Disability Rent Increase Exemption

Housing | NYC Department of Finance (DOF)

People with disabilitiesCaregiver

DRIE helps keep your rent the same if you receive a qualifying disability benefit.

Heads Up

Even if your landlord raises the rent, you keep paying what you were paying before. Your landlord gets a tax credit to cover the difference.What you need to know:
  • Renew your DRIE enrollment each year to keep your rent frozen
  • You're not required to file taxes to qualify
  • You don't need your landlord's permission to apply
  • The NYC Rent Freeze program also offers the (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/senior-citizens-rent-increase-exemption) Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for seniors 62 and older

    • Eligibility

    To qualify for DRIE, you'll need to meet basic requirements, live in certain types of apartments, and receive a qualifying disability benefit. Basic requirements

  • You're 18 years old or older
  • Your name is on the lease
  • Your household income is $50,000 or less per year
  • You spend more than one-third of your monthly income on rentWhere you live
  • Rent stabilized apartment
  • Rent controlled apartment
  • Mitchell-Lama development
  • Limited Dividend development
  • Redevelopment company development
  • Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) Cooperative development
  • Section 213 Cooperative unit
  • Rent-regulated hotel or single-room occupancy unitQualifying disability benefits
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension or compensation
  • Disability-related Medicaid

    Required Documents

    When you apply, have copies of these documents ready:

  • Proof of identity and age: Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, state ID)
  • Proof of where you live: Current lease, recent rent receipt or payment confirmation
  • Proof of income: Last year's tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, and benefit letters for all household members
  • Proof of your disability benefit: Award letter from SSI, SSDI, VA, or Medicaid

    How to Apply

    OnlineApplying for the first time? Apply online (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/tools/nyc-tap.page) . (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/finance/jump/dof-appointments.html) Schedule a virtual appointment (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/help/help-temporary-centers.page) for help with applying. By mailApplying for the first time? Print an application at home, pick one up from a DRIE Assistance Center, or call 311 to request one. Mail completed applications and supporting documents to Rent Freeze Program – DRIEP.O. Box 3179Union, NJ 07083In-personFind a Department of Finance Assistance Center near you to apply. You may need to schedule an appointment to visit a center.By phoneLive in a Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) apartment? Call HPD at 212-863-8494 to apply.

    Online

    Applying for the first time? The fastest way to apply is online through the NYC Tenant Access Portal (https://www.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/tools/nyc-tap.page) . (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/finance/jump/dof-appointments.html) Schedule a virtual appointment for help with your application.

    Apply online

    By Mail

    Download application

    In Person

    Find a center

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