Senator Golden, Chairman Of The Senate Aging Committee, Urges Seniors Eligible For Scrie Under New Guidelines To Apply For The Benefit

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District), Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, today is reminding those who are 62 years and older that New York State earlier this year passed legislation that raised the income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program from $24,000 to $29,000 over a five-year period in annual increments of $1,000, with the first adjustment taking effect today, November 1, 2005. Effective today, those with an annual income of $25,000 are eligible for S.C.R.I.E.

The New York City Council passed the necessary legislation to authorize the SCRIE changes, as approved by the State Legislature. The legislation makes it so an annual increase in income eligibility of $1,000 will occur until July 1, 2009, making the limit at that time $29,000.

Senator Golden stated, "Today, we have made available the opportunity so that more seniors of the City of New York can reap the benefits of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program. And annually, until 2009, we will continue to increase the eligibility requirements so that more people will be able to have a more affordable apartment as they age. We will continue to work towards enhancing this great program so that the senior citizens of New York City, who have done so much for us, have the best opportunities to grow old with independence, dignity and choice."

Furthermore, during this legislative session, Senator Golden led the passage of legislation signed into law by Governor George Pataki in July that makes disabled New Yorkers eligible for SCRIE as well without having to be 62 years or older.

Golden continued, "Over the years the SCRIE program has become a vital tool to help seniors remain in their homes as rents continue to increase. It is appropriate that this program become available to persons with disabilities who live on the limited income criteria laid out in this legislation. This law is designed to help those most in need while ensuring that future costs of the program do not outpace the City's ability to fund the costs associated with additional participants.

SCRIE is a rental assistance program for seniors who are 62 and older, and now for the disabled as well, who are living in a rent-regulated or Mitchell-Lama apartments. To be eligible for SCRIE, an applicant must have an annual household income of no more than $25,000 and be paying one-third or more of their income in rent. For more information about the SCRIE Program, or for an application, contact Senator Golden’s office at (718) 238-6044 or at golden@senate.state.ny.us.