Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Queens) and the New York City Department of Finance held a SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) Workshop to inform local tenants about the qualification changes to the program.

This year, the State Legislature passed legislation to increase the income thresholds for SCRIE and DRIE. Representatives from the Department of Finance provided information on the program and instructed workshop participants on the application process.

“SCRIE and DRIE are critical ways to prevent seniors from facing eviction or being impoverished by ever-rising rents,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows). “By increasing the income threshold for these programs, we preserve housing affordability, increase rent protections, and ensure continued access to services for individuals who helped shape our communities.”

“The New York City Department of Finance is pleased to join with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in conveying important changes to the SCRIE program that will provide much needed rental support to additional Queens seniors,” said Alex Camarda, Department of Finance Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. “The increase in income eligibility to $50,000 achieved by the Department of Finance in state and local law in recent months will assist Queens seniors in ensuring they have affordable housing by freezing their rent for years to come. Our expert Outreach Staff welcomes the opportunity to assist seniors in realizing this important tax benefit.”

Effective July 1, the household income cap for New York City’s Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs will increase from $29,000 to $50,000. For SCRIE, you must be a rent-regulated tenant, 62-years of age or older, and have a rent amount that exceeds one-third of your household income to be eligible. For DRIE you must be a rent-regulated tenant, receive eligible state or federal disability-related assistance, and a rent amount that exceeds one-third of your household income to be eligible.

This new change is expected to increase the number of beneficiaries by 15 percent and help over 7,000 seniors in New York City.

Members of the community who have questions about the SCRIE program should contact Rozic’s office at 718-820-0241.