline at 929-252-7242 for free, personalized assistance enrolling in the Rent Freeze Program.

About Tax Credits for Homeowners

New Yorkers with disabilities or older than 65 are eligible for property tax relief. If your family's annual income does not exceed $58, you may be eligible for property tax relief.

New Yorkers can call the PEU Helpline at 929-252-7242 for free, personalized registration assistance.

The Department of Finance also provides property owners with a number of benefits in the form of benefits and discounts. A full list of DOF benefits for property owners can be found at link.