Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Council Member Andrew Cohen, held a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) and Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) town hall at Riverdale Neighborhood House on Monday.
“Helping to make life more affordable for Bronx seniors and individuals with disabilities ensures that all New Yorkers are able to lead long, healthy, happy lives. That’s why I led the fight in Albany to raise the income cap to $50,000 for SCRIE/DRIE, and up to $100,000 for the EPIC program. With these important increases, nearly 50,000 additional New Yorkers are eligible to receive discounts and can get the coverage they need. I’m proud to host this SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town hall and I look forward to many more productive, informative sessions coming up next month where we can spread the word to Bronxites about these vital programs,” said Senator Jeff Klein.
At the town hall, seniors and individuals with disabilities were able to check their eligibility and sign up for the SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC programs. Both the New York City Department of Health and the New York City Department of Finance were on-hand to answer questions, provide information and enroll participants in the programs on-the-spot.
“My office has helped countless people fill out SCRIE forms over the years to help them receive a rent freeze. Despite that, there are still many people who are eligible for SCRIE/DRIE but who have not applied. Last year we raised the maximum allowable income available for the SCRIE/DRIE program causing many additional people to qualify. Given skyrocketing rents, I strongly urge any senior who thinks that they are eligible for a rent freeze to contact my office and we will help you apply,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.
“As of November 2014, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported approximately 94,000 eligible seniors and persons with disabilities were not yet enrolled to receive New York City rent freeze programs. These programs are a lifeline for our most vulnerable population. I want to ensure that those who are eligible understand the enrollment process and are getting the help they need. I will continue to coordinate with my colleagues in government and the DOF to host these workshops to make sure anyone who has questions about the process is able to receive an immediate answer,” said Council Member Cohen.
In 2014, Senator Klein raised the SCRIE/DRIE income cap to $50,000 to help seniors make ends meet. That same year, Senator Klein expanded eligibility for older adults under EPIC by raising the income threshold to $75,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for married couples. Together, these programs offer substantial discounts that can help keep life affordable for seniors living out their golden years in The Bronx.
For more information on upcoming SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town halls in your neighborhood, please contact Senator Klein’s office at 1-800-718-2039.
Experts on Scrie/Drie and EPIC were on hand to answer any questions, and help fill out the forms for Scrie/Drie or Epic.
