Albany, NY- The Senate passed legislation to expand the rights of elder New Yorkers. A bill sponsored by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- 16th District) will raise income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE). SCRIE and DRIE freeze rents for low-income seniors and people with disabilities living in housing who pay one-third or more of their income in rent.

“SCRIE and DRIE are literally lifelines for thousands of our most vulnerable New Yorkers,” says bill sponsor Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “This bill will allow localities such as the City of New York to raise the income eligibility limits from $50,000 to $55,000 beginning July 1, 2021. It applies to those residing in rentals, Mitchell Lamas, co-ops and condos. People retire on a fixed income and, while expenses increase, housing costs will remain stable and the senior citizen can remain in their home. I thank Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for supporting this legislation.”

This important legislation is now headed to the Assembly for a vote. Assemblywoman Nily Rozic is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly.

You can find more information on this bill and others passed within this legislation here.