Residents who qualify for the city’s Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs will no longer be penalized for a temporary increase in income, thanks to legislation (A.8228-A) introduced by Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz recently signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

“This new law will assist those who have a non-recurring spike in income to reapply for SCRIE or DRIE and receive their previous benefit, rather than requiring them to reapply as a new applicant at their higher rent,” said Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Assembly Aging Committee. “Just because a senior or disabled resident may have been lucky to receive a one-time windfall does not mean they can afford to pay their full legal rent going forward,” he said. Senator Marty Golden was the bill’s Senate sponsor.

According to a recent report issued by Enterprise Community Services and LiveOn NY, while 32 percent of New York City’s single seniors are severely rent burdened, or paying over half of their income on rent, only 43 percent of those eligible for SCRIE actually enroll. Of those on SCRIE, 85 percent are rent burdened, or paying more than the one third of their income on housing, and 55 percent are severely rent burdened.

“This new law is an important measure that will allow many vulnerable New Yorkers in need to continue accessing these vital programs in the midst of New York City’s ongoing affordable housing crisis,” said Cymbrowitz.

For more information on SCRIE, contact MDC’s Housing Counselor, Nina Akopyan (718) 376-0999 ext. 108.