Do you know that New York City offers housing benefits to help older tenants and tenants with disabilities save money and live securely in their homes?
Through the NYC Rent Freeze Program, older New Yorkers and New Yorkers with disabilities can qualify to stop their rent from increasing. The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) provides free, one-on-one assistance to those looking to enroll in these programs.
The Rent Freeze Program includes two specific initiatives: the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE). These programs are designed to help New Yorkers over 62 and New Yorkers with disabilities maintain affordable housing by freezing their rent at the current rate.
To qualify for SCRIE, applicants must be 62 years old or older, have a household income of $50,000 or less, live in a rent-regulated, rent-stabilized, rent-controlled unit, or single room occupancy (SRO), and be listed on the lease or rent order. Additionally, they must be spending more than one-third of their income on rent. Interested individuals can check their eligibility using the NYC Department of Finance’s tool or by contacting PEU’s Rent Freeze Team for assistance.
Use the forms on this webpage to apply for SCRIE or renew.
Similarly, DRIE is available for New Yorkers aged 18 or older who have a household income of $50,000 or less, live in a rent-regulated, rent-stabilized, rent-controlled unit, or SRO, and are listed on the lease or rent order.
Applicants must also be spending more than one-third of their income on rent and receive one of the following benefits: Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or compensation, United States Postal Services (USPS) disability pension or compensation, or Disability-related Medicaid if they have received either SSI or SSDI in the past.
Check if you qualify using the NYC Department of Finance’s eligibility tool or call PEU’s Rent Freeze Team for help.
Use the forms on this webpage to apply for DRIE or renew.
For more information or to apply for SCRIE or DRIE, individuals can use the forms available on the relevant webpage or call the Rent Freeze Hotline at 929-252-7242 to speak with a PEU Rent Freeze Specialist. This initiative aims to provide essential support to vulnerable populations, ensuring they can continue to live comfortably and affordably in their homes.