Effective July 1, 2014, the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program has expanded. 

Under the program, tenants who are over the age of 61 and who pay more than a third of their income in a rent-regulated apartment may stabilize their rent.

The expansion of the program is expected to add 24,000 older individuals to the 50,000 already enrolled. Community leaders have asked for help in spreading word, as many seniors in New York City may not be aware that they are eligible. The city’s Finance Department will send letters to applicants who were rejected in the past five years due to income requirements to notify them that they may now be eligible.

SCRIE has helped low-income senior tenants since 1970. The program cost the city $124 million last year, and this year New York State will contribute $1.2 million to its expansion.

Seniors who may be eligible can call 311 to request that a form be mailed to them. Alternatively, they may visit the SCRIE page on the New York City government website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/tenants/scrie.shtml.

For more information about our elder law services or to talk to a White Plains Estate Planning Attorney, visit www.elderlawnewyork.com.