Addabbo joins NYC Department of Finance to help seniors and people with disabilities meet the deadline to reduce their property tax

With an upcoming deadline to realize financial savings, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has been informing seniors that the changes in New York City and State law, which now allow individuals 65 and older, along with disabled New Yorkers, who have an annual income of $58,399 or less, to receive savings through the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) or the Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) has a deadline that’s quickly approaching.

SCHE and DHE are property tax breaks for seniors (65+) and disabled homeowners who own one-, two-, or three-family homes, condominiums, or cooperative apartments. These programs are designed to exempt 5 to 50% of the assessed value of the homes from taxation, which could save the owners hundreds of dollars.

“The SCHE and DHE exemptions will give low- to middle-income seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities a big tax break. They could help those who qualify save hundreds of dollars — or more — on their property taxes this year,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “If you believe you qualify, it is vital that you sign up for these benefits before the deadline and take full advantage of these tax breaks. Many seniors and disabled residents within my district should be eligible to receive one of these exemptions, and I urge everyone who can to apply.”

In order to apply, you must visit www.nyc.gov/sche or www.nyc.gov/dhe before the deadline of January 16, 2018.

However, if you are already receiving SCHE or DHE, you do not need to take any action. Any increases to your benefit will appear on your upcoming property tax bill — with a retroactive credit to July 1, 2017.

Seniors and people with disabilities are encouraged to attend the “Day of Action” on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to apply for SCHE or DHE at one of the locations listed below. Prospective applicants must bring photo ID and their 2016 tax returns. If you did not file taxes, please bring documentation of income received in 2016 for all owners.

The “Day of Action” locations across New York City are:

Manhattan Walk-In Center - 66 John Street, 3rd floor, New York NY 10038;

Bronx Borough Hall - 851 Grand Concourse, Room 915, Bronx, NY 10451;

Brooklyn Borough Hall - 209 Joralemon Street, Courtroom Brooklyn, NY 11201;

Queens Borough Hall - 120-55 Queens Blvd, Room 200, Kew Gardens, NY 11424;

Queens Majority Family Life Center - 115-15 Farmers Blvd, Saint Albans, NY 11412;

Staten Island Borough Hall - 10 Richmond Terrace, Room 125, Staten Island, NY 10301;

Staten Island Mount Loretto CYO, 6541 Highland Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10309

For more information about SCHE, DHE, the “Day of Action,” or any of the locations, please call 311.