Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
“Seniors and individuals with disabilities are often times taken advantage of in the housing and renting markets, so it is vitally important for them to know their rights, as well as what exemptions and programs they are entitled to,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and the City Department of Finance are set to host a property tax event later this month for seniors and disabled residents in Ozone Park.
According to Addabbo, DOF representatives will be at the Deshi Senior Center, located at 83-10 Rockaway Blvd., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, to assist certain homeowners and tenants in applying for property tax exemptions and Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption or Disability Rent Increase Exemption programs.
In order to qualify for property tax exemptions, homeowners must be senior citizens, veterans, persons with disabilities, or clergy members. To apply for property tax exemptions, DOF requires you to bring a photo ID; your tax returns, or proof of income for 2016 or 2017 for all owners; DD214 or discharge papers (for veterans); and trust documents (if applicable).
According to the City, to qualify for the rent freeze, SCRIE or DRIE programs, tenants must be 62 years old or 18 years old with a qualifying disability; have a household income of $50,000 or less; live in a rent regulated apartment; and spend more than 1/3 of your income on rent.
Addabbo noted that in order to apply for such programs tenants need to bring a photo ID; 2017 tax returns, W2, or 1099 statements; income documents for all household members; copies of your two most recent leases; and Social Security disability award letter (if applicable).
“Seniors and individuals with disabilities are often times taken advantage of in the housing and renting markets, so it is vitally important for them to know their rights, as well as what exemptions and programs they are entitled to,” Addabbo said.“I encourage anyone who has questions about property tax exemptions or the SCRIE and DRIE programs to come out on May 15 to speak with a DOF representative and get answers.”
For more information, call Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office at (718) 738-1111.
