Albany, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing, announced that as part of today's Revenue budget bill, the Legislature raised the income eligibility of the Senior Citizen and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE/DRIE) programs from $50,000 to $75,000. The change will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The bill will also raise the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens and Disability Homeowners (SCHE/DHE) programs to $75,000, which will go into effect on July 1, 2027. 

Also included in the budget package is Assemblymember Rosenthal’s legislation expanding awareness of the SCRIE and DRIE programs. This measure requires that residents be notified of the SCRIE and DRIE programs when they file an annual affidavit of household income, on all applications pertaining to Major Capital Improvements, on initial and renewal leases, as well as on apartment registrations.

“The SCRIE and DRIE programs, as well as its SCHE and DHE counterparts, ensure that older New Yorkers living on a fixed income remain stably housed,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan). “New Yorkers are being financially squeezed. Without any meaningful relief from Washington, states must do everything possible to combat the cost-of-living crisis that is plaguing our communities. Expanding access and awareness of these vital programs will give older adults extra breathing room as they navigate rising rents, groceries and medical bills.”

The Legislature voted to raise the SCRIE and DRIE limits from $29,000 to $50,000 in 2014.

The SCRIE and DRIE programs are responsible for keeping close to 68,000 New Yorkers in their homes by freezing the rents of older adults and people with disabilities. According to a report issued by the New York City Department of Finance (Finance) in 2025, an estimated 158,214 households were potentially eligible for the SCRIE and DRIE benefit, yet only 67, 677 were enrolled.

Currently, renters who are 62 years and older, have a household income of $50,000 or less, spend one-third of their income on rent and live in a rent-regulated or Mitchell-Lama apartment, are eligible to apply.

The SCHE and DHE programs are responsible for keeping people aged 65 years and older in their homes. The benefit is provided in the form of a property tax break for eligible New Yorkers who own one-, two- or three-family homes, condominiums or cooperative apartments.

“As we work to build more housing, we must also protect the many tenants and homeowners who are currently struggling to stay financially afloat,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal. “These measures, including my legislation, will do exactly that, and I look forward to enrolling more West Siders and New Yorkers into these live-saving programs.”