SCRIE: Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption for NYC Rent-Stabilized Apartments

TL;DR: SCRIE freezes your rent at current levels if you're 62+, earn under $50,000/year, and pay over 1/3 of income in rent. Your landlord gets tax credits for frozen increases. Apply through NYC Department of Finance;approval typically takes 45 days, but benefits are retroactive. 67,000 NYC households save an average of $238/month.

What Is SCRIE?

The Basics

SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) freezes your rent permanently at its current level. While other tenants face RGB increases each year, your rent stays exactly the same. Your landlord receives property tax credits equal to the rent increases you would have paid.

Key Benefits:

• Rent frozen at current amount forever
• No future RGB increases
• Protection from preferential rent jumps
• Can transfer if you move (with conditions)
• Household members can inherit benefit

Who Qualifies?

All Requirements Must Be Met:

• ✓ Age 62 or older
• ✓ Total household income under $50,000
• ✓ Pay more than 1/3 of income in rent
• ✓ Live in rent-regulated apartment
• ✓ Name on lease or succession rights

What Counts as "Rent-Regulated":

• Rent-stabilized apartments ✓
• Rent-controlled apartments ✓
• Mitchell-Lama developments ✓
• HDFC cooperatives ✓
• Some other government-regulated housing ✓

Income Calculations Explained

What Counts as Income

Included:

• Social Security benefits
• Pensions (private and public)
• IRA/401k withdrawals
• Employment wages
• Interest and dividends
• Rental income
• Annuity payments

NOT Included:

• Gifts and inheritances
• Food stamps/SNAP (for benefit calculation only)
• Some needs-based veterans benefits

Note: SSI and most other income sources DO count toward the $50,000 limit

The 1/3 Income Test

Example Calculation:

Monthly Income: $3,500
Annual Income: $42,000
One-third of monthly: $1,167

Current rent: $1,400
Qualifies? YES (rent exceeds 1/3 of income)

Important: Only your contractual rent counts for the 1/3 test. Utilities and other fees don't count toward meeting this requirement.

How to Apply Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Documents

Identity/Age Proof:

• Birth certificate or passport
• Driver's license
• Medicare card

Income Documentation (Last Calendar Year):

• Social Security award letter
• Pension statements
• Tax return (if filed)
• Bank statements showing deposits
• Investment account statements

Housing Documents:

• Current lease
• Last 3 rent receipts
• Rent history from DHCR
• Utility bills (if applicable)

Step 2: Complete the Application

Get Forms:

• Online: www.nyc.gov/scrie
• Call: 311
• Visit: DOF Walk-in Centers
• Senior centers often have copies

Fill Out Carefully:

• Use black ink
• Print clearly
• Answer every question
• Sign and date
• Make copies before sending

Step 3: Submit Application

Options:

1. Mail (Recommended):

   NYC Department of Finance
   SCRIE Unit
   P.O. Box 3179
   Union, NJ 07083
   

2. In Person:

   • Manhattan: 66 John Street
   • Brooklyn: 210 Joralemon Street
   • Bronx: 3030 Third Avenue
   • Queens: 144-06 94th Avenue
   • Staten Island: 350 St. Marks Place

3. Online:

   • NYC.gov/scrie
   • Upload all documents
   • Track status online

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Timeline:

• Initial review: ~45 days
• Status updates online after ~4 weeks
• May request additional documents
• Approval letter by mail
• Benefits retroactive to application date

After Approval: What Changes

Your New Rent Reality

What Stays the Same:

• Your monthly rent amount
• Payment due date
• Where you send rent
• Your lease renewals continue

What's Different:

• No more RGB increases
• Landlord gets tax abatement
• You get TAC (Tax Abatement Credit) number
• Must recertify when benefits expire

Benefit Calculation Example

Without SCRIE:

Year 1: $1,400/month
Year 2: $1,438 (+2.75% RGB)
Year 3: $1,478 (+2.75% RGB)
Year 5: $1,562
Year 10: $1,834

10-year total paid: $189,648

With SCRIE:

Year 1-10: $1,400/month (frozen)

10-year total paid: $168,000
Savings: $21,648

Common Situations & Solutions

"My Income Is Just Over $50,000"

Strategies:

• Maximize deductions (medical expenses)
• Contribute to IRA to reduce income
• Check if spouse can apply alone
• Wait until next year if retiring
• Apply for DRIE if disabled

"I Have a Roommate"

Rules:

• Roommate income counts if related
• Doesn't count if just roommate
• Must show separate finances
• Provide roommate agreement
• May need affidavits

"I Want to Move"

Portability Rules:

• Can transfer to another regulated unit
• New rent can't exceed old rent
• Must apply within 90 days
• Same building transfers easier
• Need approval before moving

"My Spouse Died"

Continuation Rights:

• Benefit continues for survivor
• Must notify SCRIE unit
• Provide death certificate
• May need to recertify early
• Income limits still apply

SCRIE vs. DRIE Comparison

DRIE Qualifying Disabilities:

• Social Security Disability
• VA disability pension
• SSI recipients
• Other government disability programs

Recertification Process

Recertification Timeline

Benefits expire after 1 OR 2 years (varies)

They'll Send:

• Recertification form
• Deadline notice (90 days)
• Prepaid envelope

You Provide:

• Updated income docs
• Current lease
• Any changes in household

Critical:

• Must renew within 6 months of end date
• Don't miss deadline
• Benefits terminate if late
• Must reapply from scratch
• No retroactive reinstatement

If Income Increases

Still Under $50,000:

• Keep benefit
• Report at recertification
• No penalty

Over $50,000:

• Lose benefit next cycle
• Can reapply if income drops
• No payback required
• Get 6-month notice

Tips for Approval

Application Do's

✓ Apply early - Benefits start from application date ✓ Be complete - Missing docs delay approval ✓ Make copies - Keep everything ✓ Follow up - Call after 2 months ✓ Get help - Senior centers assist free

Application Don'ts

✗ Don't wait - RGB increases keep coming ✗ Don't estimate - Use exact figures ✗ Don't hide income - They verify everything ✗ Don't ignore letters - Respond quickly ✗ Don't give up - Appeal if denied

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: "I need to be retired" Truth: Employment status doesn't matter, only income

Myth: "My savings disqualify me" Truth: No asset limits; only income counts

Myth: "Landlord can refuse" Truth: They must participate if you qualify

Myth: "It's too complicated" Truth: Free help available everywhere

Myth: "Benefits are tiny" Truth: Average savings $2,856/year and growing

Take Action Today

Ready to Apply?

1. Check you meet all requirements
2. Gather documents this week
3. Visit senior center for help
4. Submit application
5. Enjoy frozen rent for life

Not Quite 62? 👉 Join RentReboot to find more affordable rent-stabilized apartments now. Lower rent today means bigger SCRIE benefits when you qualify.