New Independent Democratic Conference Report Illustrates Benefits of SCHE/DHE Program Expansion in New York City
The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Diane Savino paving the way for major property tax savings for more senior and disabled homeowners on Wednesday.
This year, members of the Independent Democratic Conference pushed to increase the income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and the Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE), programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes through this legislation. The proposal recently received support from the city.
The IDC also released, “Keeping Housing Affordable for Seniors and Disabled New Yorkers,” illustrating how Senator Savino’s bill impacts homeowners across New York City.
The legislation would raise the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006.
“No senior or disabled homeowner should ever face the hard choice between paying an astronomical property tax bill or buying prescription drugs or other necessities. I’m proud that my legislation will bring real savings to our seniors and disabled homeowners living on fixed incomes in this city. With on average of over $1,750 saved, and in many cases more, this represents the best way to create affordability for these homeowners,” said Senator Savino.
“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank the city for their support,” said Senator Klein.
“Property taxes represent an affordability challenge particularly important to New York City seniors and those living with disabilities. Implementing these measures on the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption and the Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption takes a step forward in meeting that challenge. We need to recognize the unique circumstances these households face and accommodate their needs. That’s why I welcome these measures to raise the SCHE/DHE income thresholds and take meaningful action to make our communities more affordable,” said Senator Hamilton.
“With living costs always going up, more and more New Yorkers are having a difficult time keeping their homes, especially Senior Citizens and New Yorkers with disabilities. It is time we increase the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE. If this legislation is approved, I am sure we will be helping some of our most vulnerable homeowners stay where they belong: in their homes. I am proud that Senator Savino’s bill passed, and I applaud our Conference's efforts, as well as the efforts by all of those involved, to get property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Senator Peralta.
“Seniors and disabled people face multiple economic and social burdens that make it difficult to make ends meet, and rising land values are bringing property taxes to new heights. New York needs to remain a city for everyone, and by expanding SCHE and DHE, homeowners and co-op residents will be better able to afford to live in the city. Housing cooperatives such as HDFC's are an integral part of New York City's affordable housing supply, and by exempting seniors and the disabled from the burden of rising property taxes, the security of owning your own apartment will be made available to more New Yorkers and be preserved for longtime residents,” said Senator Alcantara.
“Giving property tax breaks to more seniors and people with disabilities who own their homes is another big step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure that our communities remain affordable for the people who have made New York the great city that it is,” said Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh, who sponsors the Assembly bill. “I thank Senator Savino, my colleagues in the legislature and all the advocates, seniors and people with disabilities who are working with us to get this done.”
The SCHE and DHE programs are currently capped at $29,000, but under the legislation passed today that eligibility level will raise to $50,000 for the full exemption capturing tens of thousands more senior and disabled homeowners who need relief.
SCHE Expansion
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DHE Expansion
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· Expand the income threshold for the full 50% exemption from $29,000 to $50,000
· Raise the maximum income threshold for a partial exemption from $37,399 to $58,400
· Allow 29,000 additional seniors to qualify for SCHE
· Save the average senior $1,750 per year on their tax bill
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· Expand the income threshold for the full 50% exemption from $29,000 to $50,000
· Raise the maximum income threshold for a partial exemption from $37,399 to $58,400
· Allow 3,400 additional New Yorkers living with a disability to qualify for DHE
· Save the average New Yorker living with a disability $1,750 per year on their tax bill
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This bill also increases the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.
SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
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Income Range
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Abatement
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$57,500 - $58,400
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5%
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$56,600 - $57,499
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10.0%
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$55,700 - $56,599
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15.0%
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$54,800 - $55,699
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20.0%
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$53,900 - $54,799
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25.0%
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$53,000 - $53,899
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30.0%
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$52,000 - $52,999
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35.0%
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$50,100 - $51,999
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40.0%
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$50,001 - $50,999
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45.0%
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$0 - $50,000
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50.0%
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This translates to major savings in neighborhoods across the city depending on property type, property value and household income. In many cases, a senior or disabled homeowner could save significantly more than the projected average of $1,750.
For example, in Whitestone a senior could save $3,320:
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